100+ Short Stories for Free! [PDF]

A brilliant doctor, a horrifying secret, and a battle between good and evil. Dr. Jekyll’s experiments unleash Mr. Hyde, a monstrous alter ego with no conscience. As Hyde’s influence grows, Jekyll struggles to control the nightmare he has created.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a chilling tale of human duality and the dangers of unchecked ambition. Stevenson’s classic continues to haunt readers with its unsettling questions about the darkness within us all.

A haunted mansion, a frustrated ghost, and a family that won’t be scared. When the Otis family moves into Canterville Chase, they mock its resident spirit. Noisy chains and eerie moans are no match for their wit and humor.

The Canterville Ghost is a clever mix of gothic horror and satire. Oscar Wilde crafts a witty, charming tale that turns the classic ghost story upside down, proving not all hauntings go as planned.

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway is a timeless tale of an aging Cuban fisherman’s epic struggle with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream.

It’s a powerful story of perseverance, courage, and dignity in the face of overwhelming odds, reminding us of the enduring human spirit.

The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli is a political treatise offering a pragmatic and often ruthless guide for rulers seeking to acquire and maintain power.

Rejecting traditional morality, Machiavelli advocates for cunning, deception, and even cruelty when necessary, making it a controversial yet enduring exploration of leadership and statecraft.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll is a whimsical journey down the rabbit hole into a world of bizarre creatures and nonsensical situations.

Follow Alice as she encounters the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts in a delightful and imaginative tale that continues to enchant readers of all ages.

Oedipus the King by Sophocles is a gripping tragedy about a man who unknowingly fulfills a horrifying prophecy. He strives to save his city from a plague, only to discover he is the cause.

Driven by truth, Oedipus relentlessly investigates, unveiling a past filled with patricide and incest. His tragic fate explores themes of free will, destiny, and the devastating consequences of hidden truths.

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is a timeless fable about a pilot stranded in the desert who meets a young prince fallen to Earth from a tiny asteroid.

Through whimsical encounters, the prince shares profound insights about love, loss, and the true meaning of life, urging readers to rediscover the child within.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu is a timeless guide to strategy and leadership, emphasizing the importance of planning, deception, and understanding the enemy.

Its principles extend beyond military conflict, offering valuable insights for success in business, negotiation, and any competitive endeavor.

One morning, Gregor Samsa wakes up to find himself transformed into a giant insect. As he struggles to adapt, his once-loving family turns cold, and isolation becomes his new reality. What begins as a surreal nightmare soon reveals a deeper, more tragic truth.

In The Metamorphosis, Franz Kafka delivers a haunting tale of alienation and identity. A story both bizarre and profoundly human, where the real horror is not the transformation itself, but the way the world responds to it.

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad plunges into the Congo, following Marlow’s journey to find the enigmatic Kurtz.

This influential novella is a chilling exploration of colonialism, savagery, and the darkness lurking within the human soul.

Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett depicts Vladimir and Estragon, who are waiting endlessly by a barren tree for someone named Godot. Their repetitive dialogues and absurd encounters explore themes of existence, hope, and the meaninglessness of life.

A poignant and darkly comedic masterpiece, this play challenges conventional theatre, prompting reflection on human nature and the search for purpose in a world devoid of inherent meaning. It’s a thought-provoking journey into the human condition.

Animal Farm by George Orwell is a satirical allegory of the Russian Revolution. Animals overthrow their human farmer, dreaming of a society of equality and freedom.

However, the pigs, led by Napoleon, gradually seize power, establishing a new tyranny even more oppressive than the last, revealing the dangers of unchecked power and totalitarianism.

The Pearl by John Steinbeck tells the story of Kino, a poor pearl diver, who discovers a pearl of immense value, promising a better life for his family.

However, this newfound wealth attracts greed and violence, shattering their peaceful existence and forcing Kino to confront the dark side of human nature.

On the Shortness of Life by Seneca explores how people waste their time on trivial pursuits, leading to a perceived brevity of life. It urges readers to live intentionally and focus on what truly matters.

Seneca provides practical advice on reclaiming time and living a fulfilling life through wisdom, virtue, and a detachment from worldly concerns, making it a timeless guide to a meaningful existence.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck tells the poignant story of George and Lennie, two migrant workers dreaming of owning a farm during the Great Depression.

Their bond is tested by Lennie’s mental disability and the harsh realities of their time, leading to a heartbreaking climax exploring themes of friendship, dreams, and the American Dream.