George Orwell’s Cold War classic 1984 is a fantastic work of fiction with a very real message towards society. The novel backdrops during the aftermath of a nuclear war, where the world is divided between 3 superstates. Oceania; where the novel takes place the formerly the Americas, British Isles, Oceania, and South Africa, Eurasia; encompassing all of continental Europe, and Eastasia, encompassing East Asia and China. Oceania is controlled by a neo-marxist political party called Ingsoc, or English Socialism. Ingsoc controls the truth and everyday life, monitoring the people through telescreens, and “Big Brother” is watching you. Dissidents are vaporized, as in erased completely from existence. If the party makes a statement, no matter how false it may be, it is always true no matter what. Oceania claims to either be at war with Eurasia or Eastasia, and how they say the enemy is has always been the enemy. They would be at war with Eurasia, and claim to be always at war with Eastasia and would be correct. Ingsoc official slogan is “War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Strength.” 

The story takes place in London, where the reader meets Winston Smith, the most British name ever, who works for the Ministry of Truth. Ingsoc has 4 ministries, the Ministry of Truth; who controls information, the Ministry of Peace; who wages war, the Ministry of Love; who suppresses dissidents; and the Ministry of Plenty; who provides goods and commodities. Winston’s job is to review works of writing and edit out obsolete words of “incorrect” statements. Winston feels opposed toward the Party and the idea of Ingsoc, knowing that statements made by the Party are incorrect, without being able to do anything.  (Spoiler ahead)

Winston falls in love with his coworker, Julia, another dissident, and they keep their unlawful relationship a secret. Winston and Julia join the underground resistance group, the Brotherhood, with his boss O’Brien. However, they are arrested one day and Winston wakes up in a prison cell. Winston is tortured endlessly by O’Brien to the point of brainwashing. Out of prison, Winston forgets all his dissent, loving Ingsoc and loving Big Brother. When he encounters Julia, they feel almost no love for each other, putting the past behind. The novel ends with Winston’s love of Big Brother, and also a mystery. When Winston was locked up, O’Brien told him that he would be shot one day after his mind was cleared. At the end of the novel, it is hard to tell whether it ends with Winston’s love of Big Brother and clean mind, or whether he was shot and killed. Orwell intended for this ending, since Winston would be dead either way, whether literally or metaphorically. 

Overall, 1984 is a classic everyone should enjoy, but contains a dire warning. Orwell warns the reader about the dangers of authoritarianism that are still relevant in the modern world. We all must work against authoritarianism when we see fit, or our world will become Orwell’s fantasy. 

        Many realistic fiction texts blur my immersion at a disconnect from the characters and connection to history. Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn manages to keep a steady flow, much like the Mississippi River, carrying Huckleberry Finn downstream throughout the novel.

Without divulging the detail of the novel, something you should experience for yourself, I must give context to the story.  Huckleberry Finn, a pre-teen troublemaker, transcendentalist focused more on nature and exploration rather than “sivilized” society, as he would cite.  This deliberate ideology, reflective of Twain’s own views on society.  By leading Finn to morally questionable characters, one can derive not only entertainment, but a commentary on society.  Not only does Twain depict the racist heirarchy set before the Civil War, but also pokes at religious hypocrisy and stereotypes.  While most kids obviously should have less responsibility than those of age, Huck stays the only character aware of the illogical hate across the south.  Also capturing the time period, Twain masters multiple dialects of the south.  A main focus of the novel defines the relationship between Huck and Jim, a slave recently escaped.  Huck, influenced by society’s norms, at first distances from Jim, but grows to understand Jim’s value as equally human to himself.  Still relevant today, Mark Twain’s commentary makes The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn a worthwhile read.

Anna Karenina is a novel by Leo Tolstoy, first published in 1877. Widely considered one of the greatest works of literature, it tells the story of Anna Karenina, a married woman who falls in love with Count Vronsky and becomes embroiled in a scandalous affair, causing her to face the judgment and scrutiny of society. Tolstoy's writing is masterful, with vivid descriptions of both the opulent society in which Anna moves and the sweeping landscapes of Russia. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with even minor players given detailed backstories and motivations. The themes of love, betrayal, duty, and morality are woven together seamlessly, creating a tapestry of human experience that is both timeless and universal. The novel also explores the societal norms and expectations of 19th-century Russia, particularly with regard to gender roles and marriage. Anna's struggle to reconcile her desires with the expectations placed upon her as a woman in society is both heartbreaking and poignant. While Anna Karenina is a lengthy novel, its beauty and power make it a rewarding read for anyone willing to invest the time. Tolstoy's ability to capture the human experience in all its complexity and nuance is nothing short of remarkable, and this novel stands as a testament to his skill as a writer. For anyone interested in classic literature or simply looking for a great story, Anna Karenina is an essential read.

Like many other books of its genre, Anthem by Ayn Rand creates an out of this world, yet somehow realistic scenario of what the world would be like with the dissolution of all self identity, sacrificed to the greater good of an all powerful government or state. As the book's protagonist, Equality 7-2521, discovers a hidden tunnel which he uses to write, and utilize the full extent of his curiosity, the reader gets to learn both about the history of politics of this nightmarish world he resides in, and sees how the manipulation of those with and without intelligence can be used to secure power to the state. Some themes explored in this novel include individualism, altruism, and desire. As Equality violates one of the principal rules in many novels about a totalitarian state, being alone, the reader understands exactly why thinking for oneself can be freeing, as well as a curse, as the narrator lands himself in mortal danger once his government learns of his actions. The reader also sees how although altruism is an inherently benevolent theory, that the suspension of any and all individual desire can also lead to a suspension of identity, as living for a group can lead to the destruction of ambition, hope, love, and desire, an idea Equality learns when drinking water from the hands of The Golden One, a woman he meets and soon falls in love with, reminds him of the Palace of Mating, demonstrating how isolated seemingly connected ideas can become when the flow of free thought is blocked. For these reasons, Anthem is certainly a good read, as it teaches young readers about the importance of thought, ideas, and identity.

Beowulf, an epic poem by an unknown author, tells the story of a heroic warrior who travels to Denmark to defeat a monstrous creature named Grendel. The poem is set in a world of warriors and kings, where honor and bravery are highly valued. One of the most striking aspects of Beowulf is its use of language. Written in Old English, the poem uses a complex system of alliteration and kennings to create a musical, almost hypnotic effect. The language is dense and difficult, but also incredibly rewarding for those who take the time to study it. The poem is also full of vivid imagery, describing the battles in graphic detail and painting a vivid picture of the world in which Beowulf lives. Despite its age, Beowulf remains a powerful and relevant work. The themes of bravery, loyalty, and honor are universal, and the poem continues to inspire readers today. Its influence can be seen in everything from J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings to Marvel's Thor comics. Beowulf is not an easy read, but it is a rewarding one, and its place in the canon of English literature is well-deserved. In conclusion, Beowulf is a timeless masterpiece that deserves to be read and appreciated by readers of all ages. Its use of language is breathtaking, and its themes of heroism and sacrifice continue to resonate today. While it may be a challenging read for some, the rewards of studying this epic poem are well worth the effort. Whether you are a student of literature or simply a lover of great stories, Beowulf is a must-read.

