Books matching: madness
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a short story that delves into a woman's descent into madness as she stays confined in a room with yellow wallpaper, growing obsessed with it. The book explores themes of women's mental health issues in the late 19th century, particularly postpartum depression, and the mistreatment of women by society and the medical profession. The narrative is a powerful commentary on women's lack of power in a male-dominated world, showcasing the consequences of isolation and confinement on one's mental state.
The writing style in 'The Yellow Wallpaper' is often described as gothic, haunting, and psychological. It effectively portrays the slow deterioration of the main character's mental state, capturing the reader's attention with vivid descriptions and a sense of impending madness. The story is lauded for its thought-provoking exploration of societal norms and the repression of women, offering a chilling and impactful read in just a few pages.
If a physician of high standing, and one's own husband, assures friends and relatives that there is really nothing the matter with one but temporary nervous depression—a slight hysterical tendency—wha... - #2
"At the Mountains of Madness" is a novella written by H.P. Lovecraft in the early 1930s, set in Antarctica during that time period. The story follows a scientific expedition from Miskatonic University that uncovers an ancient, prehistoric city and the horrifying beings that once inhabited it. Lovecraft's writing style is described as florid and descriptive, pulling the reader towards each dreadful revelation with references to common myths and places in his other works.
I am forced into speech because men of science have refused to follow my advice without knowing why. It is altogether against my will that I tell my reasons for opposing this contemplated invasion of ... - #3
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski is a complex and ambitious novel that delves into the mysterious record of a house that defies physics, expanding and lacking spatial boundaries. The story is told unconventionally through different perspectives, utilizing unique page layouts, sentences, paragraphs, and words to create imagery that parallels the narrative. The book also incorporates numerous footnotes that reference various elements, both real and imaginary, adding layers of depth to the storytelling.
The narrative structure of the book weaves together multiple stories within stories, creating a layered and enthralling journey into the unknown. Readers are drawn into the tale of The Navidson Record, told through the lenses of Zampano and Johnny Truant, each contributing to the unfolding mystery of the house that challenges reality. The book's presentation and narrative style offer a blend of horror, academic critique, and metafictional elements, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
§Provide examples of hand shadows ranging from crabs, snails, rabbits,and turtles to dragons, panthers, tigers, and kangaroos. Also includehippos, frogs, elephants, birds of paradise, dogs, cockatoos,... - #4
'The Tell-Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe is a classic short horror story that delves into the psychological horror of the narrator's descent into madness and obsession with the old man's eye. The writing style is intricate and detailed, creating a chilling atmosphere that captivates readers and builds tension effectively.
True! – nervous – very, very dreadfully nervous I had been and am; but why will you say that I am mad? The disease had sharpened my senses – not destroyed – not dulled them. Above all was the sense of... - #5
'The King in Yellow' by Robert W. Chambers is a collection of short stories that range from horror to romance, with a central theme revolving around a mysterious and madness-inducing play called The King in Yellow. The first four stories are highly praised for their eldritch horrors, macabre dystopias, and Lovecraftian themes, while the remaining stories explore war, romance, and dream-like fragments set in Paris and other settings. Chambers weaves together a mix of horror, romance, and supernatural elements, creating a unique and eerie atmosphere throughout the book.
Chambers' writing style in 'The King in Yellow' is described as intricate and detailed, with a focus on creating a sense of mystery and tension. The stories are noted for their atmospheric descriptions, clever narratives, and thematic connections that delve into cosmic horror, psychological suspense, and the consequences of encountering the forbidden play, The King in Yellow.
Toward the end of the year 1920 the government of the United States had practically completed the programme, adopted during the last months of President Winthrop’s administration. The country was appa... - #6
"Diary of a Madman" by Nikolai Gogol is a collection of short stories that delves into themes of madness, absurdity, and social satire. The protagonist in the titular story gradually descends into madness, believing himself to be the King of Spain. The writing style is described as funny, frightening, and thought-provoking, with elements of satire and absurdity intertwined throughout the narratives. Gogol's storytelling captures the protagonist's erratic thoughts and actions, creating an unsettling yet engaging reading experience.
