The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde tells the story of a young man, Dorian Gray, who becomes obsessed with his own beauty. After artist Basil Hallward paints his portrait, Dorian wishes to remain youthful forever, while the painting ages in his place. Influenced by Lord Henry Wotton’s hedonistic philosophies, Dorian pursues a life…
Bleak House follows the intertwined lives of several characters as they navigate the labyrinthine English legal system, particularly the interminable case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce. The story is narrated by Esther Summerson, a kind-hearted orphan raised by a cold guardian. The case, which has dragged on for generations, symbolizes the corruption and inefficiency of the…
“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…
The Wolf-Leader is a novel by Alexandre Dumas, set in a small village in France. The story follows Thibault, a shoemaker who becomes bitter after being wronged by the local nobility, particularly the Baron of Vez. One day, while venting his frustrations in the forest, Thibault encounters a giant black wolf who can speak. In…
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…
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne is set in 17th-century Puritan Massachusetts and explores themes of sin, guilt, and redemption. The novel begins with Hester Prynne, a young woman who is publicly shamed for committing adultery. As punishment, she is forced to wear a scarlet letter “A” on her chest, symbolizing her sin and ostracizing…
