Ririro.com - Short Stories

Set in Rome, Politian is a dramatic tale of passion, betrayal, and revenge. Alessandra is betrothed to Count Castiglione, who appears emotionally distant and tormented. Meanwhile, Lalage, a woman scorned and ruined by Castiglione, is consumed by sorrow and social disgrace. As her despair deepens, she contemplates revenge and finds an ally in the brooding English nobleman, Earl Politian. Haunted by Lalage's sorrow and driven by love, Politian vows to avenge her by challenging Castiglione. Despite Castiglione’s refusal to fight, citing guilt and fear, Politian relentlessly pursues vengeance. The emotional climax unfolds as the characters confront guilt, social ruin, an...

The text is a detailed letter critical of contemporary poets and critiques surrounding poetry, focusing on themes like the value of audience opinion, authenticity in criticism, and the true purpose of poetry. It highlights the struggle of American writers against the established European literary tradition and debates the validity of self-assessment by poets themselves. The author expresses skepticism towards the critical and philosophical positions of poets Wordsworth and Coleridge, suggesting that poetry should incite passion rather than be subject to metaphysical dissection. The text argues that poetry’s goal should be to provide pleasure, not merely to instruct, and criticizes th...

The discussed text is a critique of old English poetry, emphasizing how much of its appreciation arises from the antique nature rather than intrinsic poetic quality. It points out the misinterpretation of metaphysical poetry, highlighting that some poets prioritized moral teaching through artifice, unlike others who infused poetic sentiment through natural channels. The critique assesses an anthology of English poetry, noting how some selections fail to capture the true beauty of the era's poetic style. It contrasts the seemingly elaborate compliments with genuine poetic sentiment present in works like 'The Shepherd's Hunting' and 'Maiden Lamenting for Her Fawn'. The latter...

The narrative satirically chronicles the ambition and rise of Thingum Bob, who aspires to the literary world after being inspired by an impromptu poem while working in his father’s barber shop. Thingum's journey involves attempting to publish pilfered verses under a pseudonym, facing harsh criticism and ridicule from various magazines, and finally composing an original poem that receives favorable attention from influential publications. As his career progresses, Thingum navigates the competitive world of literary journalism, using cunning strategies and alliances, like aligning with the influential editor Mr. Crab, to expand his influence and power amongst periodicals. Eventually, Thingum consolidates se...

This story is a humorous tale of a young man's attempt to win the approval of his stubborn and eccentric grand-uncle Rumgudgeon for his marriage to Kate. The grand-uncle, known for his contradictory nature and fondness for the literal interpretation of conditions, agrees to the marriage only when three Sundays come together in a week. The clever young couple, with the help of two naval acquaintances, ingeniously play on the technicalities of global time zone differences to fulfill the seemingly impossible condition by proving that, due to their travels, three Sundays can indeed fall within the same week. This logical...

In The Spectacles, Edgar Allan Poe spins a farcical tale of romantic folly in which a vain young man, refusing to wear glasses despite poor eyesight, falls instantly in love with a beautiful widow glimpsed at the opera. Determined to win her without delay, he pursues her with passionate letters and an impetuous proposal, only to discover—after their supposed wedding—that she is in fact his own great-great-grandmother in elaborate disguise. The ruse, concocted to punish his vanity and hastiness, ends with a surprising twist: the marriage was a sham, and he is instead paired with her young, lovely rela...

This text is a dark and surreal tale following two seamen, Legs and Hugh Tarpaulin, during their escapades in plague-ridden London. In a drunken stupor, the duo ventures into forbidden areas marked by the pestilence and ultimately stumbles into a macabre gathering led by King Pest and his peculiar court. The setting is bizarre, featuring characters adorned in funeral attire, seated around a table with skulls as drinking vessels, amidst an undertaker's shop filled with death-themed decor. The tale explores themes of mortality, revelry amidst decay, and characterizes the disease-stricken city as both a place of dread and morbid humor...

The story is about the narrator's encounter with Mr. Augustus Bedloe, a young man of mysterious origins and peculiar physical traits, who becomes the subject of fascination and curiosity. Bedloe, who is under the care of Dr. Templeton, a physician practiced in magnetic remedies, is subject to neuralgic attacks and uses morphine habitually. During one of his solitary excursions into the Ragged Mountains, Bedloe experiences a vivid and intense vision or dream in which he seems to be transported to an Eastern city resembling Benares, where he witnesses and participates in historical events from the late 18th century. His experience...

