From reading the blurb, I thought I would hate this book - it sounded so terribly boring, but once I read the first sentence I was hooked. Klein is soFrom reading the blurb, I thought I would hate this book - it sounded so terribly boring, but once I read the first sentence I was hooked. Klein is so interesting and surprisingly relatable.
“Well, we all make mistakes, dear, so just put it behind you. We should regret our mistakes and learn from them, but never carry them forward into the future with us.”
This was magical but some parts of it were unbearable... (for me at least)
The sequel to the classic Anne of Green Gables (#2 in the series of ~9 books).
I LOVED Anne of Green Gables. It was so relatable in so many ways but it also had that element of teenage life that I had been longing for. I loved the story arc and the characters and Marilla's "stiff" love where she is so very loving and she shows it in such beautiful, poignant ways and Matthew's childlike innocence despite his age, the premise of two siblings raising an orphan child, the gossip and the tale.
I hyped up the sequel so much because I thought that a novel about Anne's becoming a teacher would be so interesting, not only because becoming a teacher has been a lifelong dream but also because I thought Anne would be the perfect teacher BECAUSE she had experienced both ends of the spectrum; the good and the bad; Mr Philips and Miss Stacy. I thought she would have learned and idolised and been inspired and taken the good from each. I thought she would reflect on her childhood and be able to understand the children, ESPECIALLY GIVEN HER YOUNG AGE.
However, often Anne did let her anger or tire get the better of her and she would lash out. This is understandable, children are the worst. But. when she had the child throw THE CHOCOLATE IN THE FIRE **ANGER NOISES**. She was a terrible teacher in some ways but perhaps that was a hidden premise of the novel and Montgomery's meaning behind the novel.
Outside of the pedagogy, Anne was a very kind, funny and adorable character. I loved the continuation of the circumspect love story between her and Gilbert and the way she treated the new people she met. I also adored her bond with Paul Irving even if parts of it were perhaps fundamentally immoral. Paul Irving's imagination honestly deserved a Grammy. I believe that the magical world in the Never-Ending Story may have been based on which would be a beautiful and endearing homage to the magic of Montgomery's writing....more
“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.” “War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.” “To hang on from day to day and from week to week, spinning out a present that had no future, seemed an unconquerable instinct, just as one’s lungs will always draw the next breath so long as there is air available.” “Often she was ready to accept the official mythology, simply because the difference between truth and falsehood did not seem important to her. She believed, for instance, having learnt it at school, that the Party had invented aeroplanes.” “By lack of understanding, they remained sane.” “In Newspeak, there is no word for science” “By becoming continuous, war has ceased to exist.” (check quote) “Even when he is lonely, he can not be sure that he is alone.” “Perhaps one did not want to be loved so much as to be understood.” “You do not exist” “What can you do, thought Winston, against the lunatic who is more intelligent than yourself, who gives your arguments a fair hearing and then simply persists in his lunacy?” “every human being is doomed to die” “Obedience is not enough. Unless he is suffering, how can you be sure that he is obeying your will and not his own?” “It is impossible to found a civilisation on fear and hatred and cruelty. It would never endure.” “Men are infinitely malleable.” “Sooner or later they will see you for what you are, and then they will tear you to pieces.” “The Spirit of Man.” "But if thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought.” "In the face of pain there are no heroes.” “Reality exists in the human mind, and nowhere else.”
Orwell's 1984 stands as a seminal work in literature, a haunting exploration of the human psyche and the perils of unchecked political power. At its core, the novel ventures into the realms of philosophy, psychology, dystopia, and politics, weaving a tapestry that resonates with timeless relevance.
"1984" is a dystopian novel by George Orwell set in a totalitarian society ruled by the Party, led by the enigmatic figure known as Big Brother. The story follows Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the Party who works for the Ministry of Truth, where his job involves altering historical records to fit the Party's propaganda.
Winston becomes disillusioned with the oppressive regime and starts to rebel against its control. He begins to keep a secret diary, expressing his thoughts and desires that go against Party doctrine. Winston also starts a forbidden love affair with Julia, a fellow Party member who shares his disdain for the regime. Their relationship becomes a symbol of resistance against the Party's attempts to control every aspect of individuals' lives.
