Around the world in 80 days
Around the World in Eighty Days was published in 1873 and is one of Jules Verne's most celebrated novels. The story follows two travelers who grow to a trio and then a foursome as they fight through countless obstacles to reach home in time. This lesson will focus on the characters and plot summary of Around the World in Eighty Days.
Frankenstein
Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus
Pollyanna
Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter is the story of a young orphan girl, Pollyanna, who lives with her Aunt Polly after her father's death. Aunt Polly, an aristocratic woman, only cares for Pollyanna as a sense of duty. This doesn’t deter Pollyanna’s boundless optimism, however. Regardless of what circumstances come her way, Pollyanna manages to see the good in everything. She plays the “Glad Game,” where she always finds something to be glad for.
Pride and Prejudice
The Prince
Machiavelli composed The Prince as a practical guide for ruling (though some scholars argue that the book was intended as a satire and essentially a guide on how not to rule). This goal is evident from the very beginning, the dedication of the book to Lorenzo de’ Medici, the ruler of Florence. The Prince is not particularly theoretical or abstract; its prose is simple, and its logic straightforward. These traits underscore Machiavelli’s desire to provide practical, easily understandable advice. The first two chapters describe the book’s scope. The Prince is concerned with autocratic regimes, not with republican regimes. The first chapter defines the various types of principalities and princes; in doing so, it constructs an outline for the rest of the book. Chapter III comprehensively describes how to maintain composite principalities—that is, principalities that are newly created or annexed from another power, so that the prince is not familiar with the people he rules. Chapter III also introduces the book’s main concerns—power politics, warcraft, and popular goodwill—in an encapsulated form.
The Time Machine
A group of men, including the narrator, is listening to the Time Traveller discuss his theory that time is the fourth dimension. Finally, the Time Traveller produces a miniature time machine and makes it disappear into thin air. The next week, the guests return to find their host stumble in, looking disheveled and tired. They sit down after dinner, and the Time Traveller begins his story.
Utopia
More traveled to Antwerp as an ambassador for England and King Henry VIII. While not engaged in his official duties, More spends time conversing about intellectual matters with Peter Giles. One day, More sees Giles speaking to a bearded man whom More assumes to be a ship's captain. Giles soon introduces More to this new man, Raphael Hythloday, who turns out to be a philosopher and world traveler. The three men retire to Giles's house for supper and conversation, and Hythloday begins to speak about his travels.