The themes in Alfred Hitchcock short stories are quite diverse. Suspense, as we all know, is a big part of it. He builds up the tension so well that you can't help but keep reading. Then there's the theme of deception. Characters might be deceiving each other or themselves. There's also the theme of the macabre. Some of his stories touch on the darker and more grotesque aspects of human nature and situations, which adds to the overall allure of his short stories.
He probably looked for stories with strong characters. Characters that could be developed further in the adaptation.
The episode 'The Birds' is quite memorable. It was so effective in creating a sense of unease and danger. The way Hitchcock built up the tension as the birds started to attack was brilliant.
I think 'Rear Window' is also a great short story. It's about a man who spies on his neighbors from his rear window and starts to suspect something sinister is going on. Hitchcock was brilliant in exploring the human psyche through such a simple concept.
Alfred Hitchcock influenced the stories in the book greatly. His unique style of creating suspense was a major factor. He knew how to build tension bit by bit, like in his films, and this was carried over into the stories. For example, he might use ordinary settings but make them seem menacing.
The 'Alfred Hitchcock Book of Horror Stories' contains many spine - chilling tales. One of the most terrifying might be 'The Waxwork', where the line between the wax figures and real people becomes dangerously blurred, creating a sense of unease and horror.
The story 'The Birds' - like the later famous Hitchcock movie of the same name - in the 'Alfred Hitchcock Ghost Stories' collection is quite something. It gives a sense of impending doom. The way the birds start to act strangely and then become menacing is really well - written. It makes you feel the fear that the characters in the story must be experiencing as the natural world turns against them.
The characters are often complex. They're not just one - dimensional good or bad guys. In a story like 'The Manacled', the main character has a lot of layers. His actions are not always easy to predict, which makes the story more interesting. Also, the settings in these short stories are well - described. They add to the overall atmosphere, whether it's a dark alley or a seemingly normal suburban house.
For beginners, 'The Lodger' is a great start. It has the typical Hitchcock elements of mystery and suspense. It's about a lodger in a house and the suspicions that surround him, which is a simple yet engaging plot.
Some of the well - known Hitchcock short stories include 'The Birds'. It's a classic that was also made into a famous movie. The sense of unease and the sudden attacks in the story are very gripping.
The 'Rebecca' by Alfred Hitchcock is also quite famous. It tells a complex story of a young woman who marries a wealthy widower. The mystery and psychological drama in the novel are very engaging. Hitchcock was able to bring out the unease and mystery in the story very well when he adapted it into a movie.