As Winston and Julia navigate their illicit relationship, they are eventually caught by the Thought Police, the Party's secret police force. The couple is arrested, tortured, and brainwashed in the Ministry of Love, where they are subjected to the brutal methods of breaking one's spirit and loyalty to the Party. The novel concludes with Winston's complete capitulation to the Party's authority and his acceptance of their version of reality.
The character of Julia is crucial in highlighting the human desire for individuality, love, and rebellion against oppressive systems. Her relationship with Winston serves as a vehicle for exploring the emotional and personal consequences of living under constant surveillance and control. The tragic fate of Winston and Julia underscores the novel's bleak portrayal of the potential consequences of unchecked political power and the erasure of individual freedom.
Philosophical Themes: Orwell grapples with profound philosophical questions throughout "1984." The concept of truth and reality is central to the narrative.The Party's manipulation of information and the creation of a distorted reality through Newspeak raises questions about the nature of truth itself. Orwell challenges readers to contemplate the malleability of truth and the consequences of a society where those in power control not only the present but also the past.
Linguistics Speculation: Orwell creates a language that is supposed to make it impossible to have thoughts that go against the Party. The language is further explored and explained in the Appendix/Appendices. However, the language is a bit of a flop because it is not the first language for most people and does not supercede English. Furthermore, while bad and freedom (and similar words) are removed in an effort to prevent “ill” thought but people still have these thoughts and form conspiracy, they jsut use different words because the meaning of a word is not dictated by a mass produced dictionary. While it may have a considerable effect, the people who speak a language decide what each word means and its connotations.
Psychological Exploration: Orwell delves into the intricacies of the human mind under oppressive conditions. Winston Smith, the protagonist, becomes a vessel through which Orwell explores the psychological toll of living in a surveillance state. The constant fear of Thought Police and the suppression of individuality result in a profound internal struggle for Winston, showcasing the fragility of the human spirit when subjected to relentless psychological manipulation.
Dystopian Realities: 1984 paints a chilling portrait of a dystopian society where totalitarianism has reached its apogee. Orwell's vision is marked by omnipresent surveillance, the eradication of privacy, and the suppression of dissent. The dystopian landscape serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of unchecked government power and the erosion of individual freedoms. The novel invites readers to reflect on the fragility of democracy and the potential for societies to descend into oppressive regimes.
Political Critique: Orwell's political critique is overt, condemning the totalitarian regimes of his time and serving as a prescient warning for the future. The Party's use of propaganda, manipulation of language, and rewriting of history draw parallels to real-world political machinations. Orwell's narrative is a stark reminder of the importance of preserving democratic values and resisting the encroachment of authoritarian rule.
Science Fiction Presentation: 1984 is a science fiction novel. Most science fiction novels are either trying to suggest or find an idealistic societal structure or warn or predict the terrible events that may occur in our future and the repercussions of our actions. 1984 is the latter of these and recounts a totalitarian, corrupt government. At the time of writing (1949), 1984 was in the future. Orwell masterfully creates a world that can facilitate the consideration and critiques that he wants to present.
In conclusion, "1984" is a masterful exploration of the human experience under the weight of oppressive political ideologies. Orwell's multi-faceted approach weaves together philosophy, linguistics, psychology, dystopia, politics and science fiction creating a work that not only stands as a critique of his contemporary world but also serves as a timeless cautionary tale for generations to come. The novel challenges readers to examine the essence of truth, the resilience of the human spirit, and the societal consequences of surrendering to unchecked political power....more
"What is done out of love takes place beyond good and evil." "Suppose that truth is a woman – and why not? Aren’t there reasons for suspecting that "What is done out of love takes place beyond good and evil." "Suppose that truth is a woman – and why not? Aren’t there reasons for suspecting that all philosophers, to the extent that they have been dogmatists, have not really understood women? That the grotesque seriousness of their approach towards the truth and the clumsy advances they have made so far are unsuitable ways of pressing their suit with a woman? What is certain is that she has spurned them – leaving dogmatism of all types standing sad and discouraged. If it is even left standing! Because there are those who make fun of dogmatism, claiming that it has fallen over, that it is lying flat on its face, or more, that dogmatism is in its last gasps." "The will to truth that still seduces us into taking so many risks, this famous truthfulness that all philosophers so far have talked about with veneration: what questions this will to truth has already laid before us! What strange, terrible, questionable questions!" “Blessed are the forgetful; for they get over their stupidities, too.” "The ‘will to power’ does not resolve to a ‘drive’ or a ‘striving’; the will to power is the essence of being." "The essential thing ‘in heaven and earth’ is... that there