Forbidden love can make a story shocking. Like in the case of interracial relationships in a time when they were not accepted. The couple has to face not only their own feelings but also the bigotry and prejudice of society.
Often, it's an unexpected twist. For instance, in 'The Necklace', the end revelation that the necklace was fake all along is a shock. Also, extreme or taboo topics can make a story shocking. In 'The Cask of Amontillado', the act of burying a person alive is both cruel and shocking. Another factor is the subversion of expectations, like in 'The Lady, or the Tiger?' where the reader is left to wonder about the outcome.
It could be a sudden plot twist or an unexpected character development that catches readers off guard.
A good plot twist and vivid character reactions. A sudden, unexpected event that catches the characters off guard and forces them to make difficult choices can make the story really engaging.
The unexpected nature of the murderer makes it shocking. We don't expect certain people to be capable of such a heinous crime.
The unexpectedness makes the deaths in fantasy novels shocking. For example, when a character who seems invincible suddenly dies. In many fantasy stories, there are heroes with great powers or magic, and when they are killed off without warning, it catches the reader off - guard. Just like in some stories where the most powerful wizard is slain by a seemingly ordinary foe.
The fact that it happened within a family makes it shocking. Family is supposed to be a place of safety.
The sense of the unknown. In many shocking scary stories, there are things that can't be easily explained. For example, a door that leads to a different dimension. This makes people feel uneasy because they don't understand it. Also, the use of vivid descriptions of terrifying things like blood - soaked rooms or disfigured creatures can really send shivers down one's spine. These elements combined create an effective scary story.
Scary shocking stories are appealing because they provide a break from our ordinary, mundane lives. They take us to a world full of mystery and horror. The unexpected twists and turns in these stories keep us on the edge of our seats. They also make us feel a sense of camaraderie when we share them with others, as we all experience the same shivers down our spines.
They appeal because they often touch on deep - seated fears. Fear of the dark, of death, of the unseen. Shocking ghost stories bring these fears to the surface in a thrilling way. For example, a story about a ghost that haunts a person's bedroom at night makes us feel the fear of not being safe even in our most private space. Also, they can be a form of escapism, taking us into a world different from our daily lives.
Well, they are special perhaps because they can shock the readers and make them think differently about love. Maybe some of these novels have characters who are not the typical 'romance - worthy' in the eyes of society at first glance. But as the story unfolds, their love becomes something profound and meaningful. It could also be that they use unique settings or historical periods to frame their love stories, adding an extra layer of intrigue and shock value.