Charles Dickens is one of the greatest authors ever, ever, ever. After reading "A Tale of Two Cities" for sophomore year, I was convinced of this fact. Recently, we have watched BBC adaptions of two of his books: "Bleak House" and "Nicholas Nickleby." After viewing these, I am even more thoroughly convinced that Dickens is incredible.
It awes me greatly to watch how he incorporates side plot after side plot and brings them all together in perfect harmony. His capability to create story after story with such elaborate detail is just incredible. I really just marvel at his genius.
"A Tale of Two Cities" (1859), for example, is set during the French Revolution in London, England and Paris, France. The opening line is famous throughout history: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." That very line alone brings shivers down my spine and brings me to devouring the rest of the book (not literally). There are three parts to the book. The first begins in 1775 with a man traveling from London to Paris. The second part begins five years later in London with a Frenchman being tried for treason. The third and final section begins a few years later with yet another trial. The story ends with the words: "It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to, than I have ever known." Dickens has an incredible way with words!!!
"Bleak House", which was published in twenty monthly installments between March 1852 and September 1853, tells yet another incredible tale with a Miss Esther Summerson at the heart of the tale. The story incorporates the most incredible side plots. Seriously, it's the most incredible story period. There's really no way to describe it without ruining the whole thing.
So yeah, Dickens was incredible. His books are must reads!
with a teacher was over the merits of a book we had to read for class. I asked her when we were going to be reading Dickens. She said we wouldn't. I told her that was what was wrong with society: we had to read some trite novel, but we would never get to one of the greatest of all classic writers.
"when you hold a pen, you are at war" Attributed to Voltaire
That's a real bummer : ( From what I've heard, I wouldn't want to be an English major in a secular college because they have you read all these dumb books. I LOOOVE the classics! We should totally read more of them!
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
that all modern novels are rubbish, of course, just the one we were forced to read. Actually, at my secular high school, we've read quite alot of modern books that I have enjoyed, and a few "classics" that I haven't
"How can we win where fools can be kings" Muse
True : ) I read quite a few modern novels myself that I enjoy...and I don't love all classics...it's just the modern ones with the retarded agenda that makes no sense and was written in five minutes that I have a problem with.
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
alot of novels with political agendas are anything but "retarded" (by the way, my family has a long history of working for organizations that take care of the mentally handicapped, I take offense to the term)
"How can we win where fools can be kings" Muse
Sorry, I don't mean it in that sense. One of my best friends has a brother who is mentally handicapped, and he's one of my favorite kids in the whole world. One of the sweetest, too. : ) So I wouldn't ever say anything like that with a meaning of making fun of mentally handicapped people. I mean retarded more in an ability to understand, but won't open their eyes.
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
I knew you didn't mean it in that context, but you've just really touched on one of my big pet peeves.
"How can we win where fools can be kings" Muse
Oh, ok. I'll watch myself in further discussions ; )
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
because of the recent revelation that you are "demented" I guess you're allowed your own opinion about mental health.
"How can we win where fools can be kings" Muse
ROFL Thanks : P I guess being demented comes in handy sometimes. I can now plead dementia when I'm losing a debate. : P
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa