Having spent a considerable amount of time in Durham Cathedral of late, I have also found myself immersed in The Last Office, a compelling work of narrative history that chronicles the sixteenth-century dissolution of the monasteries - most notably, Durham itself. Meanwhile, like many in recent years, I have been hearing the ever-growing clamour for reparations, … Continue reading A Pathetic and Shadowy Medley: Tolkien’s Catholic Critique of Protestantism
Category: Literature
The King in Yellow: A Curious Case of Cosmic Horror and Turn-of-the-Century Angst
The unifying thread in the best stories is a mysterious, fictional play - also called The King in Yellow - which is said to drive anyone who reads it into a state of gibbering madness. Of course, Chambers teases us with snippets of this forbidden text but never lets us see the full thing, much like … Continue reading The King in Yellow: A Curious Case of Cosmic Horror and Turn-of-the-Century Angst
Tantalus: The Original Snackless Snacker
There are lots of sources where you'll find Tantalus' story, the poor sod. There he stands, up to his knees in water, fruit dangling just above his head, and yet he can’t eat or drink a thing. It’s the ultimate cosmic tease, isn’t it? The gods clearly had a flair for ironic punishments, but honestly, … Continue reading Tantalus: The Original Snackless Snacker
The Fragile Dance: Trust, Betrayal, and the Paradox of Friendship
Something is stirring within me - a recent experience that has set my thoughts into a quiet but persistent whirlwind. It is, at once, exhilarating and unnerving: a blend of promise, trepidation, and the cautious hope that so often accompanies stepping into uncharted territory. For so long, I’ve been guarded, reluctant, and resolute in keeping … Continue reading The Fragile Dance: Trust, Betrayal, and the Paradox of Friendship
Holy Hype and Heavenly Hardships: A Witty Take on The Song of Bernadette
The Song of Bernadette. A tale so steeped in piety, suffering, and miraculous visions that one might think Franz Werfel and Henry King teamed up to make us all feel like we’ve been woefully underachieving in our spiritual lives. Between the novel’s lofty prose and the film’s reverent close-ups of Jennifer Jones looking like she’s … Continue reading Holy Hype and Heavenly Hardships: A Witty Take on The Song of Bernadette
Wording 