Short Stories

The Death of the Moth and the Pure Bead of Life

This evocative essay by Virginia Woolf chronicles the short life and quick death of a moth that was fluttering by her window one day as she worked. Initially mesmerized by the movements of the creature, Woolf confesses to feelings of pity for his 'zest in enjoying his meagre opportunities to the full.' But she also… Continue reading The Death of the Moth and the Pure Bead of Life

Short Stories, Uncategorized

Chekhov’s Heartache

This short story by Anton Chekhov was written when he was just 26 years old, a medical student in Moscow who was writing in his spare time to support his family. 'Heartache' is a devastating sketch of failed attempts to communicate loss and grief. The quote at the beginning of the story is the first… Continue reading Chekhov’s Heartache