Books matching: irony
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- #1
Save:The Great War and Modern Memory by Paul Fussell is a magisterial study that delves into how British slang, drama, poetry, and memoirs from World War I have influenced our perceptions of war and shaped modern culture. Fussell compares soldiers' real experiences with the sanitized versions of the war, exploring how literature and drama both informed and were informed by the conflict, ultimately arguing that the ironic mode of understanding in the twentieth century has its roots in WWI.
Fussell's book is a challenging yet informative tour of how the British literary and cultural experience of the Great War has impacted modernism and society. Through a thorough examination of the works of classic memoirists like Siegfried Sassoon, Robert Graves, and Edmund Blunden, Fussell provides a compelling analysis of how the collision between industrialized mass killing and traditional British values has shaped our understanding of war and memory.
BY MID-DECEMBER, 1914, BRITISH TROOPS HAD BEEN FIGHTING ON THE Continent for over five months. Casualties had been shocking, positions had settled into self-destructive stalemate, and sensitive people... - #2
Save:"The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry is a heartwarming Christmas story that revolves around a young married couple, Jim and Delia, who both make sacrifices to buy each other Christmas gifts. Despite their financial struggles, they selflessly sell their most prized possessions to afford gifts for each other, highlighting the true spirit of giving and love. The plot is centered on the couple's acts of sacrifice and the irony of their gifts, emphasizing the message that the intention behind a gift is more important than the gift itself. The writing style of O. Henry beautifully captures the emotional depth of the characters and portrays the bustling city setting with vivid descriptions, making the story poignant and timeless for readers.
ONE dollar and eighty-seven cents. That was all. And sixty cents of it was in pennies. Pennies saved one and two at a time by bulldozing the grocer and the vegetable man and the butcher until one’s ch... - #3
Save:'A Modest Proposal' by Jonathan Swift is a satirical essay that proposes a shocking solution to poverty in Ireland during the 18th century. The author suggests that poor families should sell their children to be eaten by the rich in order to alleviate their financial burdens. Swift's writing style is described as dark, humorous, and biting in its wit, with a slyly tongue-in-cheek discourse that sheds light on social issues through satire.
It is a melancholy object to those, who walk through this great town, or travel in the country, when they see the streets, the roads and cabbin-doors crowded with beggars of the female sex, followed b... - #4
Save:Malgudi Days by R.K. Narayan is a collection of short stories set in the fictional town of Malgudi, capturing the essence of rural India through its simple and realistic portrayal of everyday people and events. The stories showcase a wide range of characters from different walks of life, including tradesmen, craftsmen, students, doctors, and more, all set against the backdrop of the charming village of Malgudi. The writing style is described as lucid, simple, and engaging, with a focus on subtle irony and honest characterizations that transport readers to the vibrant world of Malgudi.
The short story affords a writer a welcome diversion from hard work. The novel, whether good or bad, printable or otherwise, involves considerable labour. Sheer wordage, anywhere between sixty and one... - #5
Save:Edith Wharton's 'Short Stories' is a collection that delves into the lives of characters grappling with societal pressures, love, marriage, and the constraints of their social class. The stories explore themes such as the role of writers in society, the complexities of romantic relationships, and the emotional struggles faced by individuals within the confines of societal expectations. Wharton's writing style is described as polished and precise, with memorable lines peppered throughout the narratives, capturing the essence of her characters' inner turmoil and external conflicts.
- #6
Save:'Oedipus Rex' by Sophocles is a classic Greek tragedy that revolves around Oedipus, the King of Thebes. The story begins with a prophecy made at the time of his birth, foretelling that he will kill his father and marry his mother. Oedipus sets out to discover the murderer of the previous king, his father, in order to lift the curse on the city of Thebes. As the plot unfolds, Oedipus uncovers his own dark past, leading to a series of tragic events including the realization of his crime, Jocasta's suicide, and Oedipus blinding himself before going into exile.
The writing style of 'Oedipus Rex' is noted for its dramatic and powerful storytelling, filled with irony, suspense, and psychological depth. Sophocles presents the story in a non-chronological manner, allowing readers to uncover Oedipus's past alongside the protagonist. The play delves into themes of fate, free will, prophecy, and the consequences of one's actions, creating a compelling narrative that explores the complexities of human nature and the impact of destiny.
The Complete Short Stories of Mark Twain is a collection of witty and engaging stories written by Mark Twain between 1865 and 1916. The book features a variety of themes including humor, irony, and social commentary. Readers have praised Twain's storytelling abilities, highlighting the power of his descriptions and dialogues. The stories range from hilarious depictions of everyday life to satirical takes on religion and societal norms. Despite some stories being perceived as dull or rambling, the overall collection is considered strong and worth reading, with some standout pieces such as "The Mysterious Stranger" and "A Dog's Tale."
- #8
Save:'The Story of an Hour' by Kate Chopin is a short story that delves into the emotional journey of a woman named Mrs. Mallard after hearing the news of her husband's death. Despite the tragic news, the story takes unexpected turns, leaving readers surprised by the impactful storytelling and the depth of emotions conveyed in just a few pages. Chopin's writing style is praised for its ability to pack a punch in a concise manner, with unexpected twists and a tender voice that uses personification and irony to explore themes of love and marriage of the time.
The narrative of 'The Story of an Hour' is described as a rollercoaster of emotions, with readers experiencing a gut punch and a revelation through the cleverly written plot. Kate Chopin's skill in creating inferences, assumptions, and ideas about the lead character within a minimal space is highlighted as a remarkable aspect of the story, making it a must-read that leaves a lasting impact on those who delve into its pages.
It was her sister Josephine who told her, in broken sentences; veiled hints that revealed in half concealing. Her husband’s friend Richards was there, too, near her. It was he who had been in the news... - #9
Save:'Fancies and Goodnights' by John Collier is a collection of short stories that combine sardonic wit, satire, and irony with supernatural elements. The tales involve magic potions, demons, genies, and ordinary people who often come to bad ends through fate or their own missteps. Collier's writing style is described as highly imaginative, stylish, and understated, with many stories featuring unexpected twists at the end. The book offers a mix of dark and macabre stories, as well as slightly supernatural or quirky tales set in the early 20th century.
Franklin Fletcher dreamed of luxury in the form of tiger-skins and beautiful women. He was prepared, at a pinch, to forgo the tiger-skins. Unfortunately the beautiful women seemed equally rare and ina... - #10
Save:In "Praise of Folly" by Erasmus, the Goddess of Folly delivers a speech asserting the importance of folly in human affairs through satire. The book criticizes teachings of the Church, monastic life, and societal norms as folly, while also touching on religious practices, human nature, and the pursuit of wisdom. Erasmus employs humor, sarcasm, and wit to make jests at extremes of religious beliefs and practices, presenting a critique of society and human behavior.
