What makes 'the best very short stories' so appealing?

Very horror short stories are appealing because they are like a concentrated dose of fear. They can surprise you with unexpected twists and turns. Since they are short, they don't waste time building up the horror. They jump right into it. For instance, in 'The Monkey's Paw', the first wish's tragic outcome immediately grabs the reader's attention. Also, they allow us to experience fear in a safe environment, which can be thrilling. We can explore dark and disturbing themes without actually being in danger.

The brevity. They can be read quickly, which is great for those who want a quick dose of horror. For example, you can read one during a short break.

Well, one reason is that they can quickly deliver a punchline or a humorous situation. For example, in a short story, there's no need for a long build - up like in a novel. They can surprise you right away.

One reason is the creativity in the concepts. Think about stories that involve telepathic aliens or a universe where the laws of physics are different. These out - of - the - box ideas are fascinating. Another aspect is the way they make us see humanity from a different perspective. When compared to an alien race, we can better understand our own strengths and weaknesses. And the action and adventure elements, like battles in space or races against time to save a planet, keep readers on the edge of their seats.

They often reflect real - life situations in a distorted yet relatable way. For instance, in 'The Necklace', the woman's pursuit of appearance and status is something many can relate to, but the extreme irony of her fate makes it stand out. The stories make us think about how things we think are important might not be, and how life can be full of surprises that turn our assumptions upside down. Also, the short length allows for a concentrated dose of irony that can leave a strong impact without being too drawn - out.

The themes explored in these short stories are also very diverse. They can range from love and loss to adventure and self - discovery. These themes are universal and can resonate with a wide audience. Moreover, the writing style is usually top - notch. Writers use vivid language to paint pictures in the reader's mind. They can make you feel like you are right there in the story, whether it's a bustling city street or a quiet countryside. This immersive quality is what makes these short stories so appealing.

The element of surprise. Witty short stories are full of unexpected twists. In 'The Lady, or the Tiger?', the ending is left open - ended, which is a huge surprise for the readers. This keeps the readers thinking about the story long after they've finished reading it. Also, the characters in these stories often behave in unexpected ways, which adds to the overall appeal.

Well, for one thing, they often deal with complex human emotions. In a short space, they can capture love, loss, jealousy, and hope in a really profound way. For example, in 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant, the main character's sense of pride and envy is explored in a story that has a great twist at the end.

The simplicity. Fishing short stories often revolve around a basic concept of a person and their fishing experience. It's easy to relate to for those who love fishing or nature.

The best sf short stories are appealing because they often explore big ideas in a concise way. For example, they can look at the future of humanity, like in 'The Time Machine' by H.G. Wells. They can also make us question our values, such as in 'The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas'. And they can take us to strange new worlds, like the various alien planets in Isaac Asimov's short stories.