The escapism. We can get away from the real world into these amazing, made - up places. For example, in 'The Lord of the Rings', Middle - earth is a place full of magic and adventure. Also, the characters are often unique. In 'Harry Potter', we have characters like Dumbledore who is wise and mysterious. And the plots are usually full of twists and turns. In 'A Song of Ice and Fire', you never know who will survive the next power struggle.
They often contain elements of history. For example, a ghost story set in an old castle might be linked to the battles or tragedies that happened there long ago. This combination of the unknown and the past makes them appealing. Also, they can give us a thrill, a bit of a scare in a safe way, like riding a roller coaster.
One reason is their conciseness. They can deliver a complete and engaging plot in a short amount of time. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', in just a few pages, we get a heart - warming story about love and sacrifice.
One reason is the exploration of the forbidden. Vampires usually break human taboos, like drinking blood. In 'Dracula', the count's actions are both repulsive and captivating. Also, the idea of eternal life in vampire stories can be very appealing. It makes us wonder what we would do if we had endless time, as seen in 'The Vampire Chronicles' where the vampires have to deal with the boredom and moral implications of immortality.
One reason is the element of surprise. In weird fantasy stories, you can expect the unexpected. For example, in Neil Gaiman's works, there are often strange creatures and events that defy normal logic. This keeps readers on their toes.
The characters are often a big part of it. In 'The Wizard of Oz', the unique personalities of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion create so many humorous and heartwarming moments. Their interactions are full of charm. Also, the magic and the unknown in these stories are exciting. We never know what kind of strange creature or magical power will show up next, like in 'Howl's Moving Castle' where the castle itself is a source of wonder and amusement.
The roles in fantasy stories are appealing because they allow for exploration of different values and ideas. The knight represents honor and chivalry. The elf represents a connection to nature. And the dragon can represent power and danger. By following these roles' stories, we can learn about different aspects of human nature and the world, all in a fictional and exciting context. Fantasy roles can also inspire us, like how a young wizard's journey of self - discovery can encourage us to find our own potential.
One reason is their brevity. They can be read in one sitting, which is great for people with busy schedules. For example, you can finish 'The Most Dangerous Game' in about half an hour, and it gives you a complete adventure experience. Also, they often have a single, strong theme. In 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the theme of a woman's mental breakdown due to confinement is very powerful. And the characters in short stories can be very vivid despite the limited space. Just look at the complex and sympathetic character of the grandmother in 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find' even though it's a short story.
The suspense. In interesting horror short stories, the suspense builds up quickly. For example, in 'The Most Dangerous Game', the idea that a man is being hunted like an animal on an island creates immediate tension. It makes you keep reading to find out what will happen next.
The appeal of 'fun fantasy short stories' lies in their ability to spark imagination. They often have unique settings, like floating islands or underwater kingdoms. These settings are full of possibilities. Also, the characters in these stories can do things that are impossible in our world, such as flying on broomsticks or talking to animals. This makes the stories really engaging and fun to read. Moreover, they usually carry some kind of moral or message in a very interesting and not - so - preachy way.
The relatable characters. In stories like 'The Hunger Games', Katniss is a strong and relatable character. Young adult readers can identify with her struggles, her courage, and her growth throughout the story. Also, the themes in these stories, such as friendship, love, and self - discovery, are very appealing to young adults.