Cover of The Monster and Other Stories

The Monster and Other Stories

by Stephen Crane

First published
1898
Reading level
Easy
Price
Free

About the book

"The Monster and Other Stories" by Stephen Crane is a collection published in 1899. The title novella follows Henry Johnson, an African-American coachman who becomes grotesquely disfigured after heroically rescuing his employer's son from a fire. When the townspeople of Whilomville brand Henry a "monster," Dr. Trescott's determination to care for him triggers the community's rejection of his entire family. This powerful work explores prejudice, fear, and the true meaning of monstrosity in small-town America, reflecting the era's deep social and racial tensions.

  • Nebraska
  • United States
  • Missing children
  • Disfigured persons
  • Hotels
  • Social isolation

Updated September 2026. Public domain in the USA. Text and summary from Project Gutenberg eBook #31189. The Monster and Other Stories on Wikipedia.

More free books by Stephen Crane

About Stephen Crane