“The Gift of the Magi” is a short story written by O. Henry, first published in 1905. The narrative focuses on Jim and Della, a young couple living in early 20th-century America who struggle financially but share a deep love for each other. Despite their limited means, they each possess a valuable item: Della’s long…
Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher” is a seminal work of Gothic literature, published in 1839. The story explores themes of decay, madness, and supernatural elements through the perspective of an unnamed narrator visiting his friend, Roderick Usher, in a dilapidated mansion. The house itself serves as a central character, reflecting…
Stephen Crane’s “The Blue Hotel” is a short story that examines human psychology, social norms, and the relationship between perception and reality. Set in a remote Nebraska hotel, the story serves as a microcosm for broader themes of fear, paranoia, and cultural conflict. The main character, an anxious Easterner, becomes involved in misunderstandings with local…
“The Yellow Wallpaper,” written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman in 1892, is a short story that examines mental health, gender roles, and societal expectations. The narrative is presented through the first-person perspective of an unnamed woman who is confined to a room by her husband, John, for her supposed well-being. This confinement leads to her mental…
“A White Heron” is a short story by Sarah Orne Jewett that explores the relationship between humans and nature. Set in rural New England, the story follows a young girl named Sylvia who must choose between helping a hunter find a rare white heron and protecting the bird. Jewett’s vivid descriptions bring the forest setting…
Henry James’s novella “Daisy Miller” examines the complexities of innocence and societal expectations in 19th-century transatlantic cultural encounters. The story follows Daisy Miller, a young American woman whose behavior challenges European social norms. James uses Daisy’s interactions with European society to highlight differences between American and European values, particularly regarding innocence, propriety, and moral judgment….
Mark Twain’s “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” is a significant work of American literature that captures the essence of the American West in the mid-19th century. Published in 1865, this short story goes beyond a simple tale about a frog-jumping contest, exploring themes of deception, regional dialects, and frontier life culture. Twain’s narrative…
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story “The Birthmark,” published in 1843, examines the human condition, focusing on the relationship between beauty, imperfection, and the quest for perfection. Set during a period of scientific advancement, the story centers on Aylmer, a brilliant scientist, and his wife Georgiana, who has a small, hand-shaped birthmark on her cheek. This birthmark…
Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart” is a seminal work of Gothic literature that explores themes of madness, guilt, and the human psyche. Published in 1843, this short story has endured as a classic, renowned for its psychological depth and narrative complexity. The story is narrated by an unnamed protagonist who claims sanity while describing…
The early years of an individual’s life often establish the foundation for their future achievements, particularly in the case of many well-known authors. The childhood of this writer was characterized by a series of experiences that significantly influenced their perspective and creative work, having been born into a world that was both turbulent and steeped…
Langston Hughes was born on February 1, 1902, in Joplin, Missouri. His family had a history of activism and intellectual pursuits. Hughes’ father, a lawyer, moved to Mexico soon after his birth, leaving his mother to raise him primarily with his grandmother, a former slave. This early family dynamic significantly influenced Hughes’ perspective on life….
O. Henry, born William Sydney Porter on September 11, 1862, in Greensboro, North Carolina, had a modest upbringing that influenced his writing style. His father, a physician, died when O. Henry was three years old, leaving his mother to raise him. As a child, he was an avid reader of classic literature and local folklore. After…
Shirley Jackson was born on December 14, 1916, in San Francisco, California. Her father was a successful businessman, and her mother was a homemaker. The family’s affluence and societal expectations significantly influenced Jackson’s worldview and later writing. They relocated to Burlingame, a San Francisco suburb, where Jackson attended local schools. From a young age, she…
Part 1: Read: About the author: O. Henry was an author most famous for his short stories. He is recognized as one of the best writers of short stories in America. His stories often have twist endings and moralistic themes, with many reflecting his own experiences in New York City. O. Henry (real name: William…
Part 1: Read: About the author Sarah Orne Jewett was a prolific, renowned writer who flourished in America during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Born into the upper-middle class, Jewett led a sheltered life that allowed her to focus on her writing. She is now considered one of the founders of American literary realism…
Part 1: Read: About the author: Nathaniel Hawthorne, an American novelist and short story writer, was born prematurely on July 4, 1804 in Salem, Massachusetts. His father died in 1808 when Nathaniel was four years old, leaving his care to his mother Elizabeth who had already demonstrated unhealthy psychoses. His mother’s erratic behavior continued to…