Richard Connell

In 'The Wrongdoing of Edwin Dell,' Aunt Charity prepares her nephew for a trip to New York, emphasizing the importance of punctuality and caution, particularly regarding women. The story explores the dynamics of their relationship, revealing Aunt Charity's strict and geometric nature contrasted with Edwin's youthful innocence and naivety.

In Richard Connell's 'Where Is The Tropic Of Capricorn?', young Peter Mullaney dreams of becoming a police officer, embodying the aspirations and innocence of youth. The story captures his fervent desire to attain authority and respect, juxtaposed against the backdrop of a rigorous police training environment.

In 'The Unfamiliar', a mysterious foreign man arrives in Crosby Corners, struggling to communicate his harrowing past. As he is taken in by a local farmer, the story explores themes of identity, belonging, and the harsh realities of rural life. The narrative captures the tension between the unknown and the everyday demands of a farming community.

In 'Terrible Epps,' Richard Connell introduces Tidbury Epps, a meek clerk in a hat company, who navigates his mundane life with a sense of quiet resignation. The story explores themes of ambition and self-awareness through Tidbury's interactions with his more flamboyant employer, Mr. Spingle, highlighting the contrast between their personalities and aspirations.

In 'The Stolen Crime,' the editor of the Evening Tribune reveals the capture of a bank robber, prompting a debate among two men about the nature of crime and the possibility of executing a perfect crime without leaving evidence. The conversation highlights the clash between old-fashioned criminal methods and modern investigative techniques, showcasing the characters' differing perspectives on crime and justice.

In Richard Connell's 'Sssssssssshhhh!', Larry Carraway embarks on a spontaneous journey away from his life as a star reporter in New York, seeking adventure and change. His encounter with a mysterious stranger at a train stop in Billup, Ohio, sets the stage for a narrative filled with curiosity and impulsiveness.

In 'Son of a Sloganeer', Mr. Bowser, a high-powered executive, epitomizes the world of advertising with his obsession for crafting catchy slogans and efficient communication. His unique approach to language reflects a satirical take on corporate culture and the relentless pursuit of productivity, showcasing the absurdities of modern business practices.

In 'The Sin of Monsieur Pettipon', Richard Connell introduces us to M. Alphonse Marie Louis Camille Pettipon, a steward aboard the liner Voltaire, who approaches his cleaning duties with the passion and artistry of a poet. His meticulous attention to detail and love for his work reveal a character who finds joy in the smallest tasks, elevating the mundane to the level of art.

In a courtroom setting, William Felton faces charges stemming from an incident at a movie theater, where he is accused of kissing a woman against her will. The narrative unfolds through the questioning of witnesses, particularly focusing on the testimony of Miss Elsa Keck, a waitress who provides her account of the events leading to Felton's arrest.

In 'A Reputation,' Richard Connell explores the life of Saunders Rook, a man who exists on the periphery of social circles, unnoticed and unremarkable. Despite his frequent presence at the Heterogeneous Club, he remains an enigma to its members, highlighting themes of identity and the human tendency to overlook those who do not conform to societal expectations.

In 'The Prince Has the Mumps,' young Prince Ernest grapples with the discomfort of his illness while reflecting on his identity and the nature of royalty. Despite his mumps, he remains content with his princely life, embodying the expectations and privileges of his status. The story humorously explores themes of nobility and self-awareness through the lens of a young prince's mundane struggle.

In 'Mr. Braddy’s Bottle,' Mr. William Lum presents a rare and ancient bottle of liquor to Mr. Hugh Braddy, a teetotaler who discovers the treasure in his cellar. The story humorously explores themes of envy and the peculiarities of human nature as Braddy takes pride in his find while Lum expresses a mix of admiration and regret for not being able to enjoy it.

In Richard Connell's 'The Law’s an Ass', a lawyer named Fleer commits a calculated murder to secure a fortune, displaying a chilling detachment from his crime. As he contemplates his newfound wealth, he remains unfazed by the moral implications of his actions, reflecting on the absurdity of the law. This story explores themes of greed, morality, and the human psyche's capacity for rationalization.

In 'The Law Beaters', two men engage in a cynical discussion about the law while consuming a questionable alcoholic beverage. Their conversation reveals a darkly humorous perspective on legality and morality, suggesting that everyone bends the rules in a flawed system.

The story follows Ugobeecheebuggocheebe, a young Flatfoot Indian boy, who is renamed George Washington Ug by his teacher in an attempt to civilize him. Despite the teacher's efforts, Ug remains steadfast in his identity and refuses to accept any other name, symbolizing the clash between indigenous culture and imposed Western values.

In 'A House in the Country', the protagonist encounters an old acquaintance, Hosmer Appleby, who humorously expresses his disdain for revolving doors after a comical mishap. Their conversation reveals Appleby's quirky personality and sets the stage for a deeper exploration of choices in domestic life. The story blends humor with a subtle critique of societal norms.

In 'Honor Among Sportsmen', a group of Montpont's leading citizens embarks on a leisurely Sunday truffle hunt, highlighting the cultural significance of this unique sport in the Perigord region of France. The narrative explores the blend of tradition and community spirit as the townsfolk engage in this beloved pastime, emphasizing the importance of the trained pigs in the hunt.

In Richard Connell's 'A Friend of Napoleon', the protagonist, Papa Chibou, finds joy in his unconventional role as a night watchman at a wax museum, where he interacts with historical figures and revels in the adventure of his nightly duties. The story explores themes of romance and adventure through Chibou's unique perspective on life, blurring the lines between reality and the fantastical world of wax figures.

The story follows Gilbert Benner, a reliable and community-oriented man whose daily routines are a source of comfort for his neighbors. Known for his generosity, he selflessly gives away the turkeys he receives from his employer each Christmas, embodying the spirit of neighborliness and kindness in his small community.

In 'The Battle of Washington Square,' Richard Connell introduces Joey Pell, a young boy grappling with poverty and fear in a bustling urban environment. His life revolves around the daily struggle for survival, marked by a lack of familial support and a timid disposition, as he navigates the complexities of his existence in a stable that offers warmth but also confronts his fears.

In 'The $25,000 Jaw', Richard Connell explores the dynamics of power and intimidation in a corporate setting, focusing on the tense interactions between Croly Addicks and his superior, Cowdin. The story captures the essence of workplace hierarchy and personal insecurity through sharp dialogue and vivid character portrayals.

The story follows Hervey Deyo, a young man who has taken life too seriously until he realizes the importance of lightheartedness. As a dedicated ornithologist, he has achieved early fame through his scientific pursuits, but his journey reveals a deeper exploration of life beyond his rigid ambitions.

In 'The Most Dangerous Game,' two big-game hunters, Rainsford and Whitney, discuss the ominous reputation of Ship-Trap Island as they sail through the Caribbean. The story explores themes of hunting, fear, and the blurred lines between predator and prey, culminating in a deadly game that challenges Rainsford's beliefs about the nature of hunting.