Elements of Short Stories - Research Paper Example

The supernatural powers are presented in form of strange noises, weather phenomena or unusual images that frightens the reader since they are presented in a manner that is beyond his/her comprehension. The elements of supernatural powers persist throughout the story, only changing at different episodes to reflect in a different form. This keeps the reader always anticipating some wickedness and terrible scenarios throughout the reading. The events occur in a strange and gloomy environment, which is dark and frightening (Saricks, 23).

The essence of the inclusion of supernatural elements in Horror stories is to keep the reader in a mood of confusion and lack of comprehension, which intensifies his/her fears. This helps in achieving the intentions of the writer; to frighten the reader (Stratford and Tammy, 56). Growing sense of dread Horror stories is created to frighten the readers. Therefore, such stories are not meant for the timid (Stratford and Tammy, 61). To ensure that only those people who are brave and courageous read such stories, the writers of Horror genre create scenarios, occurrences and events presenting violence, use of strong language and devastating sexual encounters that leave the reader traumatized emotionally and psychologically (Saricks, 45).

Such events evoke the feeling of fear and anger in the reader, while also creating an environment of tension, which keeps the reader anxious to find out the next outcome of such events. Antagonism This is yet another standard by which Horror stories are measured. The plot of the story develops along a theme of antagonism and conflict between parties. Where one party is presented as a normal human being, horror stories present the second party as an unusual creature, with very strange characteristics (Saricks, 30).

The creature is presented either as a supernatural being or a creature with supernatural abilities (Stratford and Tammy, 55). Such works can create a scenario of the struggle between a group of men on one hand and monsters on the other. Therefore, the story starts, develops and ends still advancing the themes of conflict and antagonism (Saricks, 27). Unexpected events Horror stories are characterized by presenting unexpected events, which normally catch the reader by surprise (Stratford and Tammy, 59).

This is meant to keep the reader guessing what is likely to emerge next. Additionally, the essence of using unexpected events is to ensure that the tension of the story keeps building, always keeping the reader anticipating for more happenings, which they do not know the nature or content. The techniques applied here include the sudden emergence of ferocious animals, terrifying sounds or unexpected attacks which leave the victims dead (Saricks, 34). No clear end Most Horror stories do not present a clear end to the story.

The reader reaches the last page of the story and continues to turn on the next, while anticipating for another chapter, only to find the cover page (Stratford and Tammy, 60). Therefore, horror stories start with tension and end with suspense, leaving the reader calling for more. Most of the problems started and advanced by the story are left unresolved (Saricks, 40). This leaves the reader always looking out for a calamity, which the story leaves roaming around, without a clear end.