LovelyMay
Stories
93
Chapters
1,516
Words
3.4 M
Comments
0
Reading
11 d, 19 h
-
The chapter "American Society in Italy" from "Worldly Ways and Byways" delves into the disillusionment surrounding the concept of an 'American Society' within European locales such as Rome, Florence, and Paris. It starts by debunking the myth of a cohesive American society in these cities, illustrating it as a mirage for those seeking an exotic social enclave abroad. The author reminisces about a bygone era, around forty to fifty years prior, when a quaint community of American artists and intellectuals,…
-
98.5 K • Ongoing
-
-
Amidst the summer allure of Newport, with its vibrant yachting and festive dancing, few of its visitors ponder over the historical depth beneath their feet, largely overlooking the tales that predate even the most famed explorers of the Atlantic. This chapter delves into the rich tapestry of Newport's past, invoking the spirit of adventurous Norsemen speculated to have landed on these rocky shores well before Columbus's voyages. This notion, romanticized by Longfellow’s poetic narratives, sets the stage…
-
98.5 K • Ongoing
-
-
The Chapter 38 of "Worldly Ways and Byways" presents a satirical account of the "discovery" of Europe by Americans around 1850, framing it as a pivotal event in modern history. Initially, the European populations are depicted as naive and content in their simple lives, largely untouched by the "vices and benefits of modern civilization" as known in America. The text humorously contrasts the Europeans’ ancient crafts and modest architectural achievements with America's industrial advancements, suggesting…
-
98.5 K • Ongoing
-
-
In Chapter 39 of "Worldly Ways and Byways," entitled "A Race of Slaves," the author laments the paradox of Americans, who, despite their global dominance and innovations abroad, submit themselves to petty tyrannies at home. The narrative begins with a critique of American expansionism and innovation in Europe, highlighting achievements such as introducing trolleys and electrifying the Roman catacombs. However, the author quickly shifts focus to the domestic sphere, where Americans, in contrast to their…
-
98.5 K • Ongoing
-
-
In "Introspection," the final chapter of "Worldly Ways and Byways," the theme revolves around self-reflection, particularly as one year ends and a new one begins. The narrative underscores the natural human inclination to look back on the past, to introspect, and to prepare mentally for future journeys. It draws a poignant analogy between our minds and a grand, but largely unoccupied residence, suggesting that we typically inhabit only a small portion of our vast internal spaces. We populate these familiar…
-
98.5 K • Ongoing
-
-
In "Worldly Ways and Byways," Chapter 3, titled "Contrasted Travelling," contrasts the rich, immersive travel experiences of the past with the more superficial approach of contemporary trips. Fifty years ago, a journey to Europe was a rare and significant event. Travelers prepared extensively, soliciting advice, reading extensively, and even making wills before departure. Upon reaching their destination, they penned detailed letters home and kept journals, recounting adventures that were shared and…
-
98.5 K • Ongoing
-
-
"The Moth and the Star," Chapter 2 from "Worldly Ways and Byways," explores an intriguing paradox within American society—the widespread fascination among the general populace with the lives of the wealthy and fashionable, despite seemingly no direct connection or similar life experiences. The chapter delves into the puzzling interest ordinary Americans have in the elite's social activities, contrasting it starkly with expectations based on societal norms observed in countries with hereditary nobilities,…
-
98.5 K • Ongoing
-
-
In "Worldly Ways and Byways," the first chapter titled "Charm" delves into the ethereal quality known as charm, which the author regards as the pinnacle of evolved sophistication and allure, especially in women. This allure, described as being powerful enough to sway the destinies of empires and capture hearts across generations, astonishingly is often found in women not remarkable for their beauty by conventional standards. Historical figures such as Cleopatra and Mary of Scotland, despite not being…
-
98.5 K • Ongoing
-
-
In the late afternoon, Archie arrives at the Praying Weaver's stone, meeting Christina (Kirstie) in a scene painted with melancholy and anticipation, set against the backdrop of the dimming moors. The moment of their meeting quickly transitions from potential warmth to serious conversation as Archie, influenced by recent admonitions, decides it's time they reconsider the nature of their secret meetings, to which the local community has apparently begun to pay attention. He tries to address the situation…
-
19.7 K • Ongoing
-
-
Chapter VIII of "Weir of Hermiston" unfolds a deep, emotional conversation between Kirstie and Archie in the still of the night, revealing the complexity of human emotions and the inexorable flow of life's changes. Kirstie, plagued with a concoction of fear, jealousy, and a protective instinct, confronts Archie about the brewing storm in their lives stemming from his relationship with a younger woman, also named Kirstie. The chapter navigates through the landscapes of unfulfilled dreams, youthful desires,…
-
19.7 K • Ongoing
-
- Previous 1 … 150 151 152 Next