should be long obedience in the same direction, there thereby results, and has always resulted in the long run, something which has made life worth living; for instance, virtue, art, music, dancing, reason, spirituality—anything whatever that is transfiguring, refined, foolish, or divine." "The essential and characteristic feature of the 'will to power' is precisely that it is not a wish; indeed, it is precisely this which distinguishes it from everything wishful, desirous, longing, and contented." "Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you." "Convictions are more dangerous enemies of truth than lies. Every man has his price for what he is inclined to call his 'instinct of truth.'" "Morality is the herd-instinct in the individual." "The voice of the intellect is a soft one, but it does not rest until it has gained a hearing. Ultimately, after endless rebuffs, it succeeds. This is one of the few points in which it may be optimistic about the future of mankind, but not less so in respect to its own future; for its power increases and it is almost as though it said to itself, 'I will not be ignored. I will be heard.'” "Instinct, when harnessed, is the force of all great actions and accomplishments. It's the silent impetus behind the extraordinary, the unspoken guide directing the hands of the exceptional." "The more abstract the truth you want to teach, the more thoroughly you must seduce the senses to accept it." "In reality, hope is the worst of all evils, because it prolongs man's torments. People think of the future as a cesspool of possibilities; they don't understand that it is empty." "Instinct is the strongest power in the world. It is stronger than thought, stronger than will. Instinct is the path of life itself leading to new life, new joys, new overcoming." "The Christian resolution to find the world ugly and bad has made the world ugly and bad." "Another Christian concept, no less crazy: the concept of eternal punishment for those who do not obey – the nonsense of 'free will.'" "Whoever despises himself nonetheless esteems himself thereby as a despiser." "Moralities are a sign of power; they are the privilege of the strong. The weak and the failures shall perish: first principle of our love of man. And they shall even be given every possible assistance." "Morality is the best of all devices for leading mankind by the nose."
Friedrich Nietzsche's Beyond Good and Evil covers the following themes and points:
- Critique of traditional morality: Nietzsche critiques the conventions of good and evil, arguing that they are subjective constructs rather than absolute truths. He challenges the binary opposition between good and evil, suggesting that moral values are relative and contingent upon individual perspectives and cultural contexts. This can be extrapolated to say that everything is subjective and nothing is definite. Nietzsche emphasizes the idea of perspectivism, asserting that there are multiple perspectives from which reality can be understood. He argues that there is no single, objective truth but rather a multiplicity of interpretations shaped by individual experiences, biases, and worldviews. Nietzsche also compares truth to woman and finds the interesting commonality that philosophers (for which he may only be talking about himself) can not tame either. Interestingly, Nietzsche was very proud of his lifelong virginity and thought it to be virtuous despite his views on Christianity as restricting our world and our thoughts. I think that our thoughts are limited but also that every possible thought may have been thought already and that it just wasn't documented. In a few centuries, people will look at us and our time period with disappointment and pity (like we do the Dark Ages and the vikings and cavemen) and we will be worth nothing.
- Will to power: A central concept in Nietzsche's philosophy is the "will to power," which refers to the driving force behind human behaviour. He suggests that all living beings seek to assert their power and dominance in various forms, whether intellectually, physically, or socially. Nietzsche views this will to power as a fundamental aspect of human nature. I think the will to power and domination is futile and disgusting. I also think it is far too often played by white males. Most senior roles in workplaces are filled by males, causing most of the gender wage gap (as higher roles get higher wages (usually)). I also think that Western civilisation has seriously messed up parenting and raising children. Traditionally, the man of the house is the boss and the woman is "stupid." The only reason the man keeps her is for sex, her looks and her cooking. This is also briefly explored in John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men (namely throughout George and Lennie's power struggle). Nietzsche's views on the will to power as a fundamental aspect of human nature is frivolous and incorrect. In France, children are typically raised in a truer democracy in their households. The children and the parents (and all family members for that matter) are thought to be equal and there is no dominance. I believe further that someone being the dominant character as a result of their age or sex is pointless. Perhaps if they earned their dominance, it would be acceptable but I think there will never be true democracy until we start to treat each other as humans as though we were created equal. However, it is implausible that we were created equal when we are all so very different. Perhaps you could say we are all equally respectable in our different accomplishments. Some people are simply more expressive than others. Nietzsche contrasts master morality (associated with strength, nobility, and self-assertion) with slave morality (linked to meekness, humility, and obedience). He criticizes the dominance of slave morality in society, which he sees as arising from a resentment of the powerful, leading to a devaluation of strength and vitality.