The story discusses the essence of poetry and the 'Poetic Principle,' emphasizing that true poetry elevates the soul through beauty and emotional resonance, rather than through length or didactic purposes. It challenges the notion that longer poems hold more merit and criticizes the perspective that poetry should convey morals or truths. Instead, poetry is celebrated as an art form dedicated to the creation and appreciation of beauty, with its value resting in the emotions evoked rather than the lessons it imparts. The narrative supports the idea that poetry should be free of unnecessary moralizing, and its highest aim should...

The narrative unfolds with the protagonist being invited by Doctor Ponnonner to witness the examination of an ancient Egyptian mummy, which they find remarkably well-preserved. After a hearty supper that induces sleepiness, the protagonist receives a note that prompts immediate action. During the examination, they decide to apply electricity to the mummy, resulting in a surprising revival of the ancient being named Allamistakeo. This mummy, unexpectedly articulate and alive due to a unique embalming process, engages in conversations about ancient vs. modern science, cultural practices, and historical misunderstandings, humorously revealing the scientists' assumptions about the ancient civilization as flawed. The...

The narrative revolves around Pierre Bon-Bon, a French restaurateur and self-proclaimed philosopher, whose life takes an unexpected turn on a stormy night. Known for his culinary skills as well as his philosophical musings, Bon-Bon embodies a blend of the gastronomical and the intellectual. The story takes a whimsical twist when Bon-Bon encounters the Devil, who appears intrigued by Bon-Bon's perspectives on the soul and offers a humorous negotiation for it. Bon-Bon's interaction with this supernatural visitor explores themes of vanity, wit, and the absurdity inherent in human nature's quest for understanding and meaning. Through witty dialogues and surreal interactions, the...

The story revolves around Sir Patrick O'Grandison, a flamboyant and self-assured character who arrives in London, making quite the impression on his neighbor, the widow Mrs. Tracle. His narrative is filled with confident declarations, and he considers himself the epitome of charm and sophistication. As Sir Patrick attempts to court Mrs. Tracle, he encounters his rival, a diminutive Frenchman referred to as Mounseer Maiter-di-dauns. The tale is humorously narrated in a heavy Irish dialect, emphasizing Sir Patrick's exaggerated self-importance and the comic rivalry between him and the Frenchman for Mrs. Tracle's affection. The rivalry culminates in a comedic mishap during...

The narrative revolves around the mysterious disappearance and presumed murder of Mr. Barnabas Shuttleworthy, a respected and wealthy citizen of Rattleborough. His bosom friend, Charley Goodfellow, leads the search for Shuttleworthy and cleverly incriminates the nephew, Pennifeather, who stands to inherit his uncle's wealth. Through various planted evidence and Goodfellow's manipulations, Pennifeather is arrested and wrongfully accused of murder. However, during a celebratory gathering hosted by Goodfellow, a shocking turn occurs when the supposedly dead Shuttleworthy's corpse is discovered in a wine box, orchestrated by a character who had suspected Goodfellow's treachery. This revelation is facilitated by a mockery of...

The narrative revolves around an unnamed protagonist who observes the bustling streets of London from a coffee-house window, becoming particularly fixated on a strange, decrepit old man with a unique and captivating expression. With curiosity piqued by the mysterious aura of the old man, the protagonist decides to follow him through the crowded and diverse districts of the city. The journey unfolds through various settings—from busy thoroughfares and squares teeming with people, to dim, impoverished areas, illustrating the vivid panorama of London's diverse society. Throughout this pursuit, the protagonist becomes increasingly engrossed in the man’s enigmatic nature, reflecting on t...

The narrative revolves around a king known for his penchant for cruel jokes and his court jester, Hop-Frog, who is a dwarf and a cripple. Hop-Frog, despite his physical challenges, is intelligent and capable, utilizing his creativity in service to the king's court, especially during events like masquerades. After enduring mockery and having his friend Trippetta humiliated by the king, Hop-Frog devises a cunning plan for revenge. He orchestrates a masquerade performance where the king and his ministers dress as chained orangutans, believing it to be a harmless prank. However, Hop-Frog's plan culminates in fiery retribution, resulting in their deaths...

The story explores the theme of perception and the power of superstition during a time of crisis, set against the backdrop of a cholera epidemic in New York. A man, staying with a relative at a cottage by the Hudson River, becomes consumed by fear and paranoia, believing he has witnessed an ominous sign in the form of a monstrous, fantastical creature. This creature appears to him as a terrifying, enormous beast shaped like a ship with deathly features. The protagonist’s apprehension is exacerbated by his readings on superstition and omens, leading to heated debates with his host, who re...