In 1880, Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote his masterwork, The Brothers Karamazov, a deep philosophical novel about God, free will, and morality. The Brothers Karamazov tells the story of three brothers: Alyosha, Ivan, Dmitri, who collide courses when their despicable father, Fyodor Pavlovitch Karamazov, is murdered.

The book opens by introducing Fyodor Pavlovitch, the despicable father who does not care for his children. He has been married twice already, giving birth to Dmitri by his first wife, Alyosha and Ivan by his second. Both wives have passed away long ago, and the three brothers have now reached adulthood.

Dostoevsky then introduces the three brothers. Alyosha is a Christ-like monastic novice, whose goodness makes him the novel's moral center. Ivan is an extremely intelligent, charismatic, and rational atheist, refusing to accept faith in God or meaning in life. He propounds his idea that since God does not exist, everything is permitted and no good or evil exists. Dmitri, often carried away by his passions, has found himself attracted to Grushenka, a young woman in town. However, Fyodor Pavlovitch is also attracted to Grushenka. As a result of their father-son rivalry, Dmitri and Fyodor Pavlovitch constantly find themselves in an intense quarrel. Dmitri even says that he will kill his father. But ... a fourth brother also exists: Smerdyakov, the illegitimate son of Fyodor Pavlovitch. Due to his illegitimate status, Smerdyakov serves as Fyodor Pavlovitch's servant and cook. Smerdyakov despises everyone but worships Ivan. When Fyodor Pavlovitch is murdered one night, all of these characters will collide courses and answer the question: Who murdered Fyodor Pavlovitch? Since The Brothers Karamazov is a philosophical novel, the identity of the murderer will have philosophical implications.

Beyond its plot, The Brother Karamazov contains passionate debates about God between Ivan and Alyosha. These moments are arguably the most interesting parts of the novel. One might think that Dostoevsky, as a devout Christian, would have Alyosha (the Christian) win the arguments against Ivan (the atheist). However, Dostoevsky refuses to make a straw man out of his atheistic opponents. Instead, he makes Ivan's arguments irrefutable. Ivan argues to Alyosha that if God is actually good, He would not create a world where innocent children suffer horribly. Alyosha cannot find any rebuttal to Ivan's logic. Ivan, therefore, has won the debate.

But Dostoevsky knows that winning the debates is ultimately meaningless: the real-life impact of one's beliefs matters more. To answer the question of God, therefore, Dostoevsky portrays how Ivan and Alyosha act according to their beliefs. Alyosha's belief in God makes him accept moral responsibility, and his moral goodness strengthens him with the ability to help others in times of crisis. However, Ivan's denial of God and meaning in life makes him reject moral responsibility, which leads to grave consequences. Through Ivan and Alyosha, Dostoevsky creates a brilliant dialogue in The Brother Karamazov about life's existential questions--in addition to a compelling story.

One last note: Dostoevsky employs a literary technique known as "polyphony," where the he writes in a way where the voice of each character is equally trustworthy on the surface. Because of this, it can be hard to tell which position Dostoevsky supports when two characters argue, making The Brothers Karamazov and even more interesting read.

The Canterbury Tales is a fariscle frolic into medieval times. The story introduces us into characters we will never forget: the miller, the pardonner,  the squire, and other loveable characters. The story not only paints a picture of each character in the present but provides a backdrop into their personal lives and what makes them tick. The author, Geoffrey Chaucer, brings together an unusual cast of characters who have nothing in common with each other; yet, they manage to put aside their differences to work together and occasionally learn from one another. The rollicking lines of the text makes the story a quick read and the reader will no doubt find humor in their mundane daily lives. The lines also help the reader to feel intimately connected with the characters. Chaucer’s verse turns especially raunchy in the Miller’s tale, recounting a clerk’s encounters with another man’s wife. Chaucer prepares his audience for the bawdy tale by having the Miller announce that he is drunk and not necessarily responsible for the subject matter about to come out of his mouth. The collection of tales is a classic that has been enjoyed for generations as part of many highschool curriculum and is certain to delight eager readers ready to embark on the pilgrimage with the iconic band of travelers. 

Even though The Castle was left unfinished, K.'s struggle throughout to reach goals as unclear and nebulous as the system within which he operates to achieve them kept me constantly interpreting and attempting to reorganize the information into an intelligible pattern, an activity that every notable character also does. Interpretation, the tension between hope and delusion, and enigmatic intention and detail run throughout the novel and Kafka's power to impose mood and emotion over his writing are almost disturbing.

In reading the novel, I felt my own world take on qualities like those of K.'s; his writing was so cerebral and directly accessible to the mind as to almost infiltrate it and filter reality through its uneasy mood. The lengthy discussions in which character's scrutinize the behavior of officials and other characters, the doubtful motives and the corresponding actions of these characters, and the small scenes that reveal the Castle's workings all leave the reader entranced in the world's complexities and the author's intentions. One takes on the role of K., attempting to understand the different people he comes across and the Castle, which seems to hold a tangible influence without any direct means of connecting with it.

Both from the Translator's Preface and from recollections of Camus' The Myth of Sisyphus, I knew the core of Kafka's story to be, fittingly, up to interpretation. For my own part, I noticed more and more alignment between K.'s attempts to reach The Castle and something Kafka certainly thought about as a writer: the path to reaching literary fame. Moreso for titular Castle than for the Court whose presence dictates The Trial, interpretation of a few selective and inaccessible individuals takes up the time and energy of every character living within the Castle's domain, as a 'successful' writer eventually gains a group interested enough in their work to meticulously analyze and interpret it; Barnabas's description of the manner in which Klamm dictates letters lends credence to this, with small, half-said statements changing the lives of everyone remotely involved in the letter (the letter itself could be a symbol for the writer's own words on their writing, or a popular interpretation) including the messenger, the recipient, those known by the recipient, and those knowing of the letter.

In this interpretation, K. would be an aspiring writer; namely, Kafka. It was said either in the Introduction or the Translator's Preface that Kafka began the novel in first-person, but only later changing the 'I's to 'K.'s after a few chapters. K.'s calculating nature could be an outline of Kafka's own ambition and careful methodology to create work notable enough to elevate him to literary fame. The other character's could be members or movements of the literary world that influence Kafka, but cannot in the end keep him from his ultimate goal of reaching The Castle. K.'s insistence on attempting to reach The Castle, too, could be explained by a decision to devote oneself to pursuing artistic fame despite its likely impossibility and inscrutability instead of settling into some other role of life (someplace outside The Castle's domain).

