Books matching: moral conflict
100 result(s)
- #1
"All My Sons" by Arthur Miller is a classic American drama set after World War II, where a family dealing with the loss of a son missing in action is confronted with a devastating family secret. The story unfolds as a memorial tree planted for the missing son is blown down in a storm, leading to a journey towards truth for the characters involved. The play explores themes of guilt, society's values, and the consequences of one's actions, providing a thought-provoking and heart-wrenching narrative that delves deep into the characters' emotions and motivations.
The stage is hedged on R. and L. by tall, closely planted poplars which lend the yard a secluded atmosphere. Upstage is filled with the back of the house and its open, unroofed porch which extends int... 'The Oedipus Cycle: Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus, Antigone' by Sophocles is a collection of three plays that explore themes of fate, guilt, morality, and the relationship of the individual to the state. The plot revolves around Oedipus, the hero king of Thebes, who discovers he has unknowingly fulfilled a prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother. The story unfolds through formal and ritualized structures, punctuated by choral odes and offstage actions narrated by messengers. The writing style is described as poetic, with a mix of lofty tones, dark humor, and powerful emotional impact that brings the ancient text to life for contemporary readers.
'Dying Every Day: Seneca at the Court of Nero' by James Romm delves into the life of Seneca and his complex relationship with Emperor Nero. It explores Seneca's struggle to uphold his stoic principles while being entangled in the web of Nero's corrupt and brutal political regime. The author skillfully portrays Seneca as both an accomplice and a victim of Nero, shedding light on the philosopher's moral ambiguity and attempts to influence the Emperor's actions. The narrative paints a vivid picture of the suffocating atmosphere at Nero's Court and the constant fear experienced by courtiers under an increasingly unstable ruler.
- #4
'The Last Runaway' by Tracy Chevalier is a historical fiction novel set in 1850s America, following the journey of Honor Bright, a young Quaker woman from England. The book explores themes of Quaker culture, the Underground Railroad, and Honor's struggles as she navigates a new life in Ohio after the death of her sister. The writing style captures the details of everyday life in rural Ohio, the complexities of human engagement, and the challenges Honor faces in upholding her principles in a changing society.
SHE COULD NOT go back. When Honor Bright abruptly announced to her family that she would accompany her sister Grace to America—when she sorted through her belongings, keeping only the most necessary, ... - #5
Collins takes the reader far away from the safety of home hearth, and drops him her into the vicious jaws of the IRA and then, deeper into the dark abyss of his own tortured guilt-ridden soul. In this book, the writer explains why he joined the IRA, how he devoted almost 7 years of his life to the cause and why he finally decided to quit. Killing Rage by Eamon Collins quickly becomes one of those rare books you can't put down. Throughout the book, the author insistently tries to convince himself and the reader that the decisions he chose to make were correct. Despite his confessed acts of criminality, conspiracy to murder, terrorism, and deceit, he makes a good and almost convincing defense for his actions and misguided devotions. The cover should tell you right away Killing Rage is not for the faint of heart. Eamon Collins gives a detailed account of his time with the Irish Republican Army, but his book stands out from any other book on the Troubles I've ever read.
- #6
'Shooting an Elephant' by George Orwell is a collection of essays that delve into various themes such as imperialism, colonialism, war, injustice, and racism. Through his storytelling style, Orwell provides a profound exploration of these complex topics. The book includes essays like 'Shooting an Elephant,' 'A Hanging,' 'Marrakech,' and 'The Clink,' which are considered classics and are highly recommended for their depth and commentary on societal issues.
From a very early age, perhaps the age of five or six, I knew that when I grew up I should be a writer. Between the ages of about seventeen and twenty-four I tried to abandon this idea, but I did so w... - #7
'Defender of Walls' in the series 'Kingdom of Walls' by author Tanya Bird is a captivating story that delves into the complexities of love, morality, and societal divides. The plot follows the spunky protagonist, Blake, and the softie love interest, Harlan, as they navigate through moral conflicts and social challenges to realize the true essence of love amidst a world filled with hunger, violence, and class conflict. The writing style of Tanya Bird intricately weaves together heart-tugging moments, witty dialogue, and relatable characters, creating a story that captivates readers and immerses them in a world where love grows slowly out of bleak circumstances.
She stopped in the tall shadows at the edge of the borough, gaze sweeping the length of the wall. Any closer and the defenders would see her. Her eyes fell to the mud separating forest and stone. It h... - #8
"Garden of Beasts" by Jeffery Deaver is a thriller set in Germany during the pre-war period, specifically in 1936. The story follows Paul Schumann, a hitman hired to assassinate a high-ranking Nazi official as part of a mission to prevent the growth of the Hitler war machine. The plot unfolds with twists and turns as Paul navigates through the complexities of his task, all within a fast-paced narrative that takes place over just 24 hours. Readers are taken on a journey through the historical backdrop of Germany between wars, providing a vivid portrayal of the setting and the characters' struggles amidst the turmoil of the time.
He wiped sweat off his palm, looking around the place, which was quiet as a morgue, except for the faint sounds of Hell’s Kitchen traffic late at night and the ripple of the greasy shade when the swiv... In "At Play in the Fields of the Lord," Peter Matthiessen tells the story of two American Protestant missionaries and two mercenaries attempting to change the life of an Indian tribe in the Amazon jungle, leading to transformative experiences for all involved. The novel explores themes of faith, identity, and culture through the perspectives of various characters, including missionaries, government officials, and the indigenous tribe, offering a thought-provoking narrative set in the South American rainforest.
The book delves into the clash between outsiders and a tribe of indigenous people, portraying the complexities of their interactions with nuance and respect. Through alternating chapters focusing on a missionary seeking to understand and protect the tribe and a half-Native American mercenary striving to prevent assimilation, Matthiessen challenges the notion of the White Savior narrative and delves into the impact of good intentions when faced with cultural differences and external threats.
AT FOUR MILES ABOVE SEA LEVEL, MARTINQUARRIER,ON SILVERwings, was pierced by celestial light: to fall from such a height, he thought, would be like entering Heaven fromabove.The snow peaks of the Ande...'The Line Becomes A River: Dispatches from the Border' by Francisco Cantu is an autobiographical account of the author's experiences working as a Border Patrol agent for four years along the US-Mexico border. Cantu delves into the complexities of border policing, shedding light on the challenges faced by migrants seeking a better life and the moral dilemmas encountered by those enforcing immigration policies. The narrative weaves together personal reflections, historical context, and vivid descriptions of the border region, offering a nuanced perspective on the immigration debate and the human stories at its core.
Cantu's writing style in 'The Line Becomes A River' is characterized by a blend of personal introspection and factual reporting, creating a compelling narrative that explores the emotional and ethical dimensions of border enforcement. Through vivid storytelling and poignant reflections, Cantu invites readers to contemplate the impact of immigration policies on individuals and communities, challenging preconceived notions and highlighting the humanity at the heart of the border controversy.
We were on our way into town, speeding across the cold and brittle grasslands of New Mexico, when I heard about Santiago. Morales must have told me, or maybe it was Hart. I called Santiago as soon as ...