- Critique of religion and Christianity: Nietzsche is highly critical of traditional religious beliefs, particularly Christianity, which he sees as promoting a slave morality that suppresses human potential and restricts individual freedom. He advocates for a reevaluation of religious values and a move towards a more life-affirming philosophy. He frowns upon the way the lens of Christianity makes the world viewed only as good and ugly and limits our thoughts. He thinks it is old-fashioned and is not an ideal religion as people spend their time on Earth, talking to a higher being they have never met and whom they can't guarantee the existence of, awaiting their ascension to a sacred paradise, never recognising their own sins. What's more is the way Nietzsche compares religion to instinct. Some people think that it is a curious thing that only humans worship. I disagree with that statement; I think other species worship. Birds worship their parents and they learn how to fly from them. Humanity has found solace in religion for millennia and only recently has the atheist movement made significant progress. However, even as science progresses, religion continues to flourish.
- The Ubermensch (Overman): Nietzsche introduces the concept of the Übermensch or Overman, representing an idealized individual who transcends conventional morality and societal norms. The Übermensch creates their values, lives authentically, and embraces life's challenges and uncertainties. I believe heavily in idolisation and higher beings and that there are people who are just better.
- Art, culture, and creativity: Nietzsche values art and culture as expressions of human creativity and vitality. He believes that genuine cultural progress arises from the creative impulses of exceptional individuals who challenge existing norms and conventions. I believe that art and creativity are an expression of intellect and that those who are more creative are brighter than those who are not. I believe that music may be the best thing in the world as it is not a measure of skill in the same way as other disciplines. It allows more freedom and there are less rules. Music is beautiful and I don't know where I would be without it.
I loved reading this and the way Nietzsche presented his views in such an organised and quotable manner. I found most of Nietzsche's ideas to be similar to mine and found solace in someone agreeing with me but also I enjoyed his explorative expansions of them and how he did not let himself be restricted by social conventions and the discreet indoctrination that we let control us every day.
What lost a star was Nietzsche's misogynistic views (as encapsulated by "Are you visiting women? Do not forget your whip!"). If anything, women are better than men.
**spoiler alert** SO GOOOD!! I loved this so much!! "He loved him as much as he hated him. He couldn't stay away from him." "Death and ecstasy were o**spoiler alert** SO GOOOD!! I loved this so much!! "He loved him as much as he hated him. He couldn't stay away from him." "Death and ecstasy were one." "I know this emptiness, it passes." "It is the result of too much suffering." "As she spoke, Goldmund saw glowing in her eyes. Behind the hatred, something that touched him, chained him and went deep in his heart. He saw death in her eyes. Not the compulsion to die but the wish to die. The wish to be allowed to die. Wordless obedience, abandonment call to the universal mother." "To love such women was suffering." "I can only love men who risk their life if necessary" "Don't betray me" "It's struggle and sacrifice like any decent life." "I have always adored our Creator as perfect, but ever his creation. I have never denied the evil in the world. No true thinker has ever affirmed that life on earth is harmonious and just, or that man is good, my dear friend. On the contrary. The Holy Bible expressly states that the strivings and doings of man's heart are evil, and every day we see this confirmed anew." "the world is so full of death and horror, I try again and again to console my heart and to pick the flowers that grow in the midst of hell. I find bliss, and for an hour I forget the horror. But that does not mean that it does not exist." "you find yourself surrounded by death and horror in the world, and you escape it into lust. But lust has no duration; it leaves you again in the desert." "The basic image is not flesh and blood; it is mind. It is an image that has its home in the artist's soul." ""it is time for me to die. I am ready, and I'm curious about it." "Why curious?" asked Narcissus. "Well, it may be a bit stupid of me. But I'm really curious about it. Not of the beyond, Narcissus. I think about that very little, and if I may say so openly, I no longer believe in it. There is no beyond. The dried-up tree is dead forever; the frozen bird does not come back to life, nor does a man after he has died. One may continue to think of him for a while after he's gone, but that doesn't last long either. No, I'm curious about dying only because it is still my belief or my dream that I am on the