Another, more undefined interpretation that came to mind was that the Castle could be Kafka's psychological exploration of the mind in relation to some basic desire or emotion, with that motive being The Castle. Potentially building on Plato's analogy of the soul at harmony to a society in hierarchical stability, the different positions and their corresponding characters (for Kafka carefully uses the position of the character or their name to highlight their relevance to the situation at hand) could represent different motives or desires in relation to K., Kafka's driving motive for whatever The Castle represents, all being important solely because of how it assists, harms, or otherwise affects K.'s goal.

Before I get too involved in either of these interpretations, let me be clear that the two interpretations could be combined, with the entire cast of characters as a composition of the soul being applied to The Castle as literary fame, or K. as a character representing the desire to achieve literary fame amongst other characters representing conflicting desires or emotions, each attempting to become important to The Castle, with The Castle perhaps being in the end what one ends up doing, with official attention being in this manner progress in a certain goal, or more importance bestowed upon a certain character.

Though this might all sound convoluted and overthought, a single read of the book will strengthen the argument for any of these complex interpretations and uncover the basis behind each of them. As a work enabling great mental effort to be fruitful in its discoveries and as a work fiercely resisting interpretation, The Castle can remind one of anything and can be interpreted in many, many ways, and the ability to accommodate so many different views and analyses lends credence to the discerning faculties of Kafka in what life simply feels like. It can be tedious at times and somewhat intense, but absolutely worth reading.

The Catcher in the Rye. Good book. But the thing is, it was filtered. J.D Salinger filtered it. That's the thing. It's a book I guess. It aint life. Holden tries so hard to hold onto innocence - to childhood. To a time where he wasn't so goddamn depressed all the time. Holden felt everything so intensely. But the thing is, he hid the things he really felt. See the thing is, his brother is dead. But he pretended to care about old Ackelys pimpled-up face more than his dead brother. The thing is, Holden cared so much about everyone and everything. But the real thing is, he cared way more than Salinger put on paper. He hinted at it, but never showed it completely. Maybe it's because… Maybe the thing is, no collection of words can describe it. That's the thing. 

Christmas is a holiday cherished by millions all throughout the United States. On Christmas, we come together to see family, eat food, and exchange gifts. Christmas has been around since 300s AD, but it hasn’t always held ground in America. When America became independent, Christmas was not that popular, seemed more as a “European thing”. However, one novella helped spark its ever present popularity, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

Like every Dickens work, it takes place in Victorian London, a time where many lived in poverty and blight. The story centers a businessman named Ebenezer Scrooge, who is selfish, stubborn, and lacks a heart. He refuses to donate to the poor and doesn’t understand the big hoopla of Christmas, seeing it as a “humbug”. He is even rude to his nephew, Fred. When his clerk, Bob Kratchet, asks for Christmas off, Scrooge agrees but vows that he will be fired if he is late the next day. Later in the night, Scrooge is visited by his deceased partner, Jacob Marley. Marley warns Scrooge that he will be visited by three different spirits.

Scrooge is visited first by the Ghost of Christmas Past, who shows Scrooge his childhood. Scrooge is reminded of his past innocence, his lonely time in boarding school, his sister, and his old fiancee Belle. At a party hosted by Scrooge’s father figure, his boss Mr. Fezziwig, Belle breaks off her engagement with Scrooge for his selfishness and becomes happily married to another man. Scrooge is then visited by the Ghost of Christmas Present, who shows him all around London, Scrooge sees Bob and his family gathering for Christmas Eve dinner. Scrooge learns that Bob’s youngest son, Tiny Tim, is very ill and will die unless “things change”. Scrooge then sees celebrations in a miner’s cottage, lighthouse, a sea-bound ship, and his nephew Fred. Before the ghost leaves, he shows children that symbolize ignorance and want, and warns him of these two things. 

Scrooge is finally visited by Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, who only appears in a dark black cloak. The ghost shows Scrooge a future Christmas during a man’s funeral. At the funeral, there are only businessman who stay on the condition of free lunch, and the man is robbed for his money by the undertaker and other workers. Scrooge asks the ghost if anyone cares about this man’s death, and then he sees a couple who feel pleasure since they have more time to handle their finances. The ghost then shows Bob and his family mourning at Tiny Tim’s grave and his grace, visited by no one. 

Scrooge wakes up on Christmas Day feeling like a changed man, donating a large sum of money to charity, buying Bob’s family a turkey, and visiting Fred. The next day, he increases Bob’s pay, takes Tiny Tim under his wing, and treats everyone with kindness and generosity. 

When one thinks about the meaning of Christmas, they normally think of spending time with those they love and treating others with generosity. This novella allowed the meaning of Christmas to be popularized, and once it became popular in America, so did Christmas. We should appreciate this story every holiday seasons, since it reminds us and Scrooge, to treat others with kindness and generosity. 

  The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas is an enticing story of jealousy, deceit, betrayal, and then revenge. The story begins in 1815, right after the fall of Napoleon in France. In the beginning of the novel, everything is looking great for young sailor Edmond Dantés. He is about to be appointed captain of his ship and marry the love of his life. Crew member Danglars gets word of this promotion, and selfishly wishes to attain it for himself. He approaches a local Catalan named Ferdinand, who happens to long for Dantés’ bride-to-be, Mercedes. Together, they decide to frame Dantés for having illicit communication with Napoleon. Magistrate Villefort believed Dantés’ innocence, yet incarcerated him nonetheless after he discovered that the letter Dantés was accused of receiving was addressed to his own Jacobin father. Villefort’s selfish desire to protect his own reputation exposes the corruption of post-Napoleonic French society. When imprisoned in Chateau D’lf, Dantés meets an old priest, Abbe Faria, and the two grow rather close. Once Faria dies, Dantés is able to pose as the dead body and make his escape from the prison. From this moment forward, he goes by the persona of the Count of Monte Cristo, while taking on other aliases accordingly. Dumas romanticizes the glory of justice as the Count gets revenge on the people and the families of the people who wronged him. He ensures the lifelong agony of corrupt people while attaining the blissful life for himself that he always deserved. The Count of Monte Cristo is also filled with scenes of compassion, tragedy, and intensity.

While the book has a very complex array of characters and plot events, it is extremely engaging. Not only is it a useful source of moral teachings, but it also offers entertainment that even a modern 21st century reader would find interesting. Personally, I am not overly interested in history, but I still see and value the integrity of this story. It is a great choice for those who love drama, romance, thrill, and suspense. 

Written by Fyodor Dostoevsky in 1886, Crime and Punishment describes a conflicted and impoverished college student Raskolnikov, who commits what he believes is a justified murder. In Crime and Punishment, Dostoevsky displays unparalleled psychological insight, beyond the abilities of almost any author. In the words of Ernest Hemingway, Dostoevsky wrote  “things believable and not to be believed, but some so true they changed you as you read them.” 

The book opens with Raskolnikov walking to the lodging of Alyona Ivanovna, a pawnbroker lady whom he despises and plans to kill. The lady possesses a modest amount of money. He pawns his silver watch to the lady, and she gives him an unfair price for the watch. This increases his hatred for her. Then, he visits a tavern, where he overhears the conversation of strangers. Interestingly, these strangers also despise Alyona Ivanovna and discuss the possibility of killing her. According to them, killing an awful person would actually benefit the world. They ask: “Would not one tiny crime be wiped out by thousands of good deeds?” This conversation mirrors Raskolnikov’s thoughts.

