One characteristic is the quick build - up of tension. Since they are short, they have to get to the scary part fast. For example, in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the narrator starts to show his madness right away. Another is the use of common fears like death, the unknown, and insanity. In 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the fear of losing one's mind is central. Also, they often have a twist ending. 'The Lottery' has a shocking ending that makes you re - think the whole story.
Many American horror short stories also touch on social issues. Racism, for example, is sometimes explored in horror stories. The idea of the 'other' and the fear of those who are different can be seen as a reflection of American society's struggles with integration. Also, the concept of the American dream gone wrong is often a theme. A character might strive for success but end up in a nightmare situation, which can be related to the high - pressure, consumer - driven American culture.
One popular one is 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe. It's about a man who kills an old man because he's bothered by his 'evil eye' and then he's haunted by the sound of the dead man's heart.
Stephen King has written many short horror stories as well. For example, 'Children of the Corn' which is set in a small Nebraska town where the children have been influenced by a malevolent entity. His stories are known for their vivid descriptions and ability to create a sense of dread.
One interesting American horror story short story could be 'The Yellow Wallpaper'. It shows a woman's descent into madness as she is confined in a room with the eponymous wallpaper. The way the patterns seem to move and take on a life of their own is quite eerie.
One short American horror story is 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. It tells the story of a woman's descent into madness while being confined in a room with yellow wallpaper. Another is 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe. The narrator's obsession with an old man's eye and his subsequent murder of the old man is truly chilling. And 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson is also great. It shows how a small town blindly follows a cruel tradition.
One common theme is the supernatural. Ghosts, demons, and otherworldly entities often appear in these stories, creating a sense of fear and mystery. Another theme is isolation. Characters may be trapped in a remote location, which intensifies the horror. Also, psychological horror is prevalent, like exploring the dark corners of the human mind.
In African American horror short stories, a prevalent theme is the power of the community. Sometimes, the community has to band together to fight against a supernatural or human - caused horror, like a racist mob or a demonic entity. Another theme is the use of oral tradition. Stories passed down through generations can hold both the wisdom and the horror of the past. And there's the theme of the body. The African American body has been objectified and violated throughout history, and this can be explored in horror stories as a form of possession, mutilation or transformation, highlighting the horror of the physical and psychological violation.