“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…
Ayn Rand’s novel “The Fountainhead” explores themes of individualism and creativity through the lens of Objectivism, her philosophical system. The story centers on Howard Roark, an architect whose unwavering commitment to his artistic vision exemplifies Rand’s belief in the primacy of individual achievement and self-interest. Roark’s struggles against societal norms and expectations serve to illustrate…
Ayn Rand’s “Anthem,” published in 1938, is a dystopian novella that depicts a future society where individualism has been eradicated in favor of collectivism. The story is set in a world devoid of personal identity and autonomy, focusing on the character Equality 7-2521, who struggles against the oppressive societal norms that enforce conformity and suppress…
Objectivism is a philosophical system developed in the mid-20th century that has attracted both strong supporters and critics. The core tenets of Objectivism include rational self-interest, individualism, and the pursuit of personal happiness as the highest moral purpose. This philosophy emerged in the aftermath of World War II, during a period of significant social and…
Ayn Rand, originally named Alisa Zinovyevna Rosenbaum, was born on February 2, 1905, in St. Petersburg, Russia. She grew up in a middle-class Jewish family during a period of significant political and social upheaval, including the Russian Revolution. These early experiences profoundly influenced her later philosophical and literary work, particularly her opposition to collectivism and…
“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…
Ambrose Bierce was born on June 24, 1842, in Meigs County, Ohio. He was the tenth of thirteen children in a farming family, experiencing the challenges of rural life in the early 19th century. His strict father and the loss of several siblings during childhood significantly influenced his worldview, contributing to his later focus on…
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…
Learn about some of the most popular American short story writers with our helpful articles below: Additional Articles (coming soon) Edgar Allan Poe: American Short Story WriterNathaniel Hawthorne: American Short Story WriterMark Twain: American Short Story WriterHenry James: American Short Story WriterSarah Orne Jewett: American Short Story WriterCharlotte Perkins Gilman: American Short Story WriterStephen Crane:…
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….