In the late 18th century, Gothic novels began to rise (headed by Horace Walpole’s “The Castle of Otranto”.) The classic elements of Gothic novels have since expanded and enriched, and have influenced countless horror stories. The following are some of the must-read Gothic horror short stories, with a length of 60 pages.
“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” (1820) by Washington Irving
The arrival of a capitalist outsider, Ichabod Crane, disturbed the calm and peaceful life in Sleeping Hollow. Since the appearance of him, the Gothic atmosphere gradually emerged. “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” beginning with the Love triangle of three superstitious protagonists. The two men made a bet for the girl Katrina, after which the supernatural event began. Since 1820, there have been legends of headless knights in American culture, and Irving has the vague narrative and wisdom language made him more vivid and concrete. Its cultural influence is unprecedented.
“Mars is Heaven!” (1948) by Ray Bradbury
This supernatural sci-fi short article about the first human journey to Mars. The team members were surprised to find a familiar suburban town and in the town, there are friends or family members who were already dead. At first, everyone thought that they discovered heaven and quickly integrated into this world of having homesick feelings and near perfection. You will be attracted to this romantic story at one blow. At the same time, the writer’s exquisite literary talent and wonderful story rhythm will make you feel the darkness under this peaceful surface. The terrible ending of this story is very impressive and the overall structure of the story is also very clever.
“Don’t Look Now” (1971) by Daphne du Maurier
This short story is the longest of these. At the beginning of the novel, a couple is on Venus vacation. The wife Laura was immersed in the pain of her daughter died of meningitis shortly after. Follow the doctor’s advice, her husband took her on vacation to relieve depression. Terror atmosphere appeared almost immediately. When they dine in the restaurant, a pair of twins who can see the ghost tells Laura. They can see her dead daughter sitting on the table beside. The author then used a series of similar plots to puzzle the reader into wondering whether these were Laura’s delusions or really did happen.
“The Monkey’s Paw” (1902) by W. W. Jacobs
What are the mistakes and can make of simply making three wishes? There are too many stories about “Wish” in literary works and popular culture. W. W. Jacobs’ the classic horror story let the reader goosebumps. And then is even more chilling. When of the protagonist of the story received the cursed but magical monkey paws, they were unable to restrain their desires. They did not heed the warning and used it. A wish of getting 200 pounds eventually brought death. The atmosphere of the entire novel is excellent, and the intense rhythm keeps you from breathing. The novel vividly shows people fear of “losing” and “prophecy.” highly recommended.
Everyone can try to read these short stories.