Many influences compel Raskolnikov to commit murder. He believes himself to be an example of Nietzsche's Ubermensch, a superman who can transcend right and wrong and create his own values. By creating his own values, Raskolnikov thinks that he has every right to commit his murder and will feel no remorse. Also, killing Alyona Ivanovna would rid the earth of one bad person. Once he has killed her, he can take her money, pocket some for himself (he is in desperate poverty), and use the remainder to do good in the world. 

After committing his murder, however, Raskolnikov becomes horrified. Instead of taking Alyona Ivanovna’s money, he buries it in the ground. Instead of doing good in the world, he lies in his room screaming. By highlighting the difference between what Raskolnikov actually does after the murder and what he had planned for himself beforehand, Dostoevsky suggests that people cannot freely create their own values, that we all have a nature to contend with. 

The remainder of Crime and Punishment details Raskolnikov's subsequent development and also … his redemption.

Rostand’s classic tale of unrequited love will never go stale. Readers will continue to fall in love with the clever gascon. Cheering on Cyrano as he quips clever insults and romantic poetry never gets old, particularly because his multi-tasking skills are astounding. There will never be another literary character so adept with a sword and eloquent, neither skill faltering while using the other. Romantic may be able to rip off some of Cyrano’s lines, as he speaks the language of love. Those who admire a sharp tongue and keen wit will especially appreciate the tussle between Cyrano and Christian, the dashing military man who caught Roxanne’s eye. Most significantly, those who have ever had a crush or have felt the pain of unrequited love the constant agony and hopelessness that Cyrano feels. When he thinks of the beautiful woman that he worships from afar, Roxanne. Even though Cyrano de Bergerac was set in the seventeenth century Paris, the themes still permeate today and have inspired many screenwriters to reproduce the story from a fresh perspective. The original story may have centered around a large nose, but the themes are relevant and compelling and render the book worthy of review by the most serious scholars.

Bram Stoker

In the late nineteenth century, Bram Stoker introduced a distinctive Gothic character that would prevail in the mass media for many years. Nevertheless, his publication achieved more than presenting a new character; his novel provided insights into the 1897 England society, the society of upheaval that followed the Industrial Revolution. During this time, scientific advancements tore down countries’ borders, and empires became closely connected with railroads and vessels. However, this connection also became a source of threat for England as foreign influence brought ‘uncivilized’ culture into the society and resulted in clashes of cultures. Therefore, Bram Stoker uses his novel Dracula to address the disparity between England and foreign countries and the potential dangers that exotic countries may bring to England.

Bram Stoker differentiates England and the foreign culture through the novel. The first distinction Stoker draws in the novel is uncivilized East against the civilized West. As Jonathan visits the British Museum to research Transylvania, he was not able to light upon any map. giving the exact locality of the Castle Dracula and he describes how the trains were late, referencing the uncivilized state of the East. On the other hand, Stoker alludes to how trains arrive on time in England to demonstrate that English stays within the perimeter of time and order. Mainly, Stoker describes the English town of Whitby as a “lovely place” with a “long granite wall stretching out into the sea, with a curve outward at the end of it” (73) to imply that England has prospered within the circle of protection. So, when the Count Dracula from the East enters England, it causes a great chaos because the country’s civilized state was getting attacked by this foreigner. This indeed is true as the Count’s first victim is Lucy Westenra, “a physical embodiment of the West, along with its ideals and privileges” (Kern). Following Lucy, many “children,” who are supposed to be under attentive protection by the adults, “are injured by the ‘Blooper Lady’” (198), implying how England is no longer protected and has become like an Eastern Europe –uncivilized and vulnerable to Count Dracula.

About a decade after Stoker published Dracula, the First World War broke out in Eastern Europe with a bullet that penetrated through the car. During the war, borders drawn on the map were disregarded through air raids, and the countries reached armistice once lines were reestablished on the paper. In this essence, Stoker’s fear of foreign powers crossing their lines was reasonable as the World Wars demonstrated the consequences of accepting foreign cultures. Therefore, Stoker’s Dracula provides invaluable insight into late nineteenth-century England’s belief in setting a clear boundary against foreign influences.

Ray Bradbury

Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, is one of the excellent dystopian novels that I believe truly depicts the future of our society. In the novel, Bradbury creates a dystopian society that burns books in order to control dangerous thoughts and unhappy concepts. The firefighters are meant to burn the books rather than put out the fire. Guy Montag, the protagonist of the novel, seeks to challenge the government and start finding the importance of the book.

While reading the book, I was amazed by how accurately Bradbury depicted our own society in 1953. The “Airpods” are accurately predicted with Seashells and big television screens with TV parlors. Bradbury’s message in 1953 still applied to us: how addiction to technology can limit our thoughts and isolate us. Not only that, I think the book serves as a clear warning for us in 2022. People stopped reading books and they rely on the Internet to gain knowledge. However, with the algorithms that suggest the topics that we are only interested in, the Internet is limiting our thoughts, just like the dystopian society.

Particularly, I enjoyed the ending of the novel. Although most dystopian novels end with the hopeless endings, (ex. 1984) Ray Bradbury was different. He ended the novel with the hope that Guy Montag can rebuild a society where knowledge is preserved and individual thoughts are respected. Even though the ending is not truly utopian, the ending suggests that even if we continue going in the direction of a dystopian society, there will always be hope in restoring our society. Maybe that is why, unlike other novels, I still remember the endings. 

Thus, I highly recommend every high school student to read books, not for entertainment, but to learn the importance of the book and the danger that we may face if we continue relying on technology.

From Pure To Evil: A Review of Frankenstein

When one hears the word “Frankenstein”, they automatically think of the classic horror movie, but the book it’s based on is even more of an adventure. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, arguably the first science fiction novel, explores the elements of innocence and human nature. The novel begins with a young Dr. Frankenstein going away from Switzerland to the University of Ingolstadt in Germany. As he studies and eventually earns his doctorate, he begins an experiment. Frankenstein starts to collect human cadavers, attempting to reanimate and recreate a human being. One day, Frankenstein comes home and sees his experiment sitting up, looking at him. Frightened, Frankenstein locks the door and comes back later to find the monster gone! (Spoiler ahead)

One day Frankenstein, receives a letter from his father, stating that his little brother William was murdered in the woods. Frankenstein returns and sees the monster from a distance, blaming him for the murder. After William’s funeral, Victor(the doctor), goes for a hike in the alps. In the alps, Victor encounters the monster and spends a quarter of the book listening to the monster’s life story. Victor learns that the monster traveled through the Alps, learning of human society. The monster spent a good time observing a family of siblings and their blind father, where he learned to speak. However, like everyone else he meets, the monster is viewed as horrible based on his looks. The monster asks Victor to create a female company to keep him happy, threatening more vengeance if he fails. Victor travels to Scotland to create the companion, followed by the monster. Prior, he visited England with his best Clerval, and leaving Scotland, lands in Ireland. In Ireland, Victor finds that the monster murdered Clerval, taking another victim. Victor travels back to Switzerland to marry his cousin(that was normal), Elizabeth. Of course, Elizabeth is murdered, also leading to the death of Victor’s father. Victor vows to kill the monster, following him all the way to Siberia. Unfortunately, the novel ends with Victor dying of exhaust on a rescue ship, relieving the monster of any vengeance. The monster killed those close to Frankenstein because he felt anger towards his creator, since the monster has been treated as an abomination. 

