Overview
The Defense of Harriet Shelley is a short story written by Mark Twain. It is a fictional account of the trial of Harriet Shelley, the wife of the famous poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, who was accused of murdering her husband. The story is narrated by a fictional character named John H. Watson, who is the same character that appears in the Sherlock Holmes stories.Watson is hired by Harriet's defense team to investigate the case and help prove her innocence. He uncovers evidence that suggests Percy may have been murdered by a jealous lover, and that Harriet was not involved in his death. However, the prosecution presents a strong case against Harriet, and it seems that she will be found guilty.In the end, Watson delivers a passionate closing argument that convinces the jury of Harriet's innocence. She is acquitted of all charges and the true murderer is never discovered. The Defense of Harriet Shelley is a witty and entertaining story that showcases Twain's talent for satire and humor, while also exploring themes of love, jealousy, and betrayal.I have committed sins, of course; but I have not committed enough of them to entitle me to the punishment of reduction to the bread and water of ordinary literature during six years when I might have been living on the fat diet spread for the righteous in Professor Dowden's Life of Shelley, if I had been justly dealt with.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
- | Author: Mark Twain
- | Publisher: Kessinger Publishing
- | Publication Date: Jun 17, 2004
- | Number of Pages: 48 pages
- | Binding: Paperback or Softback
- | ISBN-10: 1419115510
- | ISBN-13: 9781419115516
