Curses also play a big role. There are stories where a family is cursed because of something their ancestor did. For example, a family might be cursed to have misfortune for generations. This could include things like continuous illness, poverty, or strange accidents. The idea of an inescapable curse is a key part of Arab horror stories. And the concept of fate is intertwined with these curses. People in the stories often struggle against their fated doom.
Moral lessons are often hidden in Arab horror stories. For instance, if a person is greedy and tries to steal something precious from a holy place, they will be punished by supernatural forces. So, these stories not only scare people but also teach them to be good, respect traditions, and not be too curious about things that are better left alone. This combination of horror and moral teaching is a distinct feature of Arab horror stories.
Supernatural creatures are a common element. As mentioned before, Jinni are very prevalent. They can be both good and bad, but the bad ones often create horror situations. Another element is the setting. Deserts, old palaces, and cemeteries are often the backdrops for these stories. These places are seen as mysterious and full of potential danger in Arab culture.
One common element is the presence of supernatural beings like Jinni. They are often depicted as powerful and unpredictable, able to cause chaos in people's lives. Another is the idea of haunted places, such as old palaces or wells. These places are usually associated with a past tragedy or an evil act.
One common element is the grandeur of the prince's status. His wealth and power often play a role in the story. For example, he can use his resources to court the love of his life.
One common theme is revenge. Ghosts often come back to take revenge on those who wronged them during their lifetime. Another theme is moral lessons. For example, if someone was greedy or cruel in life, they might be haunted by their deeds in the form of ghosts.
Isolation. Often, in IT horror stories, the characters are isolated. For example, a lone system administrator might be the only one in the server room when something strange starts to happen with the servers. Another common element is the loss of control. The technology that is supposed to be under human control suddenly starts acting on its own, like a self - driving car going berserk in an IT - related horror scenario.
Horror stories often feature a protagonist who is in over their head. They might start out as an ordinary person, like in 'Rosemary's Baby' where Rosemary is just a normal woman, but then they are thrust into a terrifying situation. Settings also play a big role. Abandoned asylums, cemeteries, and old mansions are common settings in horror stories as they have an air of mystery and danger already associated with them.
Fear of death is a big element in horror stories. The threat of death, whether it's from a serial killer or a supernatural force, is always present. Also, there's often a sense of helplessness. The characters find themselves in situations where they seem to have little control over what's happening to them. For instance, in 'The Blair Witch Project', the characters are lost in the woods and being hunted by an unknown entity. There's also the use of suspense. Writers build up the tension by delaying the reveal of the horror, making the readers or viewers more and more anxious as the story progresses.
One common trait is perseverance. In many Arab cultures, women face certain challenges, but those who succeed often keep pushing forward despite the odds. For example, an entrepreneur might face difficulties getting funding or support, but she perseveres.
Family is also a big theme. Arab American short stories frequently explore the strong family bonds within the Arab community. This can include the role of elders, the importance of family honor, and how family relationships are maintained or challenged in the context of living in the United States.
Common elements in diet horror stories include unrealistic goals. Many people aim to lose a huge amount of weight in a very short time. This leads them to choose very harsh diets. Also, ignoring the body's signals is a big part. They keep on with the diet even when they feel really unwell, like being constantly tired or having headaches, thinking it's just a phase.
One common element is financial exploitation. The findom often takes advantage of the submissive's willingness to give money, asking for more and more until it becomes unmanageable. Another is emotional abuse. They may use shame or guilt to make the person give more money. For example, making the payer feel like they are not good enough if they don't send a certain amount.