Some may find Frankenstein rather boring, and I don’t blame them, but Frankenstein is well-written with events that jump out at you. To sum it all up, Frankenstein teaches you to be careful with what you desire and to not judge a book by its cover, because you could face dire consequences. 

Review by Andrew Aeillo ('23)

     Everyone knows the classic tale of Frankenstein, the monster brought to life for the purpose of scientific glory. However, many have not read Mary Shelley’s original novel, written one night in the company of friends competing in a ghost story competition. The novel opens on a boat, with half alive Victor Frankenstein recalling the horrors that became of his life after his creation. Shelley uses multiple points of view, including Victor and the creature, to display both sides of the debate. Shelley also addresses the debate between what defines a human being, and where is the line when it comes to manipulating nature.

     Shelley’s Frankenstein stands out for many reasons. It was truly one of the first novels of its kind to focus on reanimating the dead. Secondly, Shelley makes sure that there is no clear right or wrong throughout the novel. While Victor believes he has created a monstrosity that needs to be removed from the Earth, the creature makes a compelling argument as to why Victor has the obligation to care for his creation, much like a parent cares for their child.

     From its publication in 1818, Frankenstein has remained a popular theme in pop culture. Shelley has paved the way for a multimillion dollar franchise, ranging from animated to live action adaptations. While condemned by critics when it first emerged, many now will agree that Shelley created a legacy that will likely last for a long time to come.

John Steinbeck

The 1900s brought a new wave of westward expansion, industrialization, and capitalism. Big business blossomed as monopolization of industry sky-rocketed elites onto a higher rung in the wealth ladder. A reliance on those big businesses as the basis of the American economy led to the crash of the market coming into the 1930s. The Grapes of Wrath takes place in the Dust Bowl era of the 1930s, a time near the Great Depression, struck by drought and failure of farming. Working class farmers faced many hardships as the wealthy struck down on the land dues in the south. The opportunity for work stooped to a low. Author John Steinbeck writes the story of the Joad family as they navigate the troubles of losing their farm and traveling westward to California. This book serves as a commentary on the capitalistic business centered society that rose to prominence in the 1900s. 

The motif of a bank monster repeatedly appears to represent the adversities of a harsh economy dominated by big business. Steinbeck personifies the bank to vilify it, making it clear to the reader the extent that the bank ended the lives of the characters. He also reprehends the elite wealth holders “for the quality of owning” and how that “freezes [them] forever into ‘I,’ and cuts [them] off forever from the ‘we’’’ (152). Steinbeck underlines the separation caused by the “owning” and how materialism “freezes” you from the rest of society with this metaphor. 

Steinbeck’s nuanced illustrations of capitalism also highlights underprivileged groups’ experience in a competitive economy. He shows the dehumanization of these groups of people by showing the belittlement cast upon them with name calling and violent acts against them. Authority figures in this society demean their subordinates, supporting the stripping of their rights as evident in this text that starts as a protest of equal rights and ends with the funneling of all migrants as one low class.

Throughout his novel, Steinbeck underlines the experiences of the working class during the Dust Bowl era to critique the economic trend of the time period. By demonizing a characterized “bank monster,” he relates the adversities of brutal business to a creature that eats away at families. He unites the experience of marginalized groups by demonstrating the perils and epithets thrown at these groups. Overall, John Steinbeck emphasized injustices existing in society and educated about the lifestyles of the time, stirring the conversation of state of America.

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Heralded as one of the greatest American novels ever written, perhaps the greatest, it’s clear to see why F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby maintains such a passionate fan base even today. The novel is packed full of intense moments, intriguing characters, poignant dialogue, and still-relevant social commentary. However, in my opinion, the novel has one major flaw: it is too short.

If you’re reading this right now, there’s a good chance you’ve already read Gatsby. On the off chance you haven’t: The novel follows Nick Carraway, a bond salesman who’s moved to New York from Minnesota. He finds himself living next to the enormous mansion of Jay Gatsby, the mysterious and wealthy figure who hosts elaborate parties every night. Eventually, he befriends Gatsby and finds himself absorbed into a social circle of the rich and careless.

Without spoiling too much, every chapter of Gatsby is filled with back-to-back, intense plot points. From social drama to mortal peril, none of the characters in the novel can seem to catch a break. The plot is engaging without being simple or senseless. The characters themselves are strong and well-rounded, each representing a particular aspect of 1920s American society — the old money, the new money, the working class.

The only issue? None of this has time to sink in. At only around 50,000 words (around 200 pages), Gatsby is, by all accounts, a short book. As the reader flies from chapter to chapter, many events occur, but they happen so quickly and in such rapid succession that you’re left feeling like nothing happened at all.

This is mainly because there are so many complexities to keep track of. Fitzgerald spends so much time hammering out the characters and thematic elements that the intricacies of the plot struggle to catch up. For example, Gatsby’s entire backstory is divulged at the beginning of a chapter, for reasons that are not immediately apparent to the reader. Once that element of mystery is gone, the book, in my opinion, loses some of its “punch.”

Of course, it’s hard to believe that this was an oversight on Fitzgerald’s part. More likely, the novel’s brevity was a stylistic choice. However, it may cause the reader to feel more like a passive observer rather than becoming connected to the characters. This makes it difficult for the plot to produce a true sense of shock or betrayal. Had the novel been longer and less overt in its symbolism, the story would have had more time to sink into the reader’s mind.

I would still recommend this novel to anyone who hasn’t read it for school yet. It’s engaging, with good characters and an interesting plot, and it has thought-provoking things to say about the futility of the American dream. Above all, I just wish it was a little longer.

Johnathan Swift’s 1726 classic, Gulliver’s Travels explores the interesting life of an English mariner, Gulliver. Divided into 4 parts, he travels on the sea and casts away to a new mysterious place 4 times. The first place, Lilliput, is an island where everyone is freakishly small with a government mocking contemporary European monarchies and nation-states. The second place, Brobdingnag, is a land where everyone is freakishly large, and where he is treated like a royal-court toy. The third place, Laputa, is a monarchical floating island, where he is an intellectual member of the royal court. The fourth and final place, Land of the Houyhnhnms, is a society run by horses, and the human-like creature, the yahoo, is a savage. Here, Gulliver lives with a family of horses who treat him as a pet and teach him their language. When Gulliver returns to England, he views his own family as savages thanks to the yahoos. Gulliver’s Travels does not have an exact theme, but it acts more as contemporary satire making fun of contemporary politics. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys social satire and political satire. 

