Chapter 8 of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein brings Justine Moritz to trial for William's murder. Despite Elizabeth's passionate defense, false evidence and a coerced confession seal the innocent woman's fate while Victor watches in tortured silence. Read from the 1818 public domain edition.

Chapter 7 of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein brings tragedy home as young William is murdered in Geneva. Victor rushes back to find his family devastated, and in a storm-lit night, sees his creation for the first time since its birth. Read from the 1818 public domain edition.

Chapter 6 of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein finds Victor slowly recovering with Clerval's help. Elizabeth's letter brings news of family life in Geneva and introduces Justine Moritz, while Victor desperately avoids his abandoned work. Read from the 1818 public domain edition.

Chapter 5 of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein brings the iconic moment when the creature awakens. Victor's triumph becomes instant horror as he flees his creation. Clerval arrives to find his friend broken by what he has done. Read from the 1818 public domain edition.

Chapter 4 of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein finds Victor at university, where his studies lead him to discover the secret of life itself. Consumed by obsession, he begins the work that will lead to his greatest triumph and deepest horror. Read from the 1818 public domain edition.

Chapter 3 of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein brings tragedy to the Frankenstein household as Caroline falls ill while nursing Elizabeth. After his mother's death, Victor departs for the University of Ingolstadt, where his fateful studies will begin. Read from the 1818 public domain edition.

Chapter 2 of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein follows young Victor's discovery of ancient alchemical texts and his growing obsession with natural philosophy. A lightning strike destroying an oak tree demonstrates electricity's power and shifts his studies toward modern science. Read from the 1818 public domain edition.

Chapter 1 of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein introduces Victor Frankenstein's idyllic childhood in Geneva and the loving family that shaped him. We meet his devoted parents and the arrival of Elizabeth Lavenza, setting the foundation for the tragedy to come. Read from the 1818 public domain edition.

Mary Shelley's preface reveals the fascinating origin of Frankenstein, born from a dream during the summer of 1816 at Lake Geneva. Then follow Captain Robert Walton's four letters from his Arctic expedition - from passionate dreams of exploration to the moment his ship becomes trapped in ice and the crew rescues a mysterious stranger with an extraordinary tale to tell. Read from the 1818 public domain edition.

"The Wolf and the Seven Little Kids" tells the story of seven young goats left home alone who must outwit a cunning wolf disguising himself to gain entry. When six kids are swallowed whole and only the youngest escapes, a brave mother goat engineers a daring rescue using stones and quick thinking. A timeless tale of stranger danger, family devotion, and triumph through cleverness. Read from the 1904 public domain edition.