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Books matching: victorian tragedy

7 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 7 of 7 
  1. #1

    Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy
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    'Jude the Obscure' by Thomas Hardy is a novel that follows the life of Jude Fawley, a lower-class man with dreams of becoming a scholar. The story explores themes of class, scholarship, religion, marriage, and the societal changes of the time period. The plot involves Jude's relationships with his earthy wife, Arabella, and his intellectual cousin, Sue, as they navigate through personal and social challenges. Hardy's writing style is described as melancholic, brutally honest, and unflinchingly realistic, portraying the struggles and tragedies faced by the characters.

    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. #2

    Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
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    '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...

  3. #3

    Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
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    'Frankenstein' by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a classic horror novel that tells the story of Dr. Victor Frankenstein and the creature he creates. The plot explores themes of creation, rejection, loneliness, and the consequences of playing god. The writing style varies from flowery and old English to deep and meaningful, with a focus on exploring human emotions and philosophical questions through the perspectives of both Dr. Frankenstein and his monster.

    I AM BY BIRTH a Genevese; and my family is one of the most distinguished of that republic. My ancestors had been for many years counsellors and syndics; and my father had filled several public situati...

  4. #4

    The Life of Charlotte Bronte by Elizabeth Gaskell
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    'The Life of Charlotte Bronte' by Elizabeth Gaskell is a sympathetic and romantic biography that captures Charlotte Bronte's essence and dedication to her work. The book delves into the tragic and difficult life of Charlotte Bronte, shedding light on her struggles and losses which influenced her literary works. Gaskell, being a contemporary of Bronte and a friend, provides personal insights and details that bring the reader closer to understanding the life of the famous author.

    The Leeds and Bradford railway runs along a deep valley of the Aire; a slow and sluggish stream, compared to the neighbouring river of Wharfe. Keighley station is on this line of railway, about a quar...

  5. #5

    A Pair of Blue Eyes by Thomas Hardy
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    "A Pair of Blue Eyes" by Thomas Hardy is a novel set in a remote Cornish village, focusing on the life of Elfride Swancourt, the daughter of the local vicar. The story revolves around Elfride's romantic entanglements with two very different men, Stephen Smith and Henry Knight. As Elfride navigates her emotions and relationships, readers are taken on a journey filled with dramatic events, societal expectations, and the complexities of love and social class. Hardy's writing style in this early work is described as engaging, atmospheric, and tinged with autobiographical references, showcasing his talent for portraying human nature and relationships, particularly between men and women.

    Elfride Swancourt was a girl whose emotions lay very near the surface. Their nature more precisely, and as modified by the creeping hours of time, was known only to those who watched the circumstances...

  6. #6
    Amphigorey
    Book 1 in the series:Amphigorey

    Amphigorey - Amphigorey by Edward Gorey
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    'Amphigorey' by Edward Gorey is a collection of 15 short stories that are weird, funny, and often macabre. The book features tales of peculiar creatures, Victorian families, children meeting unusual ends, and spooky occurrences. Gorey's writing style is characterized by non sequiturs, black humor, gothic elements, and morbid doggerel, creating a unique and eerie atmosphere throughout the stories. The illustrations accompanying the text add to the complexity and depth of the narratives, making them suitable for readers of all ages who appreciate dark humor and unconventional storytelling.

    The book showcases Gorey's genius in crafting rhymes, stories, and wordplay, accompanied by intricate Edwardian illustrations. Each story in 'Amphigorey' offers multiple layers of interpretation, allowing readers to find new meanings with each reading. The collection includes works like 'The Doubtful Guest,' 'The Unstrung Harp,' 'The Hapless Child,' 'The Curious Sofa,' and 'The Gashlycrumb Tinies,' each presenting a blend of nonsense rhymes, macabre morality tales, and astute observations on life. Gorey's ability to merge humor with dark themes, coupled with his attention to detail in both text and illustrations, creates a captivating and memorable reading experience.


  7. #7

    Shirley by Charlotte Bronte
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    'Shirley' by Charlotte Bronte is a novel set in a woolen mill town in Yorkshire during the Napoleonic Wars, focusing on the lives of characters such as the beautiful heiress Shirley Keeldar, her friend Caroline Helstone, and mill owner Robert Moore. The story touches on themes of labor unrest, economic hardship, and personal relationships, with a backdrop of social upheavals in the North of England during the historical period. The writing style is described as passionate and deep, with emotions barely held in check, reminiscent of Bronte's more famous work, 'Jane Eyre'.

    The novel is noted for its exploration of women's independence and social issues, presenting a forthright work in favor of women's rights and equality. Bronte's writing is praised for its cleverness and progression towards a great Victorian social novel, with a focus on the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society. The narrative unfolds slowly, revealing the complexities of small-town society during a period of change, and features thought-provoking discussions on women's roles and relationships.

    Of late years, an abundant shower of curates has fallen upon the north of England: they lie very thick on the hills; every parish has one or more of them; they are young enough to be very active, and ...

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