Usually, a book is stuck to a specific time period. Shakespeare resonates words of “art” or “thou” and modern novels such as Harry Potter are filled with unforgettable experiences that have shaped modern culture but no book keeps its historical heritage while resonating with modern audiences quite as good as Jane Eyre does. Jane Eyre tells the story of a penniless orphan who looks to find her place in society. Taken in the care of the Reeds, her cruel family, Jane works against hardship to secure a role as a governess in Thornfield Hall along with her mysterious employer, Rochester. These characters who foil each other in personality, likeness, and wit begin to develop a strong, intense bond that keeps them together. However, Rochester’s terrible secret will threaten to keep Jane and Rochester apart. 

Jane Eyre’s charm lies in its writing. Bronte’s use of symbolism and juxtaposition heightens dramatic moments that may otherwise seem boring. The detail and structure really speaks messages about Jane’s own life and desire to be an independent woman with a free will. Taken from Bronte’s own life, Jane Eyre should be described as a biography because of how the story evokes indescribable feelings that will resonate with readers in some shape or form. Jane Eyre is a book with no genre, although it is described as a biography, Jane Eyre also encompasses adventure, mystery, and romance while still being a classic that everyone can find an interest in. 

Jane Eyre also has themes that are very modern for a 17th century book: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and independence which were very radical for a woman in the Victorian Era. Along with its themes, mysteries, and romanticism. Bronte creates an image that is both modern and timeless.

Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, is a well-known story that highlights messages and themes that can still be seen as significant in our world today. This novel tells the story of Scout and her brother Jem try to understand what their father does for a living. Atticus, who is a lawyer charged with defending a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman, is there father who sets an example for them of fighting for justice and what’s right in the world rather than following what everyone else believes. Although I read this novel a couple years  ago, I still have never forgotten the messages I took away from this book. This novel teaches readers about racial injustice and how as a community and as a world we need to recognize the flaws in our system and improve together. To Kill a Mockingbird inspires readers to make a change in the world and right for what is right and fair. Although this novel is seen through the perspective of the children, it helps to understand what even kids are such young ages take in from society and what they learn about and understand from our society. Their perception helps us as readers get a better understanding of what they view as they watch their father. I personally admire Harper Lee for putting such significant and important messages within her work to inform readers about challenges and situations that occur in our society even today. 

William Golding’s Lord of the Flies teaches the reader about the truth of human nature and human behavior.  By providing alternate history with political satire, Golding’s classic truly illuminates traits hidden inside all humans. When a society is formed, it contains both perfections and imperfections, which Lord of the Flies demonstrates articulately.

The novel’s backdrop begins on a mysterious island with a main character, Ralph. Ralph meets another boy called only “Piggy”. Here, the reader learns that a plane escaping children crashed, trying to escape a nuclear war in the U. K. Ralph and Piggy soon meet the rest of the boys, including Simon and Jack. Ralph establishes an assembly, using a conch shell, while the boys work to survive and find a rescue. Division began early, mainly between Piggy and the other boys, but it soon became Piggy and Ralph against Jack. Piggy and Ralph are concerned with keeping order and getting rescued, while Jack only cares about hunting. Simon is later killed out of a mass hysteria over a “beast”, and the boys split into two. Most of the older boys revert to primitive ways and follow their “chief”, Jack, while Ralph and Piggy watch over the younger boys. (Spoiler ahead)

Several feuds occur, one leading to the death of Piggy. As Ralph, the only civilized boy, runs for his life, he meets a naval officer at the rescue. The savages revert back and realize what they become, ending the novel in tears.

Golding’s message throughout the novel is that humans are inherently savage. When common luxuries are stripped, we revert to primitive ways, becoming animals. The novel shows aspects of civilization through the boys’ struggles and traits. Each main character possibly represents certain aspects of civilization. Ralph, order and democracy, Piggy, logic; Simon, goodness; and Jack, evil. 

While Lord of the Flies is a fun novel to read, it’s intention is to remind us of savagery buried inside, and the troubles and difficulties that plague civilization.

John Steinbeck

Of Mice of Men written by Steinbeck is one of the most well known novels in American literature. The novel is full of characters that many readers get attached to. The audience follows the journey of main characters George and Lennie as they travel to and their life in Soledad California in the 1930’s. The unique characterization and relationship of the two pulls the reader into the novel to emote with Lennie’s childlike personality. 

Lennie specifically has some sort of disability that Steinbeck never outright names and this allows him to act similarly to a child. This ignorance permits him to see people for their true personalities rather than the racist sense of this time period. Lennie does not understand the social barriers between men and women as well as black and white. This shows Steinbeck’s challenge to the current social beliefs of the time period through Lennie and his naiveness. 

George becomes Lennie’s foil. George has a more practical view of the world and is Lennie's caretaker. Although George is seen with a wall up for parts of the novel his true emotions and care for Lenny do shine through when he goes out of his way to protect Lennie. 

My favorite part of the book was the ending. Although I have heard many state they believe the novel had a bad ending, I truly loved it. Lennie’s death pulled out emotions in me as I empathized for George as he killed Lennie. This ending allowed for the audience to see George in a new light as he had always been very tough yet Steinbeck breaks George down into a more humane lens by his actions at the end of the novel. George’s humanity highlights the bond of the two and how truly interconnected they were throughout their lives. Although there were times when George got angry at Lennie, their true friendship embodied what many in modern life can hope for in a best friend. George never left Lennie which in my opinion signifies the strength in the bond the two shared. 

T. H. White

War, betrayal, greed, and vengeance. The Once and Future King by T.H. White offers a novel adaptation of the legendary folktales of the knights of the round table. As the reader sits through various books beginning at various different times of the life of the protagonist, King Arthur, readers can view both his growth as a man, and the development of his character and morals, as he goes from a boy, to a man, to a king. What begins as a mere accident, as a young Arthur pulls a sword from a stone which he thought had no meaning behind it, Arthur is hurled into a new world of family rivalries, English monarchs, and medieval warfare, as he is tasked with the burden of guarding over his new kingdom, and dealing with those who wish it harm. The greatest part of all with this book, however, is its end. As Arthur rules as a benevolent, and idealistic leader, who embodies both innocence, as well as knowledge, it ultimately becomes the blood of his blood which causes his undoing, as his bastard son, Mordred, starts a crusade against his fathers rule, which ultimately leads to Arthur’s death. This book is a great read for those who enjoy a story about adventure, as well as rivalry, and action. Although it is dense, wordy, and at times frustrating to push through, the ultimate reward as Arthur’s story is finished is indescribable. 