road toward my mother. I hope death will be a great happiness, a happiness as great as that of love, fulfilled love. I cannot give up the thought that, instead of death with his scythe, it will be my mother who will come to take me back to her, who will lead me back to nonbeing and innocence."" "peace with God? No, that peace I have not found. I don't want any peace with Him. He has made the world badly; we don't need to praise it, and He'll care little whether I praise Him or not. He has made the world badly. But I have made peace with the pain in my chest, yes. In former days I was not good at bearing pain, and although I sometimes thought dying would come easily to me, I was wrong. When death was so near me that night in Count Heinrich's prison, I saw that I simply could not face it." "I lay there and had burning pains in my chest and I was defending myself against them and screaming when I heard a laughing voice, a voice I had not heard since childhood. It was my mother's voice, a deep womanly voice, full of ecstasy and love. And then I saw that it was she, that she was with me, holding me in her lap, and that she had opened my breast and put her fingers between my ribs to pluck out my heart. When I saw and understood that, it no longer hurt." ""I cannot wait until tomorrow. I must say farewell to you now, and as we part I must tell you everything. Listen to me another moment. I wanted to tell you about my mother, and how she keeps her fingers clasped around my heart. For many years it has been my most cherished, my secret dream to make a statue of the mother. She was to me the most sacred of all my images; I have carried her always inside me, a figure of love and mystery. Only a short while ago it would have been unbearable to me to think that I might die without having carved her statue; my life would have seemed useless to me. And now see how strangely things have turned out: it is not my hands that shape and form her; it is her hands that shape and form me. She is closing her fingers around my heart, she is loosening it, she is emptying me; she is seducing me into dying and with me dies my dream, the beautiful statue, the image of the great mother-Eve. I can still see it, and if I had force in my hands, I could carve it. But she doesn't want that; she doesn't want me to make her secret visible. She rather wants me to die. I'm glad to die; she is making it easy for me." ""Without a mother, one cannot love. Without a mother, one cannot die." What he murmured after that could not be understood. Those last two days Narcissus sat by his bed day and night, watching his life ebb away. Goldmund's last words burned like fire in his heart." "I'm glad to die."
Literally love this book sm.
"Narcissus and Goldmund" by Hermann Hesse is a rich tapestry that intricately weaves together themes of self-discovery, spirituality, and the contrasting paths of human existence. It plays with concepts and fields such as duality, polarity, metaphysics, ethics, philosophy, religion, sin, loyalty, femininity, romance, pedagogy, art and culture, sexuality, profanity and is centred around the friendship of monk Narcissus and student Goldmund and the meaning of their predestined meeting. Like Steppenwolf and Hermine, Narcissus and Goldmund are diametrically opposite. At its core, the novel is a compelling examination of the eternal conflict between the contemplative, ascetic life represented by Narcissus and the passionate, experiential life embodied by Goldmund. Hesse masterfully employs vivid symbolism and allegory to depict the multifaceted nature of human experience. The characters of Narcissus and Goldmund serve as embodiments of the intellect and the senses, respectively. Narcissus, committed to the disciplined life of the mind within the monastery, symbolizes intellectual pursuit, introspection, and spiritual growth. In contrast, Goldmund, the wandering and adventurous artist, embodies the pursuit of earthly pleasures, creativity, and the exploration of life's diverse experiences. Through their profound friendship and eventual parting, Hesse explores the interplay between these contrasting paths, neither wholly condemning nor exalting one over the other. Instead, he highlights the interconnectedness of these dualities, suggesting that true fulfillment arises from a synthesis of both intellectual introspection and visceral engagement with the world. Moreover, the novel beautifully illustrates the transformative power of art and the human capacity for love, evoking a sense of the ineffable beauty found in both creation and connection. Hesse's evocative prose invites readers to contemplate the complexities of human nature, the transient nature of life, and the quest for meaning and authenticity in a world filled with contrasting desires and aspirations. Ultimately, "Narcissus and Goldmund" remains a thought-provoking and profound exploration of the human psyche, challenging readers to reflect on the harmony between intellect and emotion, spirituality and earthly desires, and the quest for identity and purpose in the tapestry of existence.
