Drama

In 'The Leopard Man’s Story,' Jack London explores the life of a performer who tames wild animals, revealing a deep-seated melancholy beneath his thrilling career. Despite his scars and experiences, the Leopard Man perceives his life as monotonous, lacking the romance and excitement that others might attribute to it.

In 'The Sniper' by Liam O’Flaherty, a Republican sniper in Dublin during the civil war faces the dangers of war while grappling with hunger and the threat of enemy fire. The story captures the tension and moral complexities of conflict, highlighting the psychological toll on those involved.

In 'Steelman’s Pupil', a rough and tough character named Steelman attempts to teach the inept and cowardly Smith the ways of survival in the harsh environment of Maoriland. Their contrasting personalities highlight the struggle between strength and weakness, as Steelman grows increasingly frustrated with Smith's inability to learn and adapt.

In 'A Vendetta,' a widow vows revenge after her son is brutally murdered by a neighbor. Set against the backdrop of a desolate coastal town, the story explores themes of grief and vengeance as the mother prepares to take justice into her own hands.

In 'The Veteran,' Stephen Crane explores the complexities of fear and heroism through the recollections of an old soldier, Mr. Fleming, who candidly admits his fears during battle. The story juxtaposes the admiration of the townsfolk with the veteran's honest vulnerability, revealing the often unspoken emotional struggles of those who have faced war.

In 'Payable Gold', Henry Lawson tells the story of Peter McKenzie, an old digger who, driven by the relentless gold fever, mortgages his home to seek fortune in New South Wales. As he navigates the challenges of mining life, his unwavering hope and commitment to his family shine through, despite the loneliness and risks he faces.

In the aftermath of a brutal battle, the grim reality of war is laid bare as the wounded are neglected and the dead are hastily buried. The story captures the chaos and indifference of military protocol, highlighting the stark contrast between the victors and the fallen. Through vivid imagery, Bierce explores the harrowing consequences of conflict and the fleeting nature of life amidst war.

In 'Beyond the Door,' a man presents his wife with a cuckoo clock, triggering a complex emotional response that reveals deeper issues in their relationship. As she clings to the clock, memories of her past surface, highlighting themes of dissatisfaction and longing. The story explores the nuances of human connection and the weight of unfulfilled desires.

In O. Henry's poignant tale, 'The Last Leaf,' two young artists, Sue and Johnsy, navigate the harsh realities of life and illness in Greenwich Village. As Johnsy succumbs to pneumonia, her hope wanes, but the selfless act of an elderly neighbor brings a profound message about sacrifice and the will to live.

In 'My Uncle Jules', Guy de Maupassant explores themes of poverty and familial struggles through the recollections of a narrator reflecting on his childhood. The story reveals the emotional toll of financial hardship on family dynamics, particularly through the lens of a father's silent suffering and a mother's harshness.

In Ambrose Bierce's 'A Horseman in the Sky,' a soldier lies asleep at his post during the Civil War, oblivious to the dire consequences of his negligence. The story unfolds against a backdrop of a steep cliff and a wooded valley, highlighting the tension between duty and the allure of nature. This poignant narrative explores themes of responsibility, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of war.

In 'A Son of the Gods,' Ambrose Bierce captures the tense atmosphere of a military advance as soldiers navigate the eerie remnants of a battlefield. The narrative explores themes of war, the unfamiliarity of the enemy, and the haunting memories of conflict, all set against a backdrop of a sunny yet foreboding landscape.

In 'A Retrieved Reformation', O. Henry tells the story of Jimmy Valentine, a safecracker who is released from prison and attempts to start anew. However, his past catches up with him when he faces a moral dilemma that tests his reformation. The narrative explores themes of redemption, identity, and the struggle between one's past and future.

In 'Anathema', the story revolves around Father Olympy, an archdeacon with a powerful voice, and his stern, hysterical wife. The narrative explores themes of fear, power dynamics in marriage, and the struggles of public performance, set against the backdrop of a church filled with ancient beauty.

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.

The Bush-Fire tells the story of Wall, a squatter facing the hardships of drought, rabbit infestations, and the loss of his wife, leading to a strained relationship with his children. As selectors begin to encroach on his land, Wall reflects on the changes in his life and the land he once managed with pride, highlighting the struggles between squatters and selectors in rural Australia.