John Milton

Milton’s Paradise Lost, despite being over three hundred years old, stays the passage of time with its intense and complex allegorical features.  There is much to praise of Milton’s epic; the clear physical images conjured by the text’s descriptive language, the strength of its metaphors and allusions, the incorporation of classical mythology into a Christian context, and the strength of its allegorical figures (Satan especially, who receives unexpectedly human motives).  With strikingly similar themes to modern artists who question the benevolence of the Christian God, Milton’s portrayal of God as well as Satan were extremely controversial in their inquisitive nature.  God’s accountability for the fall of mankind is put at odds, with Milton’s explanation for the contradiction between God’s omnipotence and free will being explicitly recognized, and not fully answered by the text.  The Almighty in Paradise Lost claims that since humans are warned about the coming temptation, they will be responsible for their fall.  However, He knows before the fact that mankind will commit the Original Sin, contradicting the given explanation of free will with the logical proof of its negative.  Similarly, the depiction of Satan as something other than the manifestation of pure evil, instead characterized by ambition and self-righteousness, then revenge, awarded the epic fervent criticism by religious figures of the time.  Though adjusting to the convoluted syntax of Milton’s verse may initially be difficult, taking the time to develop appreciation for the poet’s style yields a work that displays some of the immense power of the various aspects of poetry, such as its capacity in syntax, trope, and diction in lending extremely specific meaning to the poet’s message; Paradise Lost is a beautiful example of the concise and visceral expression that only good verse can convey.

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Imagine: you are a 17th-century young woman in Boston, and it’s nearly the age of the Salem Witch Trials. Anything a woman does can and will be deemed improper or sacrilegious by the government, which watches your every move. Nevertheless, you decide to follow your heart in its search for love, and you have a child with your local minister. No one knows that it's his, but they do know that you’ve cheated on your estranged husband in Europe. The people of your town force you to don a scarlet letter “A,” publicizing your sinful act of adultery, for the rest of your days. Would you regret your decision or wear the letter with pride?

Hester Prynne in The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne lives in this exhausting reality every day. She endures a variety of different acts of aggression by other characters throughout Hawthorne’s novel, which significantly contributes to her character development and the advancement of the plotline as a whole.

The Scarlet Letter is nothing short of a beautiful commentary on Puritanical society and the hypocrisy that lies within it. Hawthorne uses a plethora of literary devices, especially symbolism, on nearly every page of the novel. 

By devising the character Dimmesdale, Hawthorne stresses the difficulties that come with staying true to yourself and those you love when living in a Puritanical society. Dimmesdale’s name speaks for itself, but I won’t spoil why. Pearl, another character, is named for her being the light and beauty of her mother’s life despite her quirks and questionable character. Her existence as her mother’s love shows that you don’t always have to be pure to be a good person. These characters are just a few examples of the gorgeous dustings of symbolism Hawthorne sprinkles into The Scarlet Letter.

If you ever feel the overwhelming urge to read a beautifully crafted classic novel, go for The Scarlet Letter. It’ll provide you with passages upon passages to analyze, and you’ll always want to flip the page from one of these passages to the next. And don’t forget to watch Easy A for a modern spin on it. But, for now, prepare to be transported back in time.

Albert Camus

The Stranger makes the mundane unusual and makes the reader reflect on how people should feel, or act as if they are feeling; Camus causes this introspection in the reader through the apathetic protagonist, Meursault.  In Matthew Ward's translation, he imparts the detached psyche of Meursault very well (and the choice of 'Maman' in place of 'Mother' in the opening line more accurately introduces the tone of the novel).  Camus’ curt sentence structure and matter-of-fact style makes everything feel even more unreal, and the lengthy description of minute details juxtaposed with the glossing over of seemingly important ones (like Meursault's feelings about his mother's death) surprised me, but made the book all the more complex and thought-provoking. The color imagery was extremely compelling as well, drawing you in and again reinforcing the at-once detached and intensely present mood of the novel.  In the two parts of the novel, there is a great disparity between how much happens in terms of plot depth, but the unchanged style lends itself to a feeling of complete interiority within the mind of Meursault.  This, in turn, makes Meursault’s behavior even stranger and leads the reader to question the morality of the narrator in terms of what they personally believe or expect.  One may find themselves waiting for some sort of resolution to the surrealism established in the description of events and Meursault’s choice of what to include, and Camus’ choices in plot regarding this resolution (without giving away too much detail) once again inseparably tie together the happening of the events with the apathetic psyche experiencing them.

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens is an exceptional literary work that deserves all the praise it has received over the years. Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, the novel is a gripping tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption.

The book opens with one of the most famous lines in literature, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," which sets the tone for the rest of the story. Dickens masterfully portrays the dichotomy between the two cities of Paris and London at the time of the French Revolution.

Each character in the novel possesses a distinct realism, each with its own flaws and strengths. Sydney Carton, one of the most memorable characters in the book, is a drunken lawyer who undergoes a profound transformation over the course of the story. Throughout the novel, Dickens uses Carton to exemplify a true dynamic hero. His selfless act of sacrifice at the end of the novel captures one’s heart and squeezes tears from their eyes.

Furthermore, the love story between Charles Darnay and Lucie Manette provides a contrast to the violence and chaos of the revolution. Lucie's unwavering faith and love for those around her is a shining example of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Moreover, the themes of justice, sacrifice, and redemption manifest themselves universally. The story speaks to the human experience in a way that few other works of literature can. The novel's exploration of the corrupting influence of power and the enduring power of love and sacrifice resonate with readers who will themselves push past Dickens’ verbosity.

Overall, A Tale of Two Cities is a masterpiece of literature that deserves all the praise it has received. Charles Dickens' eloquent writing poignantly paints a passionate piece that resides permanently in the minds of countless readers.

I started this book much preferring The Great Gatsby, the more famous of Fitzgerald's novels, but found the book catapults into startling depth sometime after the introduction of Rosalind, the main character's first love, and maintained a genuine (if not somewhat self-lauding) profundity for the rest of the novel.

The simple plot summary: The main character, Amory Blaine, gradually acquires and becomes disillusioned with civilization and life, trying on new beliefs, shaking them, and repeating a kind of self-obsessed, delusional journey to live in a certain, worthwhile way. Fitzgerald himself largely serves as the basis for Amory's character, and like Slyvia Plath's Esther Greenwood, Amory Blaine lives out Fitzgerald's life experiences and describes his perspective. So much of the novel felt like justification; Fitzgerald, publishing this book at 23, retained the stroke of egotism that Amory Blaine so unabashedly displays throughout the novel, and essentially writes an autobiography full of conviction and pride.

But clarity comes through in many parts of This Side of Paradise. A good number of poems accompany Amory's different epiphanies and relationships, and as frustrating as it is to admit how intelligent and insightful Amory could be, his belief in his own genius was not without merit. Fitzgerald seems to explore the role of ego for an artist; Joyce believed himself worthy of entire lives' dedication, and lots of poets (especially the romantic ones) acted with crude self-interest as their primary mode. But, whether intentionally or not, most of Fitzgerald's most moving passages, regarding transience, disillusionment, or some of his political and philosophical commentary, were necessarily removed somewhat from his own conception of his identity and need to assert it. These mainly included his sharp description of the events and scenes that really move Amory, despite conflicting with the notion he has of himself.

