Just the name of this protagonist activates my chuckle muscle - imagine introducing yourself with this moniker to a purveyor of sea-foods! Washington Irving’s Rip Van Winkle is a tale that has intrigued readers for over two centuries, not just because of its fantastical plot, but because it taps into the universal desire to avoid … Continue reading Snoozing Through the Ages: Rip Van Winkle
Month: August 2024
Witchful Thinking: Miller’s The Crucible
I recently delved into the profound depths of Death of a Salesman, and now, it's time to turn our attention to another masterpiece of the stage. Much like my previous posts, this exploration is woven from a tapestry of thoughts and reflections I've accumulated over the last few years - some have made it all … Continue reading Witchful Thinking: Miller’s The Crucible
A Tail-Wagging Analysis: Unleashing the Secrets of Aesop’s The Mischievous Dog
Once again, time is against me so I'm going to share another gem with you from Aesop's Fables; I could literally read and write about these tales all day long. The Mischievous Dog, offers a blend of humour, wisdom, and canine shenanigans that deserve a thorough, albeit lighthearted, analysis. Through the tale of a misbehaving … Continue reading A Tail-Wagging Analysis: Unleashing the Secrets of Aesop’s The Mischievous Dog
Gaskell’s Ruth: Where Virtue, Vice, and Victorian Vexations Collide
Elizabeth Gaskell’s Ruth is a novel that offers a buffet of Victorian sensibilities, served with a side of moral quandaries and a garnish of melodrama. Let’s dive into this delightful dish and dissect its flavours, shall we? Ruth Hilton, our heroine, is the quintessential 'fallen woman' who, despite her circumstances, manages to retain an almost … Continue reading Gaskell’s Ruth: Where Virtue, Vice, and Victorian Vexations Collide
Candide, or Optimism: The Optimist’s Survival Guide to the Worst Holiday Ever
In Voltaire’s Candide, or Optimism, we embark on a rollicking rollercoaster of misfortunes that would make even Murphy of Murphy's Law feel optimistic. It's a satirical romp through a world so fraught with disasters that even Job from the Bible would be inclined to offer a sympathetic shrug. Voltaire takes us through the whimsical and often … Continue reading Candide, or Optimism: The Optimist’s Survival Guide to the Worst Holiday Ever
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