They often have a sense of the unknown. For example, in 'The Monkey's Paw', the power of the paw is mysterious and the consequences of the wishes are unexpected. Another characteristic is the use of atmosphere. In 'The Tell - Tale Heart', Poe builds a tense atmosphere through the narrator's paranoia. Also, they usually have a quick - paced plot to keep the horror building. Like in 'The Cask of Amontillado', the events unfold rapidly as Fortunato is led deeper into the catacombs.
A lot of these stories play with psychological horror. Take 'The Black Cat' by Edgar Allan Poe. The narrator's own guilty conscience and his deteriorating mental state are the main sources of horror. It shows how a person's inner demons can be as terrifying as any external monster.
Classic short short stories often have a concise plot. They can convey a powerful message or theme in just a few pages. For example, they might focus on a single event or moment in time that has a great impact.
Classic short stories often have concise yet vivid characterizations. For example, in Guy de Maupassant's short stories, he can create complex characters in just a few paragraphs. They also usually have a well - structured plot that unfolds quickly and efficiently.
Classic Victorian horror stories typically have a very strong atmosphere. They are set in a time when society was highly stratified. The horror often stems from the fear of the breakdown of social order or the discovery of dark secrets. For example, in 'Dracula', the vampire represents a threat to the Victorian moral and social fabric. There are also themes of madness and the power of the past over the present.
They are concise. Usually, they quickly establish a spooky or menacing situation. For example, in a short horror story, the horror might start within the first few sentences, like a strange noise in an empty house right at the start.
Typically, they are likely to have elements of the unknown. The fear of the unknown is a common characteristic in horror. For example, an unexplained sound or a shadow that moves on its own.
Often, they create a sense of unease and fear quickly. For example, they might start with a strange or disturbing setting like a haunted house or a desolate graveyard.
They are often filled with suspense. The authors build up tension to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Many 1948 horror short stories often had a sense of mystery. They were set in rather ordinary settings which made the horror more relatable. For instance, like 'The Lottery', it was set in a small town that seemed normal at first glance.
They usually have a clear central conflict related to love. In 'The Lady, or the Tiger?', the conflict is between the princess's love for the man and her jealousy if he chooses the other woman. This conflict drives the story forward and makes it engaging.