Robert Louis Stevenson: The Bottle Imp
“The Bottle Imp” is a short story by Robert Louis Stevenson published in 1891. It tells the story of Keawe, a Hawaiian man who acquires a magic bottle with an extraordinary power: it can grant its owner any wish. However, the bottle is cursed; whoever dies while in its possession is doomed to hell. The only way to avoid this fate is to sell it for less than what was paid for it. Keawe, seduced by the promises of wealth and happiness, must face the consequences of this dark bargain. As his wishes begin to come true, so does his despair, as the bottle’s curse puts both his future and that of his loved ones at stake.
