• CHAPTER 39 — A Race of Slaves Cover
      by LovelyMay 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…
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      Chapter 39

      Chapter 39 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 39 opens with the protagonist reflecting on a literature class that explores the portrayal of women in literature. The class focuses on powerful authors such as Jane Austen, Alice Walker, Maya Angelou, and Sylvia Plath, but there is a particular emphasis on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. The protagonist appreciates the depth and complexity with which female writers represent women, contrasting them with male authors who tend to depict…
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      Chapter 38

      Chapter 38 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 38 begins with a chilling description of a barren landscape, littered with the remains of thirty-two dead crows, each arranged in a precise formation as the aftermath of a crow hunt. The cold air is sharp, every breath biting into the narrator’s lungs, intensifying the oppressive atmosphere that surrounds them. The stark contrast between life and death is undeniable, as the lifeless crows are positioned in a way that evokes the feeling of an eerie math problem—an unsettling image of cold,…
    • CHAPTER 37 — The Newport of the Past Cover
      by LovelyMay 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…
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      Chapter 37

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 37 begins on a cold Saturday morning at 6:45 A.M., with the narrator standing beside a frosty field, preparing to interview hunters dressed in camouflage and armed with loaded guns. The temperature is a brisk 34 degrees, and as the chill bites at their skin, they reflect on the series of decisions that led them to this moment. The interview is crucial for their crow column, which was sparked by an inquiry to Dr. Cornell, a bird expert. Dr. Cornell explains that another town had made unsuccessful…
    • CHAPTER 36 — American Society in Italy Cover
      by LovelyMay 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,…
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      Chapter 36

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 36 begins with the narrator reflecting on the difficult and often strained relationship they have with Campbell, characterized by frequent emotional tension and a lack of open communication. One significant aspect of their interactions is Campbell’s tendency to demand complete silence when he is upset, a habit that only increases the distance between them. The narrator has, over time, developed a subtle skill for provoking Campbell’s anger, often finding the perfect words to escalate his mild…
    • CHAPTER 35 — Living on your Friends Cover
      by LovelyMay In "Worldly Ways and Byways," Chapter 35, titled "Living on Your Friends," delves into the art of living luxuriously without owning significant wealth. Drawing inspiration from Thackeray's "Vanity Fair," the chapter explores the societal evolution from the Victorian era, illustrating how certain individuals have mastered the art of enjoying the perks of a multi-millionaire lifestyle through the hospitality of affluent friends. This lifestyle not only benefits the individual but often provides satisfaction…
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      Chapter 35

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 35 opens with Leighton feeling emotionally overwhelmed after a disturbing encounter with her father the previous night. Seeking solace, she hurries to Liam’s car, rain pouring down around her, adding to the weight of her distress. As she settles into the car, Liam greets her casually with a “Good morning, beautiful,” a simple phrase that triggers a flood of tears. Despite her best efforts to keep her emotions in check, the pain that has been building up inside her bursts free, leaving her…
    • CHAPTER 34 — A Question and an Answer Cover
      by LovelyMay In "A Question and an Answer," the author responds to an intriguing query from an admirer about the necessities for social success. The admirer's note stands out among the author's usual stack of morning correspondence, sparking his determination to address this complex question. He acknowledges the perplexing nature of social ascendancy—how certain individuals with seemingly lesser qualities triumph in society's eyes, while others, ostensibly more deserving, lag behind. The author delves into…
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