But at other times, the inclusion of Amory's ego strengthened the nuance in his desires and fears; a different inflection was given to them because of their source, which had a certain shape that accommodated some of the contradictory statements that Amory makes. An example: at the end, in the height of his lack of faith in previous systems of thought and belief, he suddenly rejects the epigram that "very few things matter, and nothing matters very much." But in the context of who he is and what he represents, this makes perfect sense. The book preceded Camus with his absurdist philosophy, but the conclusion is fairly close to that philosophy, which is somewhat intuitive; the philosophy presented in The Myth of Sisyphus, while more detailed, was born of the same modernist reaction to older philosophical systems.

Of course, as an extremely privileged man living at the start of the 20th century, Fitzgerald and Amory had equally extreme elitist notions: an explicit distaste for the poor and poverty, and a general inability to consider others as equally important as himself, and he becomes more apathetic the more removed another person is from himself. This holds true for the poor people Amory encounters, the people of color, and especially women.

But the women were the most interesting characters of the novel, and some of Fitzgerald's best criticism of Amory comes through them. Eleanor, the 18-year-old poet whom Amory spends a summer half-in love with, sees through Amory's egotism and aptly describes his distinction between a sentimental and romantic person as a mere epigram, a statement he'll later agree with when he comes to despise epigrams and platitudes.

I would recommend to anyone who enjoyed The Great Gatsby, as Fitzgerald’s style and approach to description is fundamentally the same in both. It’s also interesting as a cultural snapshot of educated young men in the early 20th century, and the outdated discussions about the world and the country were intriguing to read a decade later. 

Vítězslav Nezval

If you’re interested in the avant-garde, surreal and gothic, then Vítězslav Nezval’s Valerie and Her Week of Wonders is the novel for you. Written in 1935 and published ten years later, the novel makes it clear to see why Nezval was one of the founders of the Surrealist movement in Czechoslovakia. The story follows seventeen year old Valerie, who lives with her grandmother in a strange, timeless town. After she gets her period for the first time, she’s thrown into a world of the bizarre and fantastical. 

Throughout her wondrous week, Valerie encounters vampires, long-lost family members, an evil Constable and priest, and more. With the help of her magical earrings, she escapes capture and death time and time again, still finding time to nap in between. The novel reads like a dream, without a clear time period or even plot. In concept, it’s similar to Alice in Wonderland with more adult themes and characters. Although the film is more popular than the book, the novel is even more bizarre. It’s a short and engaging read that I would recommend to anyone, especially girls around Valerie’s age like myself. Even though you can’t relate to the more magical and horror-inducing elements of the story, you’ll probably find something that connects with you buried inside. 

War and Peace tells the story of Napoleon’s invasion of Russia in 1812. Written between the years 1863 and 1869, it has since won the reputation as a masterpiece of world literature.  But its author, Tolstoy, famously stated that "it is not a novel, even less is it a poem, and still less an historical chronicle." 

Why, then, did Tolstoy refused to characterize War and Peace as a novel? The answer lies in the fact that through writing War and Peace, Tolstoy disregarded all literary convention. Unlike most novels, War and Peace  does not have a single protagonist. Although War and Peace does not have a single protagonist, it does trace the development of three main characters: Pierre Bezukhov, Andrei Bolkonsky, and Natasha Rostova, of which more will be said in the following paragraphs. 

Tolstoy opens the War and Peace in the year 1805 with an evening soiree hosted by Anna Pavlovna Scherer, a woman from high society. The first guest who arrives is Prince Vasili Kuragin, a man of high rank. At this time period, almost all people in Europe dread Napoleon Bonaparte  (believed to be invincible), so Anna Pavlovna questions Vasili about the impending war between France and Austria, where Russia will fight alongside the Austrians. Later, among the new guests who are arrive are two young men: Pierre Bezukhov and Andrei Bolkonsky. The illegitimate son of the wealthy Count Bezukhov, Pierre, although kind and intelligent, is a societal outcast. Andrei, Pierre's best friend, will fight in the imminent war against Napoleon. Amid a conversation between the guests about the coming war with Napoleon, Pierre supports Napoleon, to everyone's horror. Pierre and a few other guests then enter into a heated argument, and Andrei tries to help Pierre by toning down his remarks. Soon, the soiree ends.

After the soiree ends, Tolstoy introduces the Rostovs, a family celebrating the name-day (name-days are similar to birthdays in Russia) of the mother and the youngest daughter, both named Natalya. The youngest daugther, Natalya Ilyinichna Rostova (Natasha), charms everyone she meets with her bold spirit and enchanting personality. She possesses the priceless gift of being able to enjoy life to its fullest.

Once Tolstoy has introduced his main cast of characters, he traces their maturity during the years 1805 to 1812. Pierre embarks on a search for life's meaning after he becomes disillusioned with his beautiful but vapid first wife, Helene Kuragina. Andrei fights in the Battle of Austerlitz and the famed Battle of Borodino. Natasha continues to enjoy life, as always, and develops into an attractive young woman. When Napoleon invades Russia in 1812, all three will encounter their misfortunes and grow from their experiences.

In War and Peace, Tolstoy combines profound themes--the meaning of life, the value of suffering, the joy of divine love--with unforgettable depictions of 19th-Century Russia to create a marvelous and universal portrait of life. 

Best Translation: Aylmer and Louise Maude            

• Spoiler Alert!!

       Science Fiction has become a major part of our pop culture. Whether it’s Star Wars, Star Trek, Marvel, or space travel. A brief novel that boosted Science Fiction into popularity was H. G. Wells’ “War of the Worlds”. Written in 1898, the novel is both dated and ahead of its time. 

The story begins around the life of an English philosopher living in the countryside. A colleague, who is an astronomer, observes strange phenomena around Mars. Then, one day, cylinders from Mars land outside of their village. Eventually, squid-like creatures emerge from the cylinders, taking out villagers with a strange fire-like substance. Not too long after, chaos ensues. Villages throughout England evacuate and many Englishmen are killed by the Martians, who are also operating tank like vehicles. The philosopher, having to leave his wife,  scavenges through villages and hides to survive, while his brother in London escapes to the sea as the metropolis reaps into chaos. Both the reader and the philosopher assume that the Martians take over and enslave the humans, since the Martians are more powerful with superior technology. However, the novel ends with a huge twist.

The philosopher, in London, hears a mysterious wailing sounds. When he investigates he finds all these dead Martians. All of the Martians die because they were not immune to all of the bacteria and diseases that humans built up immunity to over thousands of years. The philosopher reunites with his wife and the world slowly becomes normal again. 

H. G. Wells’ “War of the Worlds” is truly an influential classic that should be appreciated today. “War of the Worlds” boosted Science Fiction into popularity, as well as ideas about extraterrestrial life. Countless pieces of media have touched on this idea, as well as the public. While one can tell that the novel was written over 100 years ago, one cannot overlook the significance of H. G. Wells’ “War of the Worlds”