In 'A Thousand Deaths', the protagonist reflects on a life of privilege and subsequent disownment, leading to a desperate struggle for survival in San Francisco Bay. As he grapples with physical agony and the weight of his past choices, the story explores themes of identity, loss, and the consequences of one's actions.

In 'No Place for a Woman', Henry Lawson explores the solitary life of Ratty Howlett, a bushman who lives in isolation and yearns for human connection through conversations with passing travelers. The story captures the essence of loneliness and the desire for companionship in the vast Australian outback.

In 'Man from the South,' a seemingly tranquil evening by the swimming pool turns into a tense encounter when an old man proposes a high-stakes bet involving a lighter and a finger. The story explores themes of risk, chance, and the unpredictable nature of human behavior.

In 'Prehistoric,' Bhikur endures the harrowing aftermath of a failed robbery, grappling with severe injuries and the relentless torment of nature. As he battles pain, hunger, and isolation, his thoughts oscillate between survival and resentment towards his companion Pehlad, highlighting the struggle for existence in a harsh environment.

In 'Into Egypt', Stephen Vincent Benét explores the chilling finality of a state-sanctioned expulsion, reflecting on the dehumanization of individuals through bureaucratic processes and the historical implications of mass displacement. The narrative captures the tension between official narratives and the grim reality of loss, as a community is erased from existence under the guise of victory.

In 'The Well' by W. W. Jacobs, two men engage in a conversation about life, relationships, and the impending marriage of one of them. The dialogue reveals their contrasting views on love and fortune, highlighting the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations.

In 'The Purple Pileus,' Mr. Coombes, disillusioned with his life and the company of others, escapes to the woods seeking solitude. His frustrations with his wife's friend, Jennie, and the chaos of his domestic life lead him to a breaking point, reflecting themes of isolation and societal discontent.

In a dimly lit mansion, a woman searches for her lost book of verse, only to encounter an intruder holding a revolver. The tension escalates as she grapples with the unexpected presence of the man, revealing themes of danger and vulnerability.

In 'Beware of the Dog', a pilot flying a Spitfire experiences a surreal detachment from his injuries as he contemplates the absurdity of his situation. Despite losing a leg in battle, he maintains a sense of humor and calm, envisioning a lighthearted reunion with his comrades upon landing. The story explores themes of war, injury, and the human psyche's response to trauma.

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 'Three Thanksgivings,' Mrs. Morrison contemplates letters from her son Andrew and daughter Jean, both urging her to join them for Thanksgiving. The story explores themes of family, obligation, and the emotional complexities of aging as Mrs. Morrison weighs her options between independence and familial support.

In 'A Blackjack Bargainer,' O. Henry paints a vivid picture of Yancey Goree, a broken man reflecting on his past as he sits in his law office, ostracized by former friends who have stripped him of his dignity and fortune. The story captures the themes of loss, addiction, and the haunting memories of a once-respected life, set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge mountains.

In a household governed by strict moral codes, a young girl named Helen Lester struggles with the weight of honesty when she confesses to telling a lie. The reaction of her family, particularly her stern aunts, reveals the profound impact of truth and deception within their seemingly perfect world. This moment of vulnerability shatters the tranquility of their lives, leading to a dramatic confrontation with their values.

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 'A Piece of Steak', Tom King, a weary and hungry former prize-fighter, reflects on his struggles as he faces the harsh realities of poverty and familial responsibilities. The story poignantly captures the weight of his physical and emotional burdens, revealing the stark contrast between his past glory in the ring and his present state of despair.

In 'Youth', two young boys, Slim and Red, share a moment of innocent friendship as they explore the beauty of the early morning together. Their playful banter and the serene setting highlight the carefree nature of childhood before the complexities of adulthood set in.

In a quaint New Jersey village, two elderly men, Thomas Rooper and Asaph Scantle, engage in a conversation under a chestnut tree, reflecting on life and the notion of marrying wealth. Their contrasting appearances and perspectives highlight themes of social status and friendship, as they share a moment of camaraderie over their pipes.