Clearly, I’ve decided to go with a translation (Moncrieff/Kilmartin), what seems to be considered the driest and most accurate translation available, as the new ones seem to carry the prose into something more contemporary. I never found an argument concerning that with which I particularly agree, even when modernizing Shakespeare, I think it should beContinue reading “Proust: Swann’s Way: ‘Overture’ (1913)”
Category Archives: literature
essay: Huxley – The Doors of Perception (1954)
This is one I’ve been putting off reading for years, ever since I reached the conclusion that I’m not really so much a fan of the Doors, maybe one or two albums are alright, but generally, I don’t care. And that book touted as scholarly but sold in every Barnes and Noble discussing Jim MorrisonContinue reading “essay: Huxley – The Doors of Perception (1954)”
novel: Maugham: The Razor’s Edge (1944)
I claim to be a writer if I’m pressed for a real answer, something better than “drug dealer.” But the follow-up question is always brutal: what do you write? Well…I used to consider myself a short-story writer, and then I thought I was writing a novel that turned out to be poetry…and what now? LoveContinue reading “novel: Maugham: The Razor’s Edge (1944)”
Russell Edson
Russell Edson Russell Edson was very, very funny. I’ve heard a rumor that one day he just decided to become a poet, and so he did. I believe this is true. He is a serious and quiet man, and many people in attendance didn’t appear to know what to make of him because he wasn’tContinue reading “Russell Edson”
The Tempest
The idea of isolating a group of people on an island is a popular one for authors to express their views of human nature. Perhaps the most well-known examples are Lord of the Flies, by Golding, and the opposing Island, by Huxley. Though Shakespeare’s The Tempest does not especially debate the topic of the inherentContinue reading “The Tempest”
The Things They Carried
The Things They Carried I despised the first story in The Things They Carried. I would have had to set myself on fire had the entire book continued like the first story. I got what O’Brian was doing with, I thought it was really great at first, but the longer I thought about it, theContinue reading “The Things They Carried”
Death of a Salesman
THE PROBLEM IN THE LOMAN FAMILY Willy’s family background contributes to the shape of his personality and embeds in him the values and goals he works towards throughout his life. His background results in his philosophies on life, the world, and his own position in society. Willy works hard to follow not only his father,Continue reading “Death of a Salesman”
Portia’s Witty Technique of Defeating Shylock
The conclusion of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice must, according to a theatergoer, be one of smiles and happy sighs. What other explanation could there be for the great number of lighthearted moments throughout the play than that it must be a comedy? Yet, unlike some other Shakespeare comedies, such as A Midsummer Night’s DreamContinue reading “Portia’s Witty Technique of Defeating Shylock”
Everything That Rises Must Converge
In Flannery O’Connor’s “Everything That Rises Must Converge” Julian’s mother, in denial of a changing South’s existence, escapes back to her childhood once she might be convinced of the modern world. The first of her realizations comes in the form of understanding her son, if only for seconds before her death. One of the clearestContinue reading “Everything That Rises Must Converge”
Romeo and Juliet
Friar Lawrence’s Final Discussion With Juliet The worst-case-scenario of Friar Lawrence’s plan realizes itself during the final tragic act of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” The imperative lines, perhaps the ones with the final twist in the play occur in V.iii.148-60. The section begins as Juliet rises from her forty-two hours of “unnatural sleep” (V.iii.152). ByContinue reading “Romeo and Juliet”
arts & fetters 