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    LovelyMay

    Stories 93
    Chapters 1,516
    Words 3.4 M
    Comments 0
    Reading 11 days, 19 hours11 d, 19 h
    • CHAPTER 5 – Parnassus Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter 5 titled "Parnassus" of "The Ways of Men," the narrator recounts an enlightening encounter with Sainte-Beuve, a paramount writer and critic of the century, in his Paris home on rue Montparnasse. This memorable visit captured through youthful eyes eventually matures into a cherished memory, reinforced by the narrator’s growing admiration for Sainte-Beuve’s work. The narrative weaves through the years, tracing the narrator's return to Paris, the transformations of the city, and his reverence…
    • CHAPTER 6 – Modern Architecture Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter 6 of "The Ways of Men," titled "Modern Architecture," the narrative opens with a foreign tourist's hypothetical first encounter with New York's skyline, described as both chaotic and enchantingly wild at twilight yet dishearteningly graceless by daylight. This dichotomy underscores the broader critique of the city's contemporary architectural ethos, contrasting sharply with the classical beauty and proportionality revered by past critics and architects. The author employs vivid analogies,…
    • CHAPTER 7 – Worldly Color-Blindness Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 7 of "The Ways of Men," entitled "Worldly Color-Blindness," draws a parallel between the literal inability to discern colors and tones and a metaphorical lack of discernment in social settings. The author presents a critical view of those who, despite good intentions, fail to understand the subtleties of social gatherings, resulting in uncomfortable and unenjoyable events. The text opens with an analogy to physical color-blindness and tone-deafness, mentioning individuals who, despite these…
    • CHAPTER 8 – Idling in Mid-Ocean Cover
      by LovelyMay In "Idling in Mid-Ocean," the author explores the tranquil and transformative experience of a transatlantic voyage, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As the ship moves through the vast, jade-colored ocean, the author finds themselves relishing in the sheer novelty and peacefulness of their surroundings, where the typical concerns of life on land seem distant and irrelevant. This chapter paints a picture of serene detachment and introspection, underscored by the leisurely pace of life aboard…
    • CHAPTER 9 – “Climbers” in England Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 9 of "The Ways of Men" delves into the peculiar social dynamics of English society vis-à-vis American adventurers and the titled English class, painting a vivid portrait of the aspirations, misconceptions, and cultural clashes that transpire when Americans attempt to integrate into the elite circles of England. The term "Little Englander" encapsulates the insular attitude of English society towards foreigners, including Americans, highlighting a sense of superiority and exclusivity based on one's…
    • CHAPTER 11 – A Cry For Fresh Air Cover
      by LovelyMay The story begins with a familiar fairy tale where a disgruntled old witch curses a princess’s life, turning blessings into burdens. This serves as a metaphor for the state of modern society, where the gifts of science and industry, intended to improve life, have instead caused harm. The discovery of central heating, once unimaginable to the courtiers of Louis XIV, has transformed from an extravagant luxury into an essential part of life. But this change begs the question: has it been beneficial,…
    • CHAPTER 18 – What is “Art”? Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter 18 of "The Ways of Men," titled "What is 'Art'?", the narrator delves into the perplexing question of defining art. This exploration begins with the author's memories of being a young, aspiring artist in foreign studios, where the comment "it's not Art" often served as a damning final judgment on artistic endeavors. Such remarks left the author and peers in a state of confusion and doubt about their works and the very nature of art. The narrative proceeds to criticize the arbitrary standards…
    • CHAPTER 19 – The Genealogical Craze Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 19 of "The Ways of Men" titled "The Genealogical Craze" explores America's extreme fascination with genealogy and social orders. The chapter opens with an observation on the American penchant for not doing things in moderation, attributing it to the lack of established social standards. This has led to a surge in genealogical interests, with people vying for membership in exclusive societies based on ancestral connections to historical events or figures. The narrative then moves to discuss how…
    • CHAPTER 15 – The Grand Opera Fad Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 15 of "The Ways of Men" titled "The Grand Opera" delves into the diverse reasons people attend the opera, with a particular focus on Wagner's lengthy operas. The author is curious about the different classes of opera-goers, highlighting three main categories: the wealthy socialites who treat the opera as a social gathering rather than an art form, those who attend for the prestige and to be seen in high society, and the genuine music lovers who are often found in the less prestigious seats. The…
    • CHAPTER 10 – CALVE at Cabrieres Cover
      by LovelyMay Upon visiting Madame Calve at her picturesque home in Cabrieres during a "cure" in the Cevennes Mountains, the narrator recounts the transformation of the once sensuous Carmen into a figure of serenity. Calve, delighted to return to her roots, has devoted her home and resources to the convalescence of Parisian hospital girls, offering them fresh air, simple food, and the healing powers of sunlight, a remedy that once saved her own life. The arrival at Calve’s chateau brings the narrator into a collective…
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