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…
“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…
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…
It’s difficult to read at a grade level above the reading level you are at. If you want to improve, it’s not very helpful to read at a reading level that is too low, or much below your actual reading level. You want to read at a level that’s neither too easy, nor too difficult….
It’s difficult to read at a grade level above the reading level you are at. If you want to improve, it’s not very helpful to read at a reading level that is too low, or much below your actual reading level. You want to read at a level that’s neither too easy, nor too difficult….
Once upon a time, there was a young woman named Linda from San Salvador, El Salvador. Linda wanted to move to the United States to reunite with her husband who moved to the United States of America years earlier and recently got his Green Card. Linda’s dream came true when she applied, was approved to…
Once upon a time, a young man named Emre lived in Turkey. Emre wanted to improve his English skills so he could move to the United States of America and have a better life. Emre dreamed of moving to America, starting a business, and having a family. His dream came true when he applied, won…
Once upon a time, there was a young woman named Huda from Libya. Huda wanted to move to the United States to learn English, find a good career, and start her own family. Huda’s dream came true when she applied, won the Green Card Lottery, and moved to the United States for a better life….
Hispanic Heritage Month is an important celebration in the United States of America. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States of America by people of all ages. The celebrations usually take place in October to commemorate the historical contributions of Hispanics. The history of Hispanics in the United States of America dates back more…
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is an important celebration in the United States of America. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States of America by people of all ages. The month is dedicated to the appreciation of all Asian Americans who have made great contributions to the history, culture and society…
Women’s History Month is an important celebration in the United States of America. Women’s History Month is celebrated in the United States of America by people of all ages. This month is designated to honor and celebrate women’s history, achievements, and contributions in the fields of science, arts, politics, education, business, law, athletics, and literature….
Black History Month is an important celebration in the United States of America. Black History Month is celebrated in the United States of America by people of all ages. The purpose of this special month of recognition and commemoration is to celebrate the history of African Americans and their influence on American life, culture, society,…
Independence Day is an important holiday in the United States of America. Independence day is celebrated in the United States of America by people of all ages. In the United States, on July 4th people celebrate independence from Britain in 1776. In the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania there is a huge celebration for Independence Day…
In today’s digital age, where information is readily accessible and constantly bombarding us, distinguishing between fact and opinion has become a critical skill. Whether looking at news articles, social media posts, or research studies, it is more important than ever to analyze and evaluate information critically and discerningly. This is especially true when it comes…