LovelyMay
Stories
93
Chapters
1,516
Words
3.4 M
Comments
0
Reading
11 d, 19 h
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Idle through the sun-kissed landscapes of southern France, we embarked on an unforeseen adventure upon learning that the Comedie Francaise actors were heading to Orange for a series of performances organized by Les Felibres, a society dedicated to classical arts and the preservation of Orange's Roman theatre. Envisioning to revive the grandeur of classical drama, similar to Beyreuth's ode to Wagner, the festival aimed to fund the restoration of this ancient marvel. Our journey commenced in Lyon,…-
88.3 K • Ongoing
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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,…
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88.3 K • Ongoing
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The chapter "Inconsistencies" narrates an insightful conversation between the protagonist, who finds himself engaging with a young Turk during a summer evening ball. As the evening unfolds, the cultural contrasts between Eastern and Western social etiquettes and norms become the focal point of their exchange. The setting begins with the protagonist escaping the mundane chatter of other men about golf and racing by retreating to a quiet corner of the piazza to enjoy his cigar. The tranquility is soon…
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88.3 K • Ongoing
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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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88.3 K • Ongoing
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Chapter 24 of "The Ways of Men," titled "The Better Part," presents a reflective and critical look at the upper-class society's restrictive nature on women's lives, juxtaposed against the freer, more engaging experiences of women outside these narrow confines. The chapter opens with an allegory comparing aristocratic women to hothouse flowers, sheltered and limited in their growth, drawing a stark contrast with wild flowers that bloom freely in nature. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the…
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88.3 K • Ongoing
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In "The Spirit of History," we explore the profound contributions of a great historian, Michelet, who dedicated four decades to reviving the soul of French history. This chapter opens with a vivid metaphor, comparing buildings and libraries to the tombs and catacombs of vanished civilizations, before delving into Michelet's monumental quest to breathe life into France’s past. It portrays Michelet as a historian of remarkable depth, capable of resurrecting the long-gone spirits of history and depicting…
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88.3 K • Ongoing
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In "The Dinner and the Drama," the chapter discusses a cultural shift in America that is diminishing the quality and appreciation of theatre, comparing it unfavorably with the past. Claude Frollo, in Hugo's narrative, symbolizes a prophetic vision where one societal change eclipses another; here, the elaboration and timing of dinners are seen as encroaching upon the traditional appeal and cultural position of drama. Highlighting New York's paradox of numerous and richly funded theaters yet a declining…
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88.3 K • Ongoing
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Chapter 31 of "The Ways of Men" entitled "The Modern Aspasia" gives a reflective and contrasting view of Paris compared to other historic European cities. It paints Paris as a unique entity that possesses an alluring charm capable of captivating a diverse audience ranging from the frivolous to the profoundly intellectual. Unlike the austere Bruges or Ghent, the sensual Naples, or the cultured Florence and Venice, Paris is depicted as a city that seduces all manner of people with its dynamic personality.…
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88.3 K • Ongoing
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Chapter 32 of "The Ways of Men" titled "A Nation in a Hurry" reveals the author's observations on the frenetic pace of American life, contrasting it with the more leisurely rhythms observed in Europe and historical America. The anecdote of steamboat captains seating someone on the safety valve to increase speed epitomizes the relentless American rush. This urgency is immediately noticed upon returning to the U.S. from abroad, where the tendency to speed through life manifests in every aspect, from customs…
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88.3 K • Ongoing
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In the dim light of a ship's interior, Gusev, a sick man, observes his fellow sufferer, Pavel Ivanitch, struggling for breath in the stifling heat of their quarters. Pavel, looking more like a monk or hermit with his severe illness and skeletal frame, engages Gusev in a grim conversation about their plight. Pavel proposes a dark theory that they have been sent on the steamer by their doctors to die, a way to rid themselves of burdensome patients without paying the price. According to Pavel, the corrupt and…-
86.6 K • Ongoing
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