The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas tells the story of Edmond Dantès, a young sailor falsely accused of treason and imprisoned in the Château d’If. After years of imprisonment, he learns of a hidden treasure on the island of Monte Cristo. Escaping, he assumes the identity of the Count of Monte Cristo and…
Amoretti by Edmund Spenser is a collection of 89 sonnets celebrating the poet’s courtship and eventual marriage to Elizabeth Boyle. Written in the Petrarchan tradition, the sonnets chronicle themes of love, longing, and devotion, blending passionate desire with spiritual reverence. Spenser portrays love as both a trial and a source of transcendent joy, often drawing…
A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare is a whimsical comedy set in Athens and a magical forest. It follows four young lovers and a group of amateur actors who wander into an enchanted wood. There, mischievous fairy Puck and his master, Oberon, the Fairy King, create chaos with a love potion, causing characters to…
When orphaned Pollyanna Whittier comes to live with her stern maiden aunt, the entire town of Beldingsville is affected by the bubbly nature of this lively eleven-year-old. Not only is she perpetually cheerful, she also brightens the lives of everyone she meets.How does Pollyanna manage to be so eternally optimistic? How does she spread her…
“Dracula’s Guest & Other Weird Tales” is a collection of short stories by Bram Stoker, showcasing his talent for horror and the supernatural. The title story, “Dracula’s Guest,” serves as a prelude to Stoker’s famous novel Dracula. It follows an unnamed narrator who travels through a desolate landscape in Transylvania, where he encounters eerie phenomena,…
“Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus,” authored by Mary Shelley, is a Gothic novel that delves into themes of ambition, creation, and the repercussions of scientific progress. The narrative centers around Victor Frankenstein, a highly intelligent yet obsessive scientist who becomes fixated on the quest to discover the mystery of life. Fueled by his ambition, he…
Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley is a Gothic novel that explores themes of creation and responsibility. The story follows Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant scientist who becomes obsessed with discovering the secret to life. After extensive experimentation, he successfully brings a creature to life, but is horrified by its grotesque appearance and abandons…
At the Earth’s Core follows the adventurous tale of David Innes, a young inventor in the early 20th century. Innes discovers a remarkable machine created by his eccentric mentor, Professor Abner Perry, designed to drill deep into the Earth. Eager to explore the planet’s mysteries, Innes convinces Perry to join him on an expedition using…
White Jacket, or The World in a Man-of-War is a novel by Herman Melville, published in 1850. The story follows the experiences of an unnamed sailor aboard the USS Neversink, a warship in the U.S. Navy. The narrative is presented in the form of a first-person account, providing readers with an intimate glimpse into life…
When orphaned Pollyanna Whittier comes to live with her stern maiden aunt, the entire town of Beldingsville is affected by the bubbly nature of this lively eleven-year-old. Not only is she perpetually cheerful, she also brightens the lives of everyone she meets. How does Pollyanna manage to be so eternally optimistic? How does she spread…
