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Robert Louis Stevenson: The Body Snatcher

Robert Louis Stevenson: The Body Snatcher

Robert Louis Stevenson’s “The Body Snatcher” tells the story of Fettes, an alcoholic man who spends his nights drinking with his friends. One night, a chance encounter leads Fettes to meet Wolfe Macfarlane, a renowned doctor who has come to treat an important man. The meeting between the two is tense and raises many questions. Fettes’ friends decide to investigate his mysterious past and discover that Fettes was a medical student in Edinburgh. Along with Macfarlane, they were assisting a surgeon known as K., famous for having a constant supply of corpses to teach his students, obtained from unorthodox sources.

Charles Dickens: The Convict’s Return

Charles Dickens: The Convict’s Return

“The Convict’s Return” is a short story by Charles Dickens published in 1837 in The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club. It tells the harsh story of a family in England. The father, Edmunds, is a man despised by the community because of his violent nature and dissolute life. His wife, despite constant abuse, remains devoted to her son, whom she cares for with love and dedication. The boy, growing up in an abusive environment, becomes a rebellious young man, a true reflection of his father. As the years pass, the boy strays from the straight and narrow and falls into disgrace, while his mother, steadfast in her love, tries to support him with faith and sacrifice.

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” is a short story by Saki (H. H. Munro), published in 1914 in the book Beasts and Super-Beasts. In a hot train carriage, a woman tries to keep her three restless nephews entertained. To do so, she tells them a moralistic story that fails miserably, causing boredom and disinterest in the children. Irritated by the commotion, a man also traveling in the car intervenes and tells them his own story: a witty and provocative tale that immediately captures the attention of his impromptu audience.

Mary Shelley: The Trial of Love. Full Story, Summary and Analysis 

Mary Shelley - The Trial of Love

«The Trial of Love» is a story by Mary Shelley, published in 1834. It tells the story of Angeline, a young orphan who lives in a convent and maintains a secret love with Ippolito, a young aristocrat. Both undergo a year’s trial of separation without communicating, promised to Ippolito’s father, to prove the constancy of their feelings. The arrival of Faustina, Angeline’s childhood friend, tests the lovers’ loyalty and destiny.