What makes famous short scary stories so appealing?

The sense of danger and the unknown. In 'Jaws', the idea that a huge shark could be lurking beneath the seemingly calm ocean surface at any time makes it exciting and scary. People are attracted to that feeling of being on the edge of their seats.

The brevity of short and scary stories is appealing because it gives a quick jolt of fear. You can get that rush of adrenaline in just a few minutes of reading.

Well, short short scary stories are great because they are easy to remember and share. You can quickly pass on the creepy feeling to others. Also, they often focus on a single, really scary element, like a ghostly apparition or a sudden, unexplained noise, which makes them very impactful in a short space.

The brevity. They can be read quickly, which is great for those who want a quick dose of horror. For example, you can read one during a short break.

The brevity. You can get a quick dose of horror without having to invest a lot of time. For example, a short story can build tension in just a few paragraphs and then deliver a scary punch.

They allow us to face our fears in a safe way. We can experience the terror of a monster, like the vampires in 'Carmilla', but from the comfort of our own reading space. Also, the brevity of short stories means we get a quick dose of fear and excitement without having to commit to a long, drawn - out plot.

They play on our fears. These stories can tap into common fears like the fear of the unknown, fear of death, or fear of the dark. For example, a story set in a spooky old house at night can really make you feel uneasy because it plays on the fear of the dark and what might be lurking in the shadows. Also, the fact that they are short means you can get a quick scare fix, which is appealing for those who don't have a lot of time but still want to experience some thrills.

The suspense. In horror short stories, authors build up the tension gradually. For example, in 'The Monkey's Paw', the family doesn't know what will happen when they make a wish with the paw. They are filled with hope at first, but as the story unfolds, the sense of dread grows. Another factor is the unknown. We don't know what the monster or the source of horror really is in many stories, like in 'The Hitchhiker'. It keeps our minds racing and our hearts pounding.