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Stories of Intellect

Written by Charles Dickens,Edgar Allan Poe,Nathaniel Hawthorne,Rebecca Harding Davis,Thomas De Quincey,Edward Bulwer Lytton Lytton,Harriet Elizabeth Prescott Spofford

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FictionShort stories

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About this book

"Stories of Intellect" by Rebecca Harding Davis et al. is a collection of literary works written in the late 19th century. This anthology features various stories that explore themes of intellect, reason, and the supernatural, showcasing the thoughts and experiences of characters who grapple with these profound concepts. Each story, created by well-known authors, evokes different emotions and challenges readers to reflect on the human experience in the context of knowledge and mystery. At the start of the featured story, "The House and the Brain" by E. Bulwer Lytton, a couple seeks a rented apartment and stumbles upon a seemingly haunted house in London. Intrigued by the tales of terror associated with it, the protagonist decides to investigate further, encountering a strange elderly woman who casually mentions the house's haunted nature and the chilling experiences of previous residents. As the narrative unfolds, a sense of dread and curiosity grows as the protagonist and his servant prepare to spend the night in the haunted abode, setting the stage for a suspenseful exploration of the unknown and the darker aspects of human thought and emotion.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Stories of Intellect, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • mysterious
  • suspenseful
  • intellectual

“Stories of Intellect” is a late 19th-century anthology featuring works by prominent authors such as Charles Dickens, Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and E. Bulwer Lytton, among others. The collection delves into profound themes of intellect, reason, and the supernatural, presenting characters who navigate the complex interplay between logical thought and unexplained phenomena. As exemplified by E. Bulwer Lytton's "The House and the Brain," the stories often immerse readers in suspenseful narratives where human curiosity confronts the unknown. This anthology serves as a compelling exploration of the human mind's capacity for both rational inquiry and susceptibility to mystery and dread, challenging readers to reflect on the boundaries of knowledge and the enduring power of the uncanny.

“"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, / Than are dreamt of in your philosophy." (Shakespeare, often quoted in similar contexts, reflecting the theme)”

Key themes

Intellect vs. The Supernatural
This is the central theme of the anthology, exploring the conflict between human reason, logic, and scientific understanding against forces that defy natural explanation. The stories often feature protagonists whose intellectual pride or scientific skepticism is challenged by encounters with ghosts, unexplained phenomena, or psychic abilities. It questions the limits of human knowledge and the capacity of the mind to comprehend the unknown.
Fear and the Unknown
The anthology masterfully explores the psychological impact of fear, particularly the fear of the unknown. It examines how intellect, while attempting to rationalize, can also amplify fear when confronted with phenomena that defy explanation. The stories delve into the primal human response to mystery and the dread that arises when familiar boundaries are breached.
The Nature of Reality and Perception
Many stories in the collection delve into the subjective nature of reality, questioning what is truly real versus what is perceived through altered states of mind, fear, or supernatural influence. It explores how intellect can be a tool for discerning truth, but also how it can be deceived or overwhelmed, leading to doubt about sanity and the objective world.

Worth discussing

How does the anthology define 'intellect,' and how do different stories challenge or affirm its power?

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