Books matching: morality tale
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- #1
'Frankenstein' by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a classic horror novel that tells the story of Dr. Victor Frankenstein and the creature he creates. The plot explores themes of creation, rejection, loneliness, and the consequences of playing god. The writing style varies from flowery and old English to deep and meaningful, with a focus on exploring human emotions and philosophical questions through the perspectives of both Dr. Frankenstein and his monster.
I AM BY BIRTH a Genevese; and my family is one of the most distinguished of that republic. My ancestors had been for many years counsellors and syndics; and my father had filled several public situati... Peter Schlemihl is a young man who, in a moment of naivety, makes a pact with a mysterious stranger in exchange for a purse full of gold that will never run out. However, this bargain costs him his shadow, leading to a life of loneliness and rejection by society. The story explores themes of morality, the consequences of greed, and the true value of intangible things like integrity and acceptance.
The narrative of 'Peter Schlemihls wundersame Geschichte' is written in a romantic style with elements of fantasy, offering a moral tale with a twist of the supernatural. The protagonist's journey of wealth and loss, his struggles with societal acceptance, and the symbolism of his missing shadow provide a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and the price one pays for material gain.
- #3
A Simple Plan by Scott Smith is a gripping thriller that unravels the lives of two brothers and a friend who stumble upon a crashed airplane containing four million dollars. As they devise a plan to keep the money for themselves, the bonds of friendship and family begin to crack, leading to a series of escalating events driven by greed and desperation. The novel explores how seemingly good people can descend into depravity and murder when faced with the temptation of wealth, all while maintaining a sense of realism and believability in its storytelling.
The plot of A Simple Plan starts off innocently enough but quickly spirals out of control, presenting a snowball effect where a simple decision leads to increasingly dire consequences. With a writing style that is described as fast-paced, suspenseful, and gripping, Scott Smith effectively portrays the moral dilemmas faced by the characters as they grapple with the repercussions of their actions, ultimately creating a dark and chilling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
MY PARENTS died in an automobile accident the year after I was married. They tried to enter I-75 through an exit ramp one Saturday night and crashed head-on into a semi hauling cattle. My father was k... - #4
'The Cretaceous Past' by Liu Cixin is a short novella that explores a speculative scenario involving a joint civilization of dinosaurs and ants during the late Cretaceous period. The story delves into themes of interdependence, innovation, conflict, and cooperation, drawing parallels with current tensions in the world. The writing style combines elements of dark satire, fable, and metaphor, creating a thought-provoking narrative that examines power dynamics and environmental degradation.
The plot of 'The Cretaceous Past' unfolds as an unexpected mutually satisfying relationship forms between two physically opposite species, dinosaurs and ants, leading to economic and technological prosperity for 3,000 years on the Gondwanan supercontinent. However, conflicts arise between the interdependent cultures, risking global catastrophe and highlighting themes of competition, trust, and betrayal. The novella presents a sardonic explanation for the end of the dinosaurs, offering a unique perspective on history and evolution.
- #5
'The Water Babies' by Charles Kingsley tells the story of a young chimney sweep named Tom who, after a series of misadventures, is transformed into a water baby and embarks on a fantastical underwater journey. The plot explores themes of redemption, morality, and social issues of the Victorian era. The writing style is described as highly moralistic, with elements of fantasy and fairy tale, mixed with social commentary and scientific theories of the time.
Once upon a time there was a little chimney-sweep, and his name was Tom. That is a short name, and you have heard it before, so you will not have much trouble in remembering it. He lived in a great to... - #6
'Amsterdam' by Ian McEwan opens at a woman's funeral where two of her past lovers, Clive and Vernon, are discussing her death and loss. The two men, a publisher and a famous composer, agree to protect each other from a lingering painful death, leading to moral challenges and disapproval of each other's decisions. The plot revolves around the unethical actions of the characters, the absurd conclusion, and the questionable recipient of the Booker Prize, with readers expressing disappointment in the predictability of the storyline.
Poor Molly. It began with a tingling in her arm as she raised it outside the Dorchester Grill to stop a cab—a sensation that never went away. Within weeks she was fumbling for the names of things. Par... - #7
'What Men Live By' by Leo Tolstoy is a short story that revolves around a fallen angel named Michael who is sent to earth during a harsh Russian winter to discover what men truly live by. The story follows Michael's journey as he learns the importance of love and selflessness through his interactions with a poor shoemaker named Simon and his family. Tolstoy's writing style in this book is simple yet profound, weaving together religious themes and moral lessons reminiscent of a parable or allegory. The story is entertaining, thought-provoking, and inspiring, making it a timeless piece of literature that resonates with readers of all backgrounds.
A shoemaker named Simon, who had neither house nor land of his own, lived with his wife and children in a peasant's hut, and earned his living by his work. Work was cheap, but bread was dear, and what... - #8
Shipwrecks by Akira Yoshimura is a bleak and atmospheric novel set in a medieval Japanese fishing village struggling for survival. The story follows young Isaku as he navigates the harsh realities of life in the village, where inhabitants resort to desperate measures like luring ships onto reefs to ensure their survival. The narrative unfolds through the changing seasons, focusing on the daily struggles, rituals, and pragmatic brutality of the villagers. The book paints a grim yet poignant picture of a community teetering on the edge of existence, with themes of sacrifice, tradition, and the relentless pursuit of sustenance weaving through the narrative.
The novel is written in a simple yet evocative style, immersing readers in the day-to-day life of the villagers and capturing the stark beauty of their coastal surroundings. Through Isaku's perspective, readers witness the village's dependence on shipwrecks for survival, the harsh realities of indentured servitude, and the underlying sense of hope that flickers amidst the bleakness. Shipwrecks offers a poignant exploration of human resilience in the face of adversity, highlighting the delicate balance between tradition, survival, and sacrifice in a world defined by hardship.
Old conical hats made of sedge moved in the line of surf. Spray shot up from the breakers, first at the end of the reef-lined shore, and then closer and closer as the waves rushed in, until the water ... - #9
"At the Back of the North Wind" by George MacDonald follows the story of a young boy named Diamond, who befriends the North Wind, a beautiful woman with power over people's lives. Through various adventures, Diamond learns valuable lessons and spreads goodness wherever he goes. The book combines whimsical fairy tale elements with a glimpse into the harsh realities of Victorian London, portraying a mix of fantasy and moral lessons. The writing style is described as lyrical and whimsical, with elements of Christian allegory woven throughout the narrative.
- #10
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is a classic tale exploring the consequences of vanity and moral degradation. The story follows Dorian Gray, a young man who makes a Faustian deal to retain his youth and beauty while his portrait ages and reflects the consequences of his debauched lifestyle. The novel delves into themes of the value of youth, the meaning of life, and the impact of one's actions on oneself and others, leaving readers pondering questions of free will and self-improvement. Wilde's writing style is described as brilliant, witty, and horrifying, with a focus on decadence, morality, and the consequences of one's choices.
The studio was filled with the rich odour of roses, and when the light summer wind stirred amidst the trees of the garden there came through the open door the heavy scent of the lilac, or the more del...