The Monster and Other Stories

by Stephen Crane

"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.