Short Story High School

“The System of Dr. Tarr and Prof. Fether” is an Edgar Allan Poe short story that expertly blends his dark perspective with the comic. -This is the original story—only word order and difficult vocabulary have been updated. -End notes, interpretation, and discussion of major themes follow the text. -Biographical information on Edgar Allan Poe is included. -For other classic short stories in easy to understand updated English search for “Simplified for Modern Readers Series.”

When Burke meets eighteen-year-old Lydia, a talented track star, he knows she's meant for greatness. He’s honored to get the opportunity to hone her talent. But his admiration for her soon turns to obsession. Despite their significant age gap and the fact that he's her coach, Burke can't help but feel drawn to Lydia. It’s wrong, forbidden. He knows better. But when she smiles that pretty little smile at him, he’s suddenly wiling to risk everything to make her his. Obsessive, possessive and over the top, these men will do anything to get the women they love. But their love is all-...