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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 14 – “CAROLUS” Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter 14 of "The Ways of Men," titled "Carolus," the narrative recounts the impactful and inspirational mentorship of Carolus-Duran, a distinguished French artist from Lille, whose expertise and artistry in the early seventies drew a group of mainly American students to his studio in Paris. This influx of students, which included notable names like Sargent and Dannat, necessitated a move to a larger space on rue Notre-Dame des Champs, establishing an atelier where each student contributed to the…
    • 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 16 – The Poetic CABARETS of Paris Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Ways of Men," the chapter explores the birth and flourishment of a unique artistic community centered around Montmartre, Paris, through the pioneering efforts of young Salis and the establishment of the iconic cabaret, "Chat Noir." Salis, distinguished by his exceptional taste, critical acumen, and business acumen, transformed an obscure café on Boulevard Rochechouart into a celebrated hub of artistic expression. By decorating the new locale in the rue Victor Masse with a blend of medieval…
    • 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 20 – As the Twig is Bent Cover
      by LovelyMay You are being provided with a book chapter by chapter. I will request you to read the book for me after each chapter. After reading the chapter, 1. shorten the chapter to no less than 300 words and no more than 400 words. 2. Do not change the name, address, or any important nouns in the chapter. 3. Do not translate the original language. 4. Keep the same style as the original chapter, keep it consistent throughout the chapter. Your reply must comply with all four requirements, or it’s invalid. I will…
    • CHAPTER 21 – Seven Small Duchesses Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 21 of "The Ways of Men" discusses the transformation of the French aristocracy's social interactions from historical prestige to contemporary significance, as seen through the lives of the "Seven Small Duchesses." The chapter delves into the decline of the French nobility's influence on society, especially during the 19th century, attributing it to their aloofness and refusal to engage with the changing political landscape. Conversely, it highlights a shift towards re-engagement led by the younger…
    • CHAPTER 29 – Modern “Cadets de Gascogne” Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter 29 of "The Ways of Men," titled "Modern 'Cadets de Gascogne'," the narrator and their companion, inspired by a prior enchanting performance by the Comedie Francaise in the antique theatre at Orange, eagerly seize another chance to immerse themselves in French cultural and literary heritage. This opportunity presents itself in the form of an adventurous journey with the "Cadets de Gascogne," a group of passionate, southern-born young men whose lives revolve around the stage and the arts,…
    • CHAPTER 22 – Growing Old Ungracefully Cover
      by LovelyMay In the chapter "Growing Old Ungracefully" from "The Ways of Men," the narrative delves into the universal, albeit often resisted, process of aging and the societal reactions to it. The text introspectively examines the human condition's inevitable encounter with the marks of aging, such as graying hair and the appearance of wrinkles, posing a philosophic question: Should one accept the natural progression into middle age with grace, or rather, resist it, embarking on a futile struggle against the…
    • CHAPTER 27 – SARDOU at Marly-le-Roy Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter 27 of "The Ways of Men," we travel to the quaint village of Marly-le-Roy, nestled within the verdant triangle of Saint Cloud, Versailles, and Saint Germain. This location, once favored by French royalty and notably by the "Sun King" Louis XIV, holds the memory of grandeur despite the erasure of its royal villas and treasures through time. Among its enduring features are the marble horses by Coustou, now in the Champs Elysees, symbolizing the remnants of its splendid past. The narrative shifts…
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