This story follows a group of three Gizbarim, or sub-collectors of offerings, named Simeon, Abel-Phittim, and Buzi-Ben-Levi, who are in the holy city of Jerusalem during the siege by Roman general Pompey. They engage in a transaction with the besieging Romans, involving the exchange of silver shekels for sacrificial lambs expected for the altar rituals of their faith. As they make their way to the ramparts, the Jews anticipate the exchange, wary of the Romans’ reputation for fickleness and betrayal. Upon lowering their basket for goods and later pulling it back, they are shocked to discover a pig rather than th...

The narrative explores the nuances of interior decoration and critiques the varying tastes and philosophies across different cultures. It highlights how decor reflects societal values, noting the English preference for balanced aesthetics, while contrasting with the American proclivity for ostentatious displays of wealth driven by a lack of aristocratic tradition. The text scrutinizes the misuse of elements like mirrors, glass, and light, arguing that American interiors often fall into the trap of confusing extravagance with beauty. It emphasizes the importance of harmony in design, pointing out common errors like excessive glitter, poor color choices, and the overcrowding of reflective surfaces...

This narrative is about an educated and contemplative traveler who becomes estranged from his family and country, setting off on a sea voyage that soon turns into a harrowing adventure. Departing from Batavia, he encounters a violent storm that leaves him and an old Swede as the sole survivors on a ship devastated by the tempest. They are sucked into a monstrous whirlpool and, against all odds, find themselves aboard a second, supernatural ship with an ancient crew untouched by time and seemingly indifferent to his presence. The ship is drawn inexorably towards the South Pole, passing through surreal landscapes...

This story revolves around a man whose profound and inexplicable bond with his wife, Morella, becomes a study in both love and dread. Morella is deeply invested in mystical and philosophical studies, particularly those concerning personal identity and existential themes, which she passionately shares with her husband. Over time, the husband's infatuation turns to horror as Morella's enigmatic nature entrances and unsettles him. As Morella's health declines, she foretells that their child will live after her death, which comes to pass. The daughter grows into an uncanny reflection of Morella, possessing her mother's intellect and appearance. This resemblance fills the...

This narrative is a rich, gothic tale exploring themes of memory, love, and the supernatural. The story follows the narrator's intense affection for his first wife, Ligeia, who is portrayed as an enigmatic and learned woman with an inexplicable beauty and willpower that defies the narrator's understanding. Her eventual death leaves him desolate, leading to a second marriage to Lady Rowena, a relationship marked by detachment and increasing torment. The newly acquired, opulent abbey sets a haunting background, reflecting the narrator's descent into opium-fueled madness. Tragedy strikes as Rowena falls gravely ill, amidst mysterious and ghostly occurrences. The narrator becomes...

The story revolves around the Dutch borough of Vondervotteimittiss, a place famed for its timeless tranquility and precision in timekeeping. Dressed in quintessentially uniform attire, its inhabitants, and even its architecture, reflect an unwavering commitment to clocks and cabbages, symbolizing order and consistency. However, this serene life is thrown into chaos by the arrival of a peculiar foreign man, characterized by his strange attire and a disruptive behavior towards the town's orderliness, notably causing the central clock to strike thirteen—a phenomenon previously unheard of. This unforeseen event triggers pandemonium in the town as both animate and inanimate objects react wi...

This tale revolves around the life of Robert Jones, who becomes peculiarly obsessed with the science of noses, or Nosology, from a young age. As a self-proclaimed expert on the subject, he aspires to elevate his status in society by leveraging his notable nose, eventually publishing a pamphlet that garners attention and acclaim. As his obsession with his nose dominates his actions and identity, he encounters a variety of intellectuals and aristocrats who praise his supposed brilliance. However, his social ascendancy takes a turn when he becomes embroiled in a duel, inadvertently elevating his opponent when he diminishes his esteem...

This whimsical narrative revolves around Mr. Touch-and-go Bullet-head, an editor from the East known for his irascibility, who relocates to the city of Alexander-the-Great-o-nopolis hoping to start his own newspaper, The Tea-Pot, with no competition. However, he unexpectedly finds himself in a rivalry with Mr. John Smith, who publishes the Alexander-the-Great-o-nopolis Gazette. The tale escalates into a comical feud as Bullet-head's first editorial viciously criticizes Smith and is reciprocated with derision regarding Bullet-head's writing style, particularly his overuse of the letter 'O'. Determined to prove his prowess, Bullet-head concocts a paragraph devoid of any 'O's, only to have the letter...

