"Melanctha" is a short novel written by Gertrude Stein, first published in 1909. It is notable for its experimental style and focus on the inner lives of its characters. The story revolves around the life of Melanctha, a young African American woman, exploring themes of love, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative is structured around Melanctha's interactions with various characters, including Jeff Campbell, her love interest. Stein's use of repetitive language and stream-of-consciousness technique reflects the emotional depth and struggles of her characters, making "Melanctha" a significant work in modernist literature.