Edith Nesbit horror stories often have a sense of the uncanny. Her stories might feature strange settings, like old, spooky mansions or dark forests. The characters can be in unusual and often terrifying situations. For example, they could be haunted by mysterious entities or face unexpected and menacing events that play on our fears of the unknown.
One of her well - known horror stories is 'The Red House'. It has a great deal of mystery and a sense of unease throughout. Another is 'Man - Sized in Marble' which has a spooky and somewhat Gothic feel to it.
Well, her ghost stories typically blend the ordinary with the supernatural. She might start with a normal family or setting and then introduce the ghostly elements in a way that seems almost natural. This makes the stories relatable and yet full of spooky surprises. The characters in her stories also react in a very human way to the ghosts, which adds to the realism.
It varies from story to story. Sometimes there are children as the main characters. They are often curious and brave, facing the ghosts in their adventures.
The 'The Phoenix and the Carpet' is quite well - known. It has elements of mystery and a touch of the fantastical that gives it a bit of a horror - like feel at times.
There are also male characters who may be the source of the horror or the ones trying to uncover the mystery. In her stories, you might find a gentleman who has a dark past and his actions or secrets start to unravel, causing horror and chaos around him. Some characters are also relatives or servants who play important roles in the horror narrative, like a creepy old servant who seems to know more than they let on.
The psychological aspect is a key feature. Her horror stories often delve into the minds of the characters, showing their fears, paranoia, and internal struggles. This makes the horror more relatable as it's not just about external monsters but also about the demons within. Also, her use of symbolism, like dark forests or locked rooms, helps to enhance the overall sense of horror.
Children are very typical characters. E Nesbit often features children as the main protagonists. They are usually curious, adventurous, and full of imagination. For instance, in her stories, you can find children who are not afraid to explore new places or ideas.
Love and friendship are common themes. In many of her stories, characters form deep bonds with one another, which often drive the plot forward. For example, in some of her works, the friendship between children helps them overcome difficulties. Another theme is magic and the extraordinary. Nesbit often weaves elements of magic into the ordinary world, making it an exciting place for her characters and readers alike.