Set in Hungary, this haunting tale delves into themes of rivalry, destiny, and supernatural retribution. It centers on the ancient and bitter feud between the illustrious families of Metzengerstein and Berlifitzing, which has lasted for generations, fueled by an ominous prophecy. The young Baron Frederick von Metzengerstein, upon inheriting his vast estates, becomes entangled in a series of dark and mysterious events after a devastating fire at the rival family's stables. He acquires a fiery, supernatural horse that seems connected to the Berlifitzing family, embodying the suspicion that the steed may symbolize the spirit of vengeance. As Frederick's obsession with...

This story encompasses a visit to a private madhouse in France during the autumn of the 18th century by a curious traveler. The narrative follows the visitor's experience as he explores the establishment, known for employing a peculiar system of soothing where patients are left with more liberty under discreet supervision and encouraged in their delusions. During the tour, the seeming normalcy turns unsettling, culminating in a bewildering dinner event filled with bizarre decorum and character eccentricities, revealing an odd juxtaposition between the sophistication portrayed and the underlying madness. The story comes to a climax with a chaotic revelation—previously in...

This lengthy tale humorously follows the Signora Psyche Zenobia, who, aspiring to write a sensational article for a prestigious magazine, offers a satirical portrayal of the literary world and its pretensions. As the story unfolds, Zenobia strives to incorporate writing tips from the magazine's editor, Mr. Blackwood, who instructs her on crafting a genuine piece of intense, exaggerated writing. He emphasizes the need for dramatic experiences and intellectual pretentiousness, advising Zenobia to employ unusual vocabulary, extensive quotes in various languages, and extravagant similes to intrigue readers. Despite Blackwood's comically absurd suggestions, Zenobia eagerly sets out in search of ridiculous misadventures...

The narrative is a surreal and darkly comedic story that follows Signora Psyche Zenobia on a bizarre and tragic journey through the city of Edina, accompanied by her faithful companions, a poodle named Diana and a person named Pompey. The adventure unfolds with Zenobia's impulsive decision to ascend the steeple of a grand cathedral, leading to a series of unfortunate events culminating with her head being trapped by the clock's minute hand, eventually leading to her decapitation. Stuck in a bewildering state of existence, she reflects on the peculiar situation and her companions' actions as her head and body seemingly...

This narrative revolves around the enigmatic Baron Ritzner von Jung, a Hungarian noble with a penchant for mystification, who captivates a university community with his indistinct yet pervasive influence. The story details how the Baron, through his intricate antics, subtly manipulates perceptions and social dynamics, transforming the university into a place of whimsy and unresolvable confusion. Central to the tale is an incident involving a heated debate about dueling etiquette between Ritzner and a fellow student named Hermann, who prides himself on his understanding of such matters. The Baron engages in a calculated and elaborate ruse, utilizing a nonsensical book...

This narrative humorously explores the concept of diddling, a term used to describe the art of swindling or trickery. It delves into the nature and characteristics of a diddler, painting them as audacious, ingenious, and often impertinent individuals who specialize in deceitful practices for personal gain. The story provides various anecdotal examples of such trickery, ranging from selling non-existent furniture to exploiting the naivety of others for monetary benefits. These examples serve to illustrate how easily people can be deceived by those who excel in the art of the diddle. Ultimately, the narrative presents diddling as an intrinsic human behavior...

The story centers around a rather skeptical narrator who, after reading about an improbable accident in a newspaper, vehemently dismisses all such odd occurrences as mere fabrications. His skepticism is soon challenged by the peculiar arrival of the Angel of the Odd, an outlandish character who claims responsibility for the odd mishaps that defy logic. As the narrative unfolds, the protagonist is subjected to a series of bizarre accidents, each more outlandish than the last, orchestrated by the Angel. From a failed attempt at attending an important meeting due to a disrupted clock, to a disastrous romantic venture, and culminating...

This whimsical narrative presents a fantastical letter written from a future where balloon travel is commonplace and society operates under vastly different norms. The narrator humorously critiques modern science and philosophical advancements, contrasting them with the supposed primitive nature of human civilization in the past. Through satire, the letter delves into imagined discoveries about antiquities, revealing insights about ancient democracies, republicanism, and technological progress through the lens of future societies. This playful exploration of the past versus future invites readers to reflect on the trajectories of human achievement and ridicule our current era's conceit in assuming our philosophies will be...

