Mystery & Suspense
Mystery stories involve characters who solve a crime or puzzle. The reader of a mystery follows the investigation along with the characters and may attempt to find a solution before the characters do. In suspense writings, the author presents the plot in such a way that the reader is worried or concerned about the eventual outcome. In works of horror, the author uses frightening or gruesome devices to create an atmosphere of fear which ultimately entertains the reader. All three types usually have a dark and strange tone.
A Christmas Carol tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a successful but tight-fisted English businessman who hates Christmas. Scrooge has been told by the ghost of his dead business partner that three spirits will visit him. These spirits are the last chance Scrooge has to avoid the fate of his…
In this passage from Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Pit and the Pendulum,” the narrator has been convicted during the Spanish Inquisition of an unnamed crime and sentenced to death. He is tied on the floor, and a large sharp blade is swinging back and forth towards his body. …
A Christmas Carol is the classic story of rich and miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge hates Christmas, hates happiness, hates kindness, and hates people. He is visited on Christmas Eve by the ghost of Marley, his dead business partner. Marley tells Scrooge that three spirits will visit Scrooge that night. It…
Sherlock Holmes is a detective in late 19th century London. He his friend and assistant, Dr. John Watson, who is the narrator of the story. In this passage, a new client, Jabez Wilson, has come to requests Holmes’ help. —————————– The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance…
It happened the first time at the art gallery. Isabella was on a field trip with her class, and they were looking at some paintings by famous artists. A small painting off to the side of the room caught Isabella’s eye, and she walked away from her group to take…
Victor Frankenstein is an 19th century European scientist who dreams of bringing to life a non-living being. He works tirelessly to create a beautiful human being. As this passage begins, Victor has finally reached his goal, or so he thinks. This passage is Victor’s recollection of the event. —————————– It…
The main character in A Christmas Carol is Ebenezer Scrooge. While he is quite wealthy, he is also greedy, selfish, unkind, and mean-spirited. He despises Christmas and all those who enjoy the kindness and generosity Christmas brings. Late one Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his business…
Melia and her father had just finished building a tree house in the backyard. Melia, an artist, wanted to decorate the walls, and instead of buying things, she decided to make her own art. Melia enjoyed making collages using a combination of photos she had taken and pieces of fabric.…
This passage is from the opening of The Fall of the House of Usher. The narrator has just arrived at the home of his childhood friend Roderick Usher. It is a description of Usher’s house. A tarn is a mountain lake. ———————————– Shaking off from my spirit what must have…
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a successful businessman in Victorian London. This passage is from the beginning of the tale. —————————— The door of Scrooge’s counting-house was open, that he might keep his eye upon his clerk, who in a dismal little cell beyond,…