• III. Theory of Perception. Cover
      by LovelyMay Henri Bergson's philosophical work, as summarized from the provided chapter, delves into the relativity of perception and the transformative journey from common experience to profound action. Bergson distinguishes between fact and construction, proposing a series where each term can be seen as fact to the following terms and constructed in relation to preceding ones, aiming for a "contact with pure immediacy." This effort signifies a critical journey from complexity to simplicity in understanding…
    • IV. Critique of Language. Cover
      by LovelyMay Henri Bergson, in "A New Philosophy," presents a complex exploration of perception, matter, and the limitations of conventional thought and language. He delves into the nature of pure perception, which he argues is not merely a subjective experience but rather a direct interaction with reality itself. Bergson suggests that our ordinary perception, limited by our need for practical efficiency, obscures the full depth of reality by favoring a fragmented, simplified view over comprehensive…
    • Chapter

      MY FIFTH STAGE

      MY FIFTH STAGE Cover
      by LovelyMay In the fifth stage of "The Autobiography of a Slander," the narrative navigates through Mrs. Selldon's struggles with conversation during a dinner party held in honor of the renowned author, Mr. Mark Shrewsbury. Mrs. Selldon, distinguished by her unstimulating conversational skills, dreads social interactions, especially with individuals of notable intellect or fame. The chapter expertly portrays her anticipation and the subsequent awkwardness that ensues when she is paired with Mr. Shrewsbury for…
    • Chapter

      MY SIXTH STAGE

      MY SIXTH STAGE Cover
      by LovelyMay In London, during a particularly dull and sweltering early September, Mark Shrewsbury found himself grappling with the lethargy that the city imposed. Despite the tangible comforts of his chambers and the utility of his cherished typewriter, his spirit waned under the monotony and the oppressive heat, rendering his novel-writing process more grueling than ever. Amidst this listless phase, Shrewsbury's routine took a turn during an encounter at his club. A casual reunion with a friend just returned from…
    • MY SEVENTH STAGE Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Autobiography of a Slander," the seventh stage unfolds with a dramatic turn of events set against the backdrop of September's sunny disposition in England and the contrasting stern atmosphere of St. Petersburg, Russia. The chapter begins with the simultaneous departure of Sigismund Zaluski to Russia, following an urgent summon by his uncle, and the travel of the slanderous letter to its Russian destination. Zaluski, who was at the Morleys' in Muddleton, departs with a promise to return in a…
    • MY TRIUMPHANT FINALE Cover
      by LovelyMay As the story of "The Autobiography of a Slander" draws to a close, we witness the poignant conclusion to the unjust suffering of Sigismund Zaluski, wrongfully imprisoned due to the careless spread of a slander. The narrative continues to unfold within the grim confines of Zaluski's prison cell, showcasing his initial despair and subsequent efforts to find solace through reading, writing, and tapping a form of Morse code to communicate with Valerian Vasilowitch, his neighbor and a victim of similar…
    • THE CRUELTY OF ACHILLES, AND THE RANSOMING OF HECTOR Cover
      by LovelyMay In the tale of "The Cruelty of Achilles, and the Ransoming of Hector" from "Tales of Troy," the story begins with the ghost of Patroclus appearing to Achilles, urging him to conduct funeral rites. Achilles responds by gathering wood for a massive funeral pyre, covering Patroclus in white linen, and sacrificing cattle along with twelve Trojan prisoners as an honor—but this act is marked by shame due to Achilles' wrath and grief. After the pyre burns through the night, Patroclus' bones are encased in gold…
    • HOW ULYSSES STOLE THE LUCK OF TROY Cover
      by LovelyMay In the chapter “How Ulysses Stole the Luck of Troy” from "Tales of Troy," the narrative progresses after Hector's burial, with the siege of Troy continuing languidly. The Greeks, inexperienced in siege warfare, cannot breach the Trojans' defenses, bolstered by their anticipation of reinforcements, including the Amazons and the Khita, led by King Memnon. Central to Trojan defense is the Palladium, an ancient divine image within the temple of Pallas Athene, believed to secure Troy's…
    • THE BOYHOOD AND PARENTS OF ULYSSES Cover
      by LovelyMay In ancient Ithaca, a rugged, mountainous island on Greece's west coast, reigned a king named Laertes. This tiny kingdom, described as shield-shaped due to its twin peaks and valley, lacked horses, thus, chariot warfare was absent. Laertes' son, Ulysses, unlike others, fought on foot. Despite the absence of horses, Ithaca flourished with livestock and wildlife, and its seas teemed with fish, ensuring a prosperous life for its inhabitants. Its climate was mild, adorned with a long summer and brief winter,…
    • HOW PEOPLE LIVED IN THE TIME OF ULYSSES Cover
      by LovelyMay In the age of Ulysses, Greece was a collection of small kingdoms, each with its own monarch, nobility, and clear societal hierarchy. Kings ruled over their domains from heavily fortified cities, surrounded by massive stone walls that later generations attributed to giant builders. These rulers presided from palaces that were centers of administrative and social life, featuring grand halls where the fire burned continuously. This setting was not just the heart of political power but also of cultural life,…
    Note