LovelyMay
Stories
93
Chapters
1,535
Words
3.4 M
Comments
0
Reading
11 d, 22 h
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In the letter "Of Vers De Societe" addressed to Mr. Gifted Hopkins, the writer critiques Hopkins's poem "To Delia in Girton," advising against his attempt at society verses, highlighting the challenge of this genre even for the ancients who excelled in other poetic forms. The writer navigates through historical and cultural contexts, from Theocritus's AEolic verses, emblematic of tasteful gift-giving and unobtrusive flattery, to the limitations observed in Roman and Greek poetry, where societal norms…-
39.9 K • Ongoing
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To the Rev. Geoffrey Martin, Oxford, the letter delves into the intriguing aspect of how the religious beliefs of ancient Greece and Rome provided comfort or solace to individuals, a topic that remains largely unexplored in modern discourse. This curiosity is framed within the context of understanding the personal and emotional connection individuals of antiquity might have had with their Gods, considering the detailed knowledge we possess about their rituals, mythology, and deities yet knowing so little…
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39.9 K • Ongoing
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In "On Vers De Société," addressed to Mr. Gifted Hopkins, the chapter dissects the art and history of light verse, specifically within societal and courtly contexts. The ancient Greeks and Romans are initially dismissed for their lack of societal structure conducive to the creation of sociable verses, highlighting the absence of women in social equality. The narrative transitions to the emergence of court life in France as the inception point for this style of verse, crediting figures like Charles…
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39.9 K • Ongoing
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In the appendix titled "Reynolds's Peter Bell," found in "Letters on Literature," the author discusses John Hamilton Reynolds's parody of William Wordsworth's "Peter Bell." This lyrical ballad, mentioned by Keats and published by Taylor and Hessey in London in 1888, was aimed at producing a parody before Wordsworth’s original work had a chance to establish itself fully. The context of this act of parody is deeply rooted in Reynolds's dissatisfaction with Wordsworth, particularly with what was perceived…
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39.9 K • Ongoing
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In the appendix titled "Portraits of Virgil and Lucretius," part of "Letters on Literature," the discussion revolves around the historical depictions of these eminent Roman poets, underscoring the almost mythical quest to visualize their likenesses. Regarding Virgil, we learn about the speculative nature of his portraits. The narrative tells us that there exists no concrete bust of the poet; instead, our only clues come from manuscripts (MSS.), with the most notable being housed in the Vatican. This…
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39.9 K • Ongoing
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In this letter addressed to Miss Girton of Cambridge, the writer delves into the appeal and enigmatic allure of Gerard de Nerval, a figure somewhat reserved for a more discerning, perhaps male, audience. Not due to any impropriety, but rather Nerval's intricate expression of unorthodox sentiment and love, diverging significantly from the conventional. The comparison between Nerval and Edgar Allan Poe illustrates this point, highlighting a shared penchant for the ethereal and ideal over the tangible,…
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39.9 K • Ongoing
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In "ON BOOKS ABOUT RED MEN," addressed to Richard Wilby, Esq., at Eton College, Windsor, the writer, presumably an uncle, shares his fascination with literature, particularly stories about "Red Indians," with his nephew, Dick. The uncle reminiscences about his childhood antics inspired by such tales, including his attempts at crafting a tomahawk and a pipe, reminiscent of Hiawatha's, albeit unsuccessfully. The uncle endorses "A Narrative of the Captivity and Adventures of John Tanner," a true account of…
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39.9 K • Ongoing
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To Philip Dodsworth, Esq., in New York, the author addresses his experiences and advice on the pursuit of book-hunting, congratulating Dodsworth on joining this passionate quest. He begins by evoking the sentimentality and solitude that comes with the love for books, referencing Thomas e Kempis and the comfort found in reading. Despite offering advice, the author humorously acknowledges that like many enthusiasts, Dodsworth may not strictly follow it, highlighting the eager but often haphazard nature of…
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39.9 K • Ongoing
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Letters on Literature by Andrew Lang presents an engaging letter addressed to Lady Violet Lebas, wherein Lang embarks on a descriptive journey into the life and philosophy of Plotinus, the Egyptian philosopher born around 200 A.D. in Lycopolis, Egypt. The letter draws an intriguing parallel between Plotinus and the English literary giant, Dr. Samuel Johnson, highlighting their shared traits of laziness paired with moments of energetic brilliance, short-sightedness (both literal and metaphorical), and a…
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39.9 K • Ongoing
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In the prologue of "At the Earth's Core," the narrator introduces his tale with a prelude of disbelief, recounting an interaction with a Fellow of the Royal Geological Society in London, where his experiences and story met profound skepticism. The narrator vividly describes the dismissal and incredulity he faced, which led to dashed hopes of recognition and honor within the scientific community. Despite the cold reception, the narrator insists on the truth of his account, underpinned by the sincerity and…
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34.0 K • Ongoing
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