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…
“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…
“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…
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…