On a personal level, I enjoyed Narcissus and Goldmund largely because of how much it related with me and built on my thoughts. I found Goldmund to be a character with whom I have very much in common but still kept me interested. I also found Hesse's views on maternal impact and importance to be very compelling and particularly the book's coda represents the large role of a mother, which despite Goldmund living without, he has still created for himself....more
Exquisite writing, eye-opening ideas despite their age
"Better to reign in hell, than to serve in heaven."
"Not all is lost"
"The mind is its own place and in itself Can make a Heav'n of Hell, a Hell of Heaven. the fruit Of that forbidden tree whose mortal taste Brought death into the world and all our woe With loss of Eden loss of Eden till one greater Man Restore us and regain the blissful seat"
"The mind is its own place, and in itself Can make a Heav'n of Hell, a Hell of Heav'n. What matter where, if I be still the same, And what I should be, all but less than he..." "To reign is worth ambition, though in Hell: Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heav’n."
"Of alienated Judah [Judas]. Next came one Who mourned in earnest when the captive ark Maimed his brute image, head and hands lopped off In his own temple on the grunsel [grunsel meaning threshold] edge Where he fell flat and shamed his worshippers: Dagon his name, sea monster, upward man And downward fish, yet had his temple high Reared in Azotus, dreaded though the coast Of Palestine, in Gath and Ascalon And Accaron and Gaza's frontier bounds. Him followed Rimmon whose delightful seat Was fair Damascus on the fertile banks Of Abbana and Pharphar, lucid streams. He also against the house of God was bold: A Leper once he lost and gain'd a King, Ahaz his sottish Conquerour, whom he drew Gods Altar to disparage and displace For one of Syrian mode, whereon to burn His odious offrings, and adore the Gods Whom he had vanquisht. After these appear'd A crew who under Names of old Renown, Osiris, Isis, Orus and thir Train With monstrous shapes and sorceries abus'd Fanatic Egypt and her Priests, to seek Thir wandring Gods Disguis'd in brutish forms Rather then human. Nor did Israel scape Th' infection when thir borrow'd Gold compos'd The Calf in Oreb: and the Rebel King Doubl'd that sin in Bethel and in Dan, Lik'ning his Maker to the Grazed Ox, Jehovah, who in one Night when he pass'd From Egypt marching, equal'd with one stroke Both her first born and all her bleating Gods Belial came last, then whom a Spirit more lewd Fell not from Heaven, or more gross to love Vice for it self: To him no Temple stood Or Altar smoak'd; yet who more oft then hee In Temples and at Altars, when the Priest Turns Atheist, as did Ely's Sons, who fill'd With lust and violence the house of God. In Courts and Palaces he also Reigns And in luxurious Cities, where the noyse Of riot ascends above thir loftiest Towrs, And injury and outrage: And when Night Darkens the Streets, then wander forth the Sons Of Belial, flown with insolence and wine. Witness the Streets of Sodom, and that night In Gibeah, when the hospitable door Expos'd a Matron to avoid worse rape. These were the prime in order and in might;"
"He through the armed Files Darts his experienc't eye, and soon traverse The whole Battalion views, thir order due, Thir visages and stature as of Gods, Thir number last he summs. And now his heart Distends with pride, and hardning in his strength"
"hi[Charlemagne']s form had yet not lost All her Original brightness, nor appear'd Less then Arch Angel ruind, and th' excess Of Glory obscur'd... Looks through the Horizontal misty Air Shorn of his Beams, or from behind the Moon In dim Eclips disastrous twilight sheds On half the Nations, and with fear of change Perplexes Monarch."
"Dark'n'd so, yet shon Above them all th' Arch Angel; but his face Deep scars of Thunder had intrencht, and care Sat on his faded cheek, but under Browes Of dauntless courage, and considerate Pride Waiting revenge: cruel his eye, but cast Signs of remorse and passion to behold The fellows of his crime, the followers rather (Far other once beheld in bliss) condemn'd For ever now to have thir lot in pain, Millions of Spirits for his fault amerc't Of Heav'n, and from Eternal Splendors flung For his revolt, yet faithfull how they stood, Thir Glory witherd."
