What are the characteristics of famous ghost story novels?

Famous ghost novels typically involve elements of the unknown. In 'The Haunting of Hill House', the characters are constantly faced with things they can't explain. They also tend to have a strong sense of place, like in 'The Woman in Black' where the spooky old house is integral to the story. Moreover, they often explore the afterlife or the existence of spirits in some way.

They usually involve some form of the supernatural. Ghosts are the central element, but there may also be other things like curses or premonitions. For example, in 'The Shining', the haunted hotel has a long history of bad events and the ghosts there seem to be tied to that history. Also, the characters in these novels often experience psychological turmoil. They may start to doubt their own sanity as they encounter the ghosts, like in 'The Woman in Black' where the protagonist is constantly on edge and her mental state deteriorates as she uncovers more about the ghostly presence.

They usually involve elements of superstition. In the Nale Ba story, the fear of opening the door at night is based on the belief that a malevolent spirit is waiting outside. This superstition is passed on and becomes an important part of the story.

Most famous Bengali ghost stories have a strong sense of mystery. The ghosts or spirits are not fully explained. Their motives and powers are often left to the imagination of the listeners. This mystery is what makes the stories so captivating and they have been passed down through generations.

Chinese famous ghost stories usually carry some cultural and moral messages. They can be seen as a way to educate people. For instance, the story of 'The Painted Skin' warns people not to be too lustful or easily trust strangers. They are not just simple horror stories but also a part of Chinese cultural heritage, with deep - rooted cultural connotations and historical backgrounds.

Many famous French ghost stories often involve historical settings like old castles or catacombs. For example, in stories set in castles, the ghosts are usually associated with some tragic event in the castle's history, such as a murder or a betrayal. They also tend to have a strong sense of mystery. The ghosts are often described as having a pale or spectral appearance, like the White Lady.

Often, they create a sense of unease quickly. For example, in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the narrator's erratic behavior makes the reader feel on edge from the start. They usually have elements of the unknown, like in 'The Monkey's Paw' where the outcome of the wishes is unpredictable. And they might use spooky settings, such as old houses or desolate landscapes.

One characteristic is the element of mystery. In famous modern ghost stories, there are often unexplained phenomena like objects moving by themselves or strange noises. For example, in the Enfield Poltergeist case, furniture would shift without any human cause. Another characteristic is a connection to a specific location. The Amityville Horror is tied to a particular house where the events took place. Also, they usually involve some sort of emotional or psychological impact on the people involved. The Bell Witch story had the Bell family living in fear for a long time.

Many famous German ghost stories often involve historical settings like castles or old forests. For example, the stories set in castles usually revolve around wronged nobles or servants whose spirits remain trapped there.

One characteristic is the use of dark and moody settings. Gothic ghost stories are known for places that are isolated and filled with shadows. This is seen in 'The Turn of the Screw' where the big, old house is a bit creepy. Another aspect is the presence of haunted or cursed objects or places. In 'The Monkey's Paw', the paw itself is a cursed object that brings misfortune. Also, there is often a sense of the past haunting the present. In 'Rebecca', the memory of the first wife haunts the new relationship. These elements combine to create a sense of unease and horror in gothic ghost stories.