Following his doctor's instructions, engaging simpleton Charlie Gordon tells his own story in semi-literate "progris riports." He dimly wants to better himself, but with an IQ of 68 can't even beat the laboratory mouse Algernon at maze-solving. Algernon is extra-clever thanks to an experimental brain operation so far tried only on animals. Charlie eagerly volunteers as the first human subject. After frustrating delays and agonies of concentration,...

During the United States Civil War, a condemned man has many thoughts as he stands on a bridge, awaiting hanging.

The people of a village perform their annual lottery, with startling consequences for the recipient of the one paper with the black spot.

An old man and two children wander through the country and he answers all of their questions from his experience.