The story centers around the whimsical and surreal misadventures of the Duc De L'Omelette, a character who finds himself in an extravagant and otherworldly setting after his untimely demise. Following a lavish lifestyle, the Duc dies from sheer disgust at the lack of accompanying paper with his meal of bird, an ortolan, only to awaken in the presence of the devil. In an opulent yet eerie room, characterized by towering dimensions and fiery clouds, the Duc engages in a battle of wits and charm to secure his return to his former life. By leveraging his cleverness and insistence on maintaining...

A man recounts his journey from Charleston to New York aboard a packet ship called “Independence,” where he unexpectedly reunites with his old friend, Cornelius Wyatt, an artist who has booked three state-rooms for himself, his new wife, and sisters. Intrigued by the extra room, the narrator speculates about its purpose, while observing Wyatt’s peculiar behavior and the coldness between him and his supposed wife, who is later revealed as an impostor. Throughout the voyage, the narrator becomes obsessed with the mystery of an oblong box brought on board by Wyatt, believing it to contain an art piece. However, after...

The story unfolds with a whimsical and satirical tale of a man who discovers, after a heated argument with his wife, that he has inexplicably lost his breath. This bizarre event leads him through a sequence of absurd misadventures, including misunderstandings about his state of health, being mistaken for a corpse, and enduring a mock execution. Despite his apparent demise, he narrates his experiences with humor and irony, highlighting the absurdity of human nature and societal norms. The character's journey through mishaps and his eventual escape from the vault serves as a commentary on resilience and the unforeseen consequences of...

The narrative explores the curious encounter and investigation of the protagonist with Brevet Brigadier General John A. B. C. Smith, a seemingly perfect gentleman of commendable appearance and valor, renowned for his participation in an Indian campaign. As the protagonist engages with various characters from social circles, each echoes similar praises of Smith's illustrious reputation yet maintains an aura of mystery around his wartime exploits. Driven by intrigue, the protagonist's curiosity escalates, leading to a direct encounter with Smith in his private quarters. It is there the revelation unfolds: Smith is a highly mechanically reconstructed man, with much of his...

The story provides a humorous and satirical account of the narrator's ventures through various eccentric business occupations. Set in a fictional universe, it emphasizes the importance of method and order in business, as seen through the narrator's exaggerated experiences. The narrator disdains eccentricity and genius, believing them incompatible with proper business practice. His ventures include occupations like Tailor’s Walking-Advertisement, Eye-Sore trade, Assault-and-Battery business, Mud-Dabbling, and others, all depicted with wit and sarcasm. Despite facing peculiar challenges, such as dealing with unreasonable employers and peculiar customer requests, the narrator exemplifies a methodical approach, reflecting the theme that system and order ca...

The narrative revolves around Ellison, a remarkably fortunate and gifted individual, whose life seems destined to challenge the age-old assumption that true happiness is unattainable. Born into prosperity and equipped with a keen instinct for enjoying life, Ellison's existence exemplifies the potential of human happiness when one abides by key principles: physical exercise in nature, the love of a partner, the dismissal of ambition, and the pursuit of a spiritually significant goal. Finding himself the heir to an extravagant fortune, Ellison harnesses his wealth to create an unparalleled landscape garden, thus realizing his vision of beauty and artistic expression without...

This text presents a philosophical dialogue between two spiritual beings, Oinos and Agathos, set in the afterlife. The conversation explores themes of knowledge, creativity, and the nature of existence. Oinos expresses a newfound eagerness to understand the universe, thinking all knowledge would bring immediate happiness. Agathos responds by suggesting that true happiness lies in the continuous pursuit of knowledge rather than its possession. They delve into the concept of creation, with Agathos explaining that while the universe appears to be perpetually creating, these are merely indirect outcomes of the initial divine act of creation. They further discuss how divine understanding...

The text is a metaphysical dialogue between two ethereal beings, Monos and Una, who engage in a profound exploration of themes such as death, rebirth, civilization’s decay, and the transcendent power of love. Monos recounts his passage from life to death, emphasizing the continuity of consciousness even in the absence of physical sensations. The narrative critiques the destructive trajectory of civilization driven by knowledge and utilitarianism, drawing a nostalgic contrast between the past’s purity and nature and the present’s disillusionment. The dialogue suggests that true fulfillment and regeneration lie in a return to simplicity, beauty, and a harmon...