1. The Last Leaf by
O. Henry
Content:
The story revolves around two young women, Sue and Johnsy, who live in New York
City. Johnsy falls seriously ill with pneumonia and becomes despondent,
believing she will die when the last leaf falls from a vine outside her window.
An elderly artist named Behrman, who lives in the same building, paints a leaf
on the wall to give Johnsy hope, ultimately sacrificing his own life to save
hers.
Objective:
To explore themes of self sacrifice, hope, and the power of art. The story
highlights the impact of compassion and the human spirit's resilience.
2. The Romance of a
Busy Broker by O. Henry
Content:
This humorous story follows a busy broker who is so engrossed in his work that
he forgets the little joys of life. When he encounters a charming woman and
falls in love, he realizes the importance of balancing work and personal
happiness.
Objective:
To illustrate the theme of finding balance between professional
responsibilities and personal relationships, emphasizing the value of human
connections.
3. The Last Lesson by
Alphonse Daudet
Content:
Set during the Franco Prussian War, the story describes a young boy named Franz
who attends his last French lesson before the Germans take over. The story
reflects on themes of patriotism, loss, and regret as Franz realizes the
significance of his native language and culture.
Objective:
To convey the impact of historical events on personal and cultural identity,
emphasizing the importance of cherishing one's heritage and education.
4. The Bet by Anton
Chekhov
Content:
This story centers around a bet made between a banker and a young lawyer about
whether life imprisonment is better than the death penalty. The lawyer agrees
to spend fifteen years in solitary confinement to win the bet. In the end, the
lawyer renounces the bet, having gained profound insights into life and human
nature.
Objective:
To explore themes of human nature, the value of life, and the consequences of
extreme decisions. It challenges the reader to reflect on the true meaning of
freedom and personal growth.
5. The Eyes Have It
by Ruskin Bond
Content:
The story is about a blind girl and a young man who travel together on a train.
The young man, who pretends to be blind, is fascinated by the girl’s story and
her ability to navigate the world without sight. The story ends with a
revelation about the girl's true nature and the deceptive perceptions of the
narrator.
Objective:
To examine themes of perception, deception, and the true nature of human
connections. It encourages readers to question their assumptions and appreciate
the depth of others' experiences.
6. The Story of an
Hour by Kate Chopin
Content:
This short story focuses on Louise Mallard, a woman who experiences a range of
emotions upon hearing of her husband's death. As she contemplates her newfound
freedom, she is unexpectedly confronted with the reality of her husband's
return. The story explores themes of freedom, identity, and the constraints of
marriage.
Objective:
To explore the complexities of personal freedom and the societal expectations
placed on women. The story emphasizes the contrast between personal desires and
social roles.
7. The Monkey's Paw
by W.W. Jacobs
Content:
This horror story follows the White family, who come into possession of a
magical monkey’s paw that grants three wishes. The family's wishes lead to
disastrous consequences, illustrating the themes of fate, consequence, and the dangers
of tampering with destiny.
Objective:
To explore themes of greed, the supernatural, and the unforeseen consequences
of human desires. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the limits of
human control over fate.
8. The Darkling Thrush
by Thomas Hardy
Content:
The poem reflects on the speaker's sense of despair and the bleakness of the
winter landscape. However, the song of a thrush amidst the desolation brings a
glimmer of hope and a sense of renewal.
Objective:
To convey themes of hope, renewal, and the contrast between despair and the
promise of change. The poem uses imagery and symbolism to explore the idea of
finding light in darkness.
9. Ode to the West
Wind by Percy Bysshe Shelley
Content: This ode addresses the West
Wind as a powerful and transformative force of nature. Shelley invokes the wind
as a symbol of change and inspiration, expressing his desire to be uplifted and
revitalized by its power.
Objective:
To explore themes of nature's power, transformation, and the relationship
between the natural world and human creativity. The poem reflects the Romantic
ideal of nature as a source of inspiration and renewal.
10. Daffodils by
William Wordsworth
Content:
Wordsworth describes his encounter with a field of daffodils, which fills him
with a sense of joy and tranquility. The memory of the flowers provides him
with lasting happiness and inspiration.
Objective:
To highlight the theme of the restorative power of nature and the lasting
impact of natural beauty on the human spirit. The poem emphasizes the Romantic
ideal of finding solace and inspiration in nature.
11. A Psalm of Life
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Content:
This poem encourages readers to live life to the fullest and make the most of
their time on earth. Longfellow emphasizes the importance of action, courage,
and leaving a positive legacy.
Objective:
To inspire readers to live purposefully and actively engage in making a
meaningful contribution to life. The poem promotes the values of determination
and perseverance.
12. The Bangle
Sellers by Sarojini Naidu
Content:
The poem describes the colorful bangles sold by a vendor and the significance
of these bangles in the lives of women at various stages of life. Naidu uses
vivid imagery to portray the cultural and emotional value of the bangles.
Objective:
To explore themes of tradition, femininity, and the passage of time. The poem
reflects on the cultural significance of adornments and their role in women's
lives.
13. The Ballad of
Father Gilligan by W.B. Yeats
Content:
This ballad tells the story of Father Gilligan, a priest who is exhausted from
his duties and falls asleep while tending to the sick. He is miraculously
helped by an angel, who ensures that the dying parishioners receive their final
rites.
Objective:
To explore themes of divine intervention, human frailty, and the idea of
spiritual support in times of need. The ballad highlights the theme of faith
and the concept of a higher power providing guidance and assistance.
14. Julius Caesar by
William Shakespeare
Content:
This tragedy depicts the political intrigue surrounding Julius Caesar’s rise to
power and his subsequent assassination. The play explores themes of ambition,
betrayal, and the consequences of political actions.
Objective:
To analyze the complex character dynamics and political themes in Shakespeare’s
play. The drama offers insights into the nature of power, loyalty, and the
impact of individual decisions on historical events.