Charlotte Perkins Gilman approaches attitudes regarding gender and mental health in her 1892 short story, “The Yellow Wallpaper.” Through her diary entries, Gilman illustrates the life of a woman who we assume to be named Jane, who has traveled to … Read more

Early twentieth century Europe was defined by suppression, dictatorial power, and ultra-nationalism; otherwise known as fascism. Benito Mussolini was the first leader under this ideology, paving the way for future dictators such as Adolf Hitler. Their systemic murder of millions … Read more

Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote “The Birthmark” in 1843; shortly before composing, he married his fiancé Sophia Peabody. His marriage and Puritan background influence the writing of his short story. During the 1800s, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s writings exhibit the expectation to conceal and … Read more

Chris Hewgley Selfishness: The Root of Emptiness The “Devil and Tom Walker” by Washington Irving is a short story about a poor man, Tom Walker, living outside of Boston. Tom is found by the devil and the devil bargains a … Read more