• Rahel to Varnhagen Cover
      by LovelyMay In "Rahel to Varnhagen," a poem that unfolds a complex emotional and intellectual dialogue between Rahel Robert and Varnhagen von Ense, Edwin Arlington Robinson masterfully captures the nuances of a relationship marked by its depth, intellectualism, and the struggles of love. Rahel, having shared her life's passions and her previous correspondence, reveals herself to an extent that she believes should either bind Varnhagen closer to her or drive him away. Her initial dismay at Varnhagen's unwavering…
    • Chapter

      PREFACE

      PREFACE Cover
      by LovelyMay "The Bhagavad-Gita," an eminent part of the epic Mahabharata, situated within the "Bhishma" Parva, stands as an epitome of Indian Devanagiri literature's grandeur, being one of its "Five Jewels." This Sanskrit poem encompasses a philosophical framework integral to Brahmanic beliefs, amalgamating concepts from Kapila, Patanjali, and the Vedas. Its profound declarations, noble aspirations, and devout piety invoke admiration, as noted by scholars like Schlegel, who reveres the anonymous author's profound…
    • Chapter

      Preface

      Preface Cover
      by LovelyMay In the preface to "Men, Women and Ghosts," the author outlines the expansive definition of "stories" used in this collection, encompassing narrative poems, tales divided into scenes, and pieces where nature and inanimate objects play central roles. A significant portion of the preface is dedicated to exploring the potential of `vers libre` (free verse), inspired by the rhythmic similarities between poetry and music, notably sparked by the compositions of Debussy. The author describes experiments with…
    • Chapter

      Pickthorn Manor

      Pickthorn Manor Cover
      by LovelyMay Men, Women and Ghosts captures the theme of loss, longing, and the complexity of human emotions through the experiences of its characters. The chapter vividly presents a tale woven around the lives of Lady Eunice and Gervase Deane, set against the backdrop of the English countryside and the tumultuous times of war. Lady Eunice, living in solemn solitude at Pickthorn Manor, receives the heart-wrenching news of the death of her betrothed, Lord Hartwell, killed in action. Despite her grief, she finds a…
    • Chapter

      Peace on Earth

      Peace on Earth Cover
      by LovelyMay Peace is echoed in the humble words of a man named Ichabod, his frayed hat in hand as a testament to his journey. Amidst the coldness of the earth, he proclaims, "Peace on Earth," his voice a blend of hope and weariness. Skepticism meets this declaration as the speaker questions the feasibility of such a peace, poking at the belief in a divine entity and the celebration of a birth said to change mankind. Ichabod, with a mix of sorrow and wisdom, challenges conventional faith, suggesting a God beyond the…
    • Chapter

      PART II.

      PART II. Cover
      by LovelyMay In this whimsical and adventurous chapter of "The Bab Ballads," the narrator embarks on an eccentric quest to discover the author of the charming and elusive cracker mottoes that captivate his Elvira. His journey takes him to celebrated poets—Henry Wadsworth, Alfred Poet Close, and Mister Martin Tupper—in hopes that one of them might be the creator of these witty verses. Each poet, however, denies involvement with the cracker mottoes, and Tupper responds with a cryptic message, illustrating the…
    • Chapter

      On the Way

      On the Way Cover
      by LovelyMay In the chapter titled "On the Way" from Edwin Arlington Robinson's *The Three Taverns*, an imaginative dialogue unfolds between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, set in Philadelphia, 1794. This conversation occurs in a speculative manner, not tied to a specific real-life event but rather illustrative of the complex and climactic political tensions that would later culminate in the infamous duel between Hamilton and Burr in 1804. The dialogue vividly characterizes both historical figures, drawing on their…
    • Off the Turnpike Cover
      by LovelyMay In "Men, Women and Ghosts," we encounter a harrowing narrative divided into segments, each carrying its weight of human emotion, ranging from betrayal to the uncanny. The first part delves into the tale of a rural relationship strained and eventually ruptured by infidelity. Amidst the idyllic setting of budding apple trees on a serene morning, a wife, left behind by her indifferent husband, succumbs to the companionship and advances of another man, Elmer. Her confession unfolds as a defiant assertion of…
    • Number 3 on the Docket Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 1 of "Men, Women, and Ghosts" opens with a poignant dialogue between Alice and her partner, underscoring themes of disillusionment and betrayal within personal relationships. Alice confronts her partner about his admiration for Arthur, a character who embroils himself in scandal and deceit to maintain a facade of prosperity and allure. Despite Arthur's questionable morals, Alice's partner envies his lifestyle, which is marked by external signs of success like fine clothing and dining in…
    • Chapter

      NOTES

      NOTES Cover
      by LovelyMay The chapter provides fascinating insights into Jeanne d'Arc's intertwined history with Scottish forces and individuals, painting a vivid picture of her remarkable influence and the legacy that followed. Jeanne d'Arc, known for leading a victorious charge at Lagny against the Burgundians under Franquet d'Arras, had notable Scottish connections, including a Scottish artist, possibly James Polwarth or a Hume of Polwarth, who designed her banner. This connection is bolstered by a monk from Dunfermline claiming…
    Note