Charles Dickens: The Convict’s Return
“The Convict’s Return” by Charles Dickens tells the harsh story of a family in England. The father is a man despised by the community due to his violent nature and
Short stories
Ray Bradbury: The Veldt
“The Veldt” is a short story by Ray Bradbury set in a future where technology drastically transforms everyday life. The story focuses on the Hadley family and their fully automated home, which is equipped with a virtual reality game room capable of recreating any imagined landscape. The children, Peter and Wendy, are captivated by the game room, especially its simulation of the African savannah, a wild and barren landscape teeming with lions. As George and Lydia, the parents, witness their children’s growing attachment to this incredibly realistic simulation, they begin to question the effects of technology on their family and their children’s mental health. This story explores family dynamics, dependence on technology, and the unforeseen consequences of virtual reality on the human psyche.
Edgar Allan Poe: The Tell-Tale Heart
“The Tell-Tale Heart” is a story by Edgar Allan Poe, published in 1843, that delves into the dark recesses of the human mind. The tale follows a protagonist who insists
Bram Stoker: The Judge’s House
In the short story “The Judge’s House” by Bram Stoker, a college student named Malcolm Malcolmson is looking for a quiet place to study, so he decides to settle in an old, uninhabited house in the village of Benchurch, known as The Judge’s House. The house has imposing Jacobean architecture and a sinister reputation, making it seem perfect for his purposes. Despite the locals’ warnings, Malcolmson begins his routine study but is soon disrupted by strange noises and the appearance of a sinister-looking rat. As unsettling events unfold, Malcolmson realizes that the house conceals dark secrets that threaten his safety.
Ernest Hemingway: Cat in the Rain
Ernest Hemingway’s “Cat in the Rain” is a short story about an American couple vacationing at a hotel in Italy. On a rainy day, the wife observes a small cat
Edgar Allan Poe: The Oval Portrait. Full Story, Summary and Analysis
The Oval Portrait, a short story by Edgar Allan Poe, tells the story of a badly injured man who takes refuge in an abandoned castle with his servant. Intrigued by the numerous paintings in the castle, he discovers an oval portrait of a young woman that appears almost lifelike. Reading a book on the history of the paintings, he learns that the painter of the portrait was obsessed with capturing the essence of his young wife, devoting himself wholeheartedly to the task. The painting and the artist’s story reveal a deep connection between art and life, unveiling the painter’s intense dedication and the consequences of his obsession.