A strange occurrence has taken place to-day. I got up fairly late, and when Mawra brought me my clean boots, I asked her how late it was. When I heard it had long struck ten, I dressed as quickly as p... - #7
'Herbert West: Reanimator' by H.P. Lovecraft is a collection of six linked stories that follow the mad scientist, Dr. Herbert West, and his assistant as they experiment with bringing the dead back to life. The plot revolves around their gruesome and disturbing experiments, starting with lab animals and escalating to human cadavers. Lovecraft's writing style in this book is described as pulp fiction, with shocking entertainment value and a non-literary feel. Each story tries to outdo the previous one with gory and unsettling details, creating a sense of parody or homage to Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein'.
Of Herbert West, who was my friend in college and in after life, I can speak only with extreme terror. This terror is not due altogether to the sinister manner of his recent disappearance, but was eng... - #8
"King Lear" is a profound tragedy that revolves around the themes of family dynamics, betrayal, and the quest for love and recognition. The plot begins with King Lear's decision to divide his kingdom among his three daughters based on their declarations of love for him. His favorite daughter, Cordelia, refuses to flatter him with exaggerated praise, leading to her banishment. This pivotal moment sets off a chain of tragic events as Lear grapples with the consequences of his hubris and the deceitful nature of his other daughters, Goneril and Regan. The narrative unfolds with intricate subplots, including the story of Gloucester and his sons, which further explores themes of loyalty and madness.
Shakespeare's writing style in "King Lear" is characterized by its rich language and emotional depth, immersing readers in the psychological complexities of the characters. The play evokes a range of emotions, from despair to humor, and masterfully balances moments of intense drama with poignant reflections on human nature. The portrayal of madness, particularly through Lear's descent into insanity and the Fool's insightful observations, adds layers to the narrative, inviting readers to ponder the fragility of sanity and the harsh realities of life. The play's structure, filled with action and reaction, keeps audiences engaged, making it a timeless piece that resonates with various interpretations and performances.
The traditional expressions of socially accepted madness in the snatches of court Fool and Bedlam beggar in King Lear involve the idea of music, and probably were given, in Elizabethan performance, th... - #9
'The Horla' by Guy de Maupassant is a short psychological horror story told through daily journal entries, following the journey of a tortured man in a big house who is relentlessly haunted by an invisible entity. The narrative captures the man's descent into madness as he struggles to confront and destroy the phantom that seems to be possessing him.
The book presents a chilling tale of psychological terror as the protagonist grapples with hallucinations, mysterious incidents, and a growing fear of the unseen entity that torments him day and night. The writing style immerses readers in the man's escalating paranoia and inner turmoil, creating a sense of suspense and unease that builds throughout the narrative.
May 8. What a wonderful day! I spent all morning stretched out on the grass in front of my house, beneath the huge plane tree that completely covers, shelters, and shades the lawn. I love the country ... - #10
'Heart of Darkness' by Joseph Conrad follows Marlow's journey into the Belgian Congo in search of the mysterious Kurtz, an ivory trader who has gained supremacy over the natives through violence. The story delves into the darkness within the human soul, exploring themes of imperialism, good versus evil, and the horrors of colonialism. Conrad's writing style is described as dense and evocative, with vivid descriptions of the African jungle and a caustic tone that reflects the moral decay of the characters.
Marlow's narration takes readers through a journey of self-discovery and moral ambiguity as he navigates the Congo River and encounters the brutality of European colonialism. The story is layered with symbolism and explores the subconscious workings of the characters, particularly Kurtz, who represents the darkness that lurks within humanity. Conrad's narrative style is both raw and moody, painting a stark picture of the destructive forces at play in the heart of Africa and the hearts of men.
1869 Conrad’s father dies, also of tuberculosis; Conrad is adopted by his maternal uncle, Tadeusz Bobrowski, who lives in Poland. The completion of the Suez Canal effectively links the Mediterranean a...