Horror | Lecturia

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.

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

“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’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.

Edgar Allan Poe: Ligeia. Full Story, Summary and Analysis

Edgar Allan Poe’s “Ligeia” is a gothic horror story that narrates the protagonist’s intense relationship with a woman of exceptional beauty and intelligence whom he met in a dilapidated town near the Rhine. In their union, they share love, passion, and a deep intellectual respect. Ligeia’s death throws the protagonist into a spiral of decadence … Read more

Edgar Allan Poe: The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar

“The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar,” a short story by Edgar Allan Poe, published in 1845, explores the boundaries of life and death through hypnosis. The story’s protagonist, a hypnotism expert, decides to experiment with Mr. Valdemar, who is on his deathbed. Since Valdemar is seriously ill and has no relatives in America who could object, he voluntarily agrees to the test. The plot unfolds in Valdemar’s room, where the protagonist and other witnesses observe the effects of the hypnotism applied just as Valdemar is about to pass away. Their discoveries are surprising.