The Door in the Wall

"The Door in the Wall," written by H. G. Wells in the late 19th century, is a short story that introduces Lionel Wallace. He reflects on a fantastical memory from his childhood of a door that leads to an enchanted garden. The narrative explores Wallace's entire life as a successful politician, who is continually haunted by his recollection of being welcomed into a paradisiacal garden filled with innocent happiness during his early years. Throughout his life, he encounters the door several times in different locations around London; however, he always chooses not to enter, being distracted each time by some step in the progression of his worldly career.