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The Secret History- Donna Tartt
Synopsis: Richard Papen, a college freshman from California, wanting to distance himself from his emotionally abusive parents, relocates to the elite Hampden College in Vermont, where he plans to study English Literature. However, upon his arrival, he meets a mysterious group of exclusive classics students, and is immediately drawn to their persona. Proving himself by helping these students with a Greek translation, he is enrolled into their class, yet without realizing, this sole event becomes the catalyst for his tragic downfall. Playing with classic ancient Greek literary structure, Tartt cleverly exposes the dangers of the pursuit of knowledge, whilst simultaneously highlighting the false visage of morality towards those we idolize.…
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Hysteria; how language is used to silence women.
We live in an era now where society has developed. Women protested, they gained rights, and that was that. But when you delve more deeply into the social mechanisms of the current day, it grows increasingly apparent that we are far from free, and far from equal. What is most striking to me however, is that some of the language which is entirely acceptable in passing conversation, in truth stems from the singular patriarchal mission to undermine and oppress females. Through thorough research and intensive studying, I have tracked the history of one, singular word, in the hopes to uncover its dark meaning and unmasked intent. Its origin: Founded in…
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Jane Eyre- Charlotte Bronte
Synopsis: This novel follows the life of our protagonist, Jane Eyre, a plain, orphaned, English girl living with her aunt- though not due to Mrs Reed’s resplendent geniality- rather a promise she made to her late husband before his death. Hence, throughout her childhood, Jane suffered saturnine feelings of abandonment and isolation- notions which were augmented by the fulminating nature of her cousins. After years of emotional and physical abuse, Jane is sent away to a boarding school, whence she discovers her love for knowledge despite the unforgiving conditions she is kept under. Eventually, after leaving school, our protagonist ventures to find placement as a governess; providence leading her to…
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Dictionary of Lost Words- Pip Williams
Synopsis: Set in pre-war Oxford, Esme lives with her father who works in the Scriptorium- a community full of dedicated workers aiming to create the first English dictionary. Having spent her childhood under the table of her father’s workplace, Esme develops a strong passion for words: their meanings, their ubiquitous nature, and particularly, the words which are regarded as improper in standard English- the vocabulary used by those rejected in society. Her curiosity leads her down a path of self-discovery, as she divulges into the hidden life of the lower-class, and befriends those few women unafraid to rebel against the patriarchy. Fighting against expectations and societal condemning, Esme navigates her…
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Quote analysis- exploring themes of gender and the patriarchy
The theme of gender is undeniably prominent in Hardy’s novel, as he explores the powerlessness of women and male dominance. For all my readers out there studying Tess of the D’Urbervilles for their A-Levels, this post may be of some use to you! Context- This moment occurs in the novel subsequently after Tess confesses her past with Alec to Angel Clare on their wedding night. Angel, instead of forgiving her as Tess had hoped ( after Tess so quickly forgave him for his own sin ), rejects her both emotionally and physically, saying that they were never truly married. This moment in the novel is a key part of Tess’…
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Frankenstein- Mary Shelley
Synopsis: The tale begins as an epistolary novel, through the letters of Robert Walton- an ambitious explorer beginning his perilous voyage to the undiscovered lands of the North Pole. During his journey, Walton encounters a mysterious and emaciated stranger- Victor Frankenstein- who, sensing the parallels between his own tragic ambition and Walton’s, decides to share his cautionary tale as a way to deter future generations from the temptation of world glory. Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but dangerously obsessive young scientist, holds a menacing craving for understanding the cognitions of the natural world- hence, he conjures the idea to create life from dead human parts, taking the role of God (…
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Tess of the D’Urbervilles- Thomas Hardy
Synopsis: This novel begins with young Tess Durbyfield, a 16 year old impoverished country girl living in rural England with her family, when her world is abruptly turned upside down subsequent to discovering that she is a descendant of an ancient Norman family. Prior to this, Tess was involved in an accident in which their only family horse ( their only means of financial support ) was killed in her own hands. Rapt with guilt and sorrow, this eldest child agrees to venture a visit to meet with Mrs D’Urberville, a rich widow, in order to claim ‘kin’ and seek assistance. On this voyage, Tess meets the son Alec D’Urberville,…
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Normal People- Sally Rooney
Synopsis: The novel begins with two Irish teenagers, Connell and Marianne, who fall into a deeply complex relationship, concealed from the outside world through lies and secrecy. Throughout the course of their lives, despite the passing of time, their bond remains unbreakable- though not without its complications. As they move from high-school, to university, and into adulthood, Connell and Marianne drift apart and come back together repeatedly, each time changed in small, significant ways. Their relationship is marked by miscommunication, vulnerability, and deep emotional intimacy, capturing the subtle turbulence of love, identity, and growing up. Normal people is not a story driven by plot twists, but by the emotional evolution…
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1984- George Orwell
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The Goldfinch- Donna Tartt
Synopsis: The dynamic of the book begins as a simple and relatable tale of a turbulent family living in the depths of New York, until the life of young Theodore Decker is utterly stripped of its foundations. Suffering with the loss of his mother, Theo is subsequently taken in by a wealthy family yet is haunted by isolation and a yearning for familiarity- leaving him grasping on to the one reminder of her- a goldfinch painting, which ultimately draws him into the criminal underworld. Characters: Firstly, I want to express my admiration for the enchanting depiction of Tartt’s characters. Its very rare that one reads a book and is left…
Wordsworthkeeping
For those who are written in books