“The Most Dangerous Game,” written by Richard Connell in 1924, is a short story that has remained popular for nearly 100 years due to its exciting plot and deep themes. The story is set on a remote island and follows Sanger Rainsford, an experienced hunter who becomes the target in a dangerous hunt organized by…
“The Monkey’s Paw” is a short story written by W.W. Jacobs in 1902. It is considered a classic example of early 20th-century horror literature. The story centers on the White family, who acquire a magical monkey’s paw that grants three wishes. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of interfering with fate…
“Rip Van Winkle” is a short story written by Washington Irving, first published in 1819. The tale is set in the Catskill Mountains of New York and centers on Rip, a good-natured but indolent man who enjoys spending time with his dog and fellow villagers. Rip is well-liked by children and respected by his neighbors,…
In “Thank You, Ma’am,” a short story by Langston Hughes, an encounter between a young would-be thief and his intended victim takes an unexpected turn. Roger, a teenage boy, attempts to steal the purse of Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. Instead of reacting with anger or calling the police, Mrs. Jones responds with compassion. She…
Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery,” published in 1948, is a renowned and controversial short story in American literature. The narrative initially presents a seemingly ordinary small-town gathering but gradually reveals a disturbing annual ritual. Jackson employs irony and suspense to challenge readers’ perceptions of tradition and human nature. The story’s transformation from apparent charm to horror…
Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Purloined Letter” is a foundational work in detective fiction, published in 1844. The story demonstrates Poe’s skill in crafting complex narratives that explore human psychology. It introduces Auguste Dupin, a character who became a model for future literary detectives, known for his analytical thinking and intelligence. Set in Paris, the story…
Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) was an American writer, journalist, and Civil War veteran known for his satirical and often cynical works. Born in Ohio, Bierce’s experiences as a Union soldier during the Civil War significantly influenced his writing style and themes. His literary works frequently explored topics such as death, morality, and the absurdities of human…
Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado” is a classic Gothic short story that exemplifies the genre’s key elements. Set during Carnival in an Italian city, the narrative is told from the perspective of Montresor, who seeks revenge against Fortunato. The story explores themes of betrayal, pride, and the darker aspects of human nature, contrasting…
“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…
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…