"As when Heavens Fire Hath scath'd the Forrest Oaks, or Mountain Pines, With singed top thir stately growth though bare Stands on the blasted Heath."
"But He who reigns Monarch in Heaven till then as one secure Sat on His throne upheld by old repute, Consent or custom, and His regal state Put forth at full but still His strength concealed, Which tempted our [humanity's] attempt and wrought our fall. Henceforth His might we know, and know our own, So as not either to provoke or dread New war provoked. Our better part remains To work in close design by fraud or guile What force effected not, that He no less At length from us may find who overcomes By force hath overcome but half His foe!"
"Space may produce new worlds whereof so rife There went a fame in Heav'n that He ere long Intended to create and therein plant A generation whom His choice regard Should favour equal to the sons of Heav'n."
"Brusht with the hiss of russling wings. As Bees In spring time, when the Sun with Taurus rides, Pour forth thir populous youth about the Hive In clusters; they among fresh dews and flowers Flie to and fro, or on the smoothed Plank, The suburb of thir Straw-built Cittadel, New rub'd with Baum, expatiate and confer Thir State affairs. So thick the aerie crowd Swarm'd and were straitn'd; till the Signal giv'n Behold a wonder! they but now who seemd In bigness to surpass Earths Giant Sons Now less then smallest Dwarfs, in narrow room Throng numberless, like that Pigmean Race"
"Paradise Lost" by John Milton is a seminal work in English literature, an epic poem that grapples with profound themes of free will, temptation, sin and punishment, the consequences of our actions and the fall of humanity. The narrative unfolds the biblical story of Adam and Eve's expulsion from the Garden of Eden, juxtaposing the grandeur of Heaven, the intrigue of Hell, and the human experience.
Milton's mastery of language and poetic imagery is undeniable, painting vivid landscapes of both the celestial and infernal realms. His use of free verse creates a powerful and rhythmic flow that carries the reader through the intricate and philosophical depths of the narrative. Most poems of Milton’s time followed strict paradigms dictated by rhyming, internal rhyming, assonance and syllable count so Paradise Lost was quite a progressive piece not only in its new ideas that didn’t necessarily agree with the typical views of the Bible which were commonplace, popular and accepted at the time but also in its free form. The vivid descriptions of Heaven's splendor, Lucifer's rebellion, and Eden's paradisiacal beauty captivate the imagination and evoke a sense of awe.
At the heart of the poem lies the exploration of complex moral and theological concepts, inviting readers to ponder the nature of good and evil, the consequences of disobedience, and the intricacies of human nature. Milton's portrayal of Satan as a compelling and tragic figure challenges traditional perceptions, offering a nuanced view of a character torn between pride, defiance, and a sense of lost glory. “Better to reign in Hell than to serve in Heav’n”
While the language and dense theological discussions may pose a challenge to modern readers, the depth and richness of Milton's themes make "Paradise Lost" a timeless and thought-provoking masterpiece. The poem's enduring relevance lies in its exploration of the human condition, the pursuit of knowledge, and the consequences of our choices, inviting readers to contemplate the eternal struggle between light and darkness, freedom and obedience.
"Paradise Lost" stands as a monumental work that continues to resonate across generations, inviting readers to delve into its profound insights and wrestle with the complexities of morality, destiny, and the divine. Its enduring legacy cements its place as a cornerstone of English literature and a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and philosophical inquiry. In a time where atheism is seeing a considerable rise in popularity, it is interesting to see Milton’s views especially given his perspective as a result of his cultural and temporal background....more
During my childhood, I read The Parent Agency, The Person Controller, AniMalcolm and Birthday Boy by David Baddiel. Earlier this year when I realised During my childhood, I read The Parent Agency, The Person Controller, AniMalcolm and Birthday Boy by David Baddiel. Earlier this year when I realised he had released Virtually Christmas, I was like YESSS and then I found out about this book and I was like YYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. Excellent book, levelheaded views on multiple religions with no senseless prejudices. David Baddiel's writing is so unique and idiosyncratic to him and still has his characteristic hints of comedic entertainment....more
Dahl is an amazing writer. The synthesis of an archaic romance and a quirky children's book is an unexpected masterpiece. Dahl's unique writing style Dahl is an amazing writer. The synthesis of an archaic romance and a quirky children's book is an unexpected masterpiece. Dahl's unique writing style is engaging and novel....more
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