Books matching: hypocritical society
4 result(s)
- #1
'Tess of the D'Urbervilles' by Thomas Hardy is a tragic tale following the life of Tess Durbeyfield, a young woman driven by family poverty to claim kinship with the wealthy D'Urbevilles. Meeting her cousin Alec proves to be her downfall, leading to a series of events where she must navigate love, betrayal, and societal prejudices. Hardy defies conventions by focusing on the rural lower class, offering a frank treatment of sexuality and religion, while portraying a victim of Victorian hypocrisy with compelling depth and emotion.
The narrative delves into Tess's struggles against her own perceived weaknesses, the brutality of others, and the prejudices of society. Through a mix of cruelty, oppression, and misguided forgiveness, Tess's tragic journey unfolds, challenging readers to question the purity of her character and the societal norms that shape her fate.
ON AN EVENING IN the latter part of May a middle-aged man was walking homeward from Shaston to the village of Marlott, in the adjoining Vale of Blakemore or Blackmoor. The pair of legs that carried hi... - #2
Ham on Rye by Charles Bukowski is a raw and honest semi-autobiographical novel that delves into the unruly and depressing youth and young adulthood of Henry Chinaski. The story follows Chinaski's struggles with an abusive father, sexual frustration, schoolyard beatings, and the discovery of alcohol, all set against the backdrop of the Great Depression. Bukowski's writing style is described as dark, humorous, and brutally funny, capturing the difficulties of growing up for young outsiders in a transgressive and at times disgusting narrative.
The novel explores themes of alienation, disillusionment, survival, and the impact of a traumatic childhood on shaping one's adulthood. Through vivid recollections, frank statements, and a fast-paced narrative, Bukowski paints a poignant picture of Chinaski's journey from birth to late adolescence, showcasing his resilience in the face of adversity and his struggle to find his place in a hypocritical and false society.
The first thing I remember is being under something. It was a table, I saw a table leg, I saw the legs of the people, and a portion of the tablecloth hanging down. It was dark under there, I liked bei... - #3
'Two Women' by Alberto Moravia is a novel that delves into the horrors of war, focusing on the experiences of Cesera and Rosetta as they escape Rome during World War II. The book vividly portrays the anguish and destruction caused by war, depicting the struggles of the two women as they face hunger, cold, and humiliation while awaiting the Allied forces. The novel also sheds light on the unforeseen suffering that comes with liberation, including the brutal rape of Cesera and Rosetta by Allied soldiers, leading to a tragic transformation in Rosetta's character.
Moravia's writing style in 'Two Women' is characterized by rich detail, nuanced storytelling, and a poignant portrayal of everyday people amidst the chaos of war. The author skillfully captures the human experience of suffering, presenting the characters in all their complexity and depicting the traumatic impact of war on civilians as well as soldiers. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Moravia explores the profound effects of war on individuals, highlighting the resilience, pain, and transformation that come with such harrowing experiences.
- #4
The Way of All Flesh by Samuel Butler is a novel that follows the life of Ernest Pontifex, a young man who challenges religious and academic assumptions, reflecting the society of the Victorian era. The story explores the struggles of the Pontifex family over four generations, focusing on characters like Ernest, his parents, and his godfather who plays a significant role in his financial inheritance. The book is a satirical and philosophical commentary on Victorian society, presenting a sarcastic indictment of various aspects of the era.
OLD Mr Pontifex had married in the year 1750, but for fifteen years his wife bore no children. At the end of that time Mrs Pontifex astonished the whole village by showing unmistakable signs of a disp...