Short stories

Oscar Wilde: The Happy Prince

Oscar Wilde: The Happy Prince

The Happy Prince is a story by Oscar Wilde, published in 1888 in the collection The Happy Prince and Other Tales. The story begins with the imposing statue of the Happy Prince, standing above the city, adorned with gold and precious stones. From his height, he observes the misery of its inhabitants and weeps for them. A little swallow, delayed in its migration, takes refuge under the statue and discovers its sadness. Moved, it decides to help the Prince in his desire to alleviate the suffering of those most in need, initiating a moving story of generosity and sacrifice.

Saki: The Story-Teller

Saki: The Story-Teller

“The Story-Teller,” a story by Hector Hugh Munro (Saki) published in 1914, vividly places us in a train carriage where three children, their aunt, and a man described by the author as a “bachelor” are traveling. Faced with the aunt’s failure to keep the children quiet and frustrated with their restlessness, the man intervenes and tells them a peculiar story to capture their attention.

H. P. Lovecraft: The Outsider

H. P. Lovecraft: The Outsider

H. P. Lovecraft’s “The Outsider” tells the story of a solitary individual who lives alone in a dark, ancient castle, completely disconnected from the outside world and human contact. Driven by fragmented and dark memories, the protagonist lives in overwhelming isolation, surrounded by books and darkness, unaware of his appearance and origin. His longing for the light and the outside world compels him to climb to the top of the castle, where he has a terrifying experience.

W. W. Jacobs: The Monkey’s Paw

W. W. Jacobs - La pata de mono2

“The Monkey’s Paw,” a short story by W. W. Jacobs, is a classic tale of horror and fantasy. It is notable for its tense atmosphere and reflection on the implications of altering destiny. The story revolves around the White family, who receive a mysterious magic talisman as a gift, with the ability to grant three wishes. Despite their skepticism, they decide to use the amulet, which leads to a series of catastrophic events.

Ray Bradbury: The Emissary

Ray Bradbury: The Emissary

Ray Bradbury’s short story “The Emissary” tells the story of Martin Christie, a boy confined to his bed due to illness. Torry, his dog, becomes his connection to the outside world. Martin experiences the changing seasons and the experiences of the outside world through Torry, who also brings him visitors, thanks to a note Martin puts on his collar. One day, Torry disappears without a trace. When Martin has already lost all hope of recovering his friend, something unexpected happens.