Books matching: tragic climax
19 result(s)
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- #1
Save:"The Crucible" by Arthur Miller is a play that delves into the Salem witch trials of 1692, showcasing the hysteria and mass paranoia that ensued in the town. The story follows a group of teenage girls who falsely accuse others of witchcraft, leading to a chain of events that result in life or death decisions for the accused. Through the lens of historical events, Miller highlights themes of integrity versus reputation, group guilt, and the consequences of fear and manipulation.
The writing style of "The Crucible" is praised for its ability to bring the Salem witch trials alive, providing a captivating and engaging narrative that explores the dark aspects of humanity. Miller's use of language is described as beautiful and engaging, with some readers finding the play to be better experienced through performance rather than just reading, due to its gripping and intense nature.
- #2
Save:A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams is a classic play that delves into the lives of the characters, particularly focusing on the complex relationships between Blanche DuBois, Stella, and Stanley Kowalski. The story unfolds in New Orleans, showcasing themes of class differences, domestic violence, mental health, and the struggle for power. Williams skillfully portrays the gradual unraveling of Blanche's facade of decorum, leading to a tragic climax that explores the darker aspects of human nature. The play is known for its vivid characterizations, intense dialogue, and symbolic use of settings and music to create a raw and dramatic atmosphere.
The play is praised for its depth of characters, particularly the juxtaposition between the primal nature of Stanley and Blanche's desire for beauty. Williams masterfully weaves tension and dramatic intensity throughout the narrative, utilizing symbols and settings to keep the audience engaged. The complex relationships, moral dilemmas, and exploration of societal taboos make A Streetcar Named Desire a compelling and thought-provoking piece that continues to resonate with readers and audiences.
The exterior of a two-story corner building on a street in New Orleans which is named Elysian Fields and runs between the L & N tracks and the river. The section is poor but, unlike corresponding sect... - #3
Save:The Track Of The Cat by Walter Van Tilburg Clark is a gripping novel set in the early 1900s in the Sierra Nevada mountains, where a ranching family faces the threat of a monstrous cougar attacking their cattle. The story unfolds into a harrowing tale of survival, madness, and family drama as the sons embark on a treacherous hunt for the elusive predator amidst a brutal blizzard. Clark's vivid descriptions of the unforgiving landscape and the psychological depths of the characters create a haunting and immersive reading experience, reminiscent of classic American literature.
The novel seamlessly weaves together elements of suspense, psychological tension, and naturalistic themes, making it a masterful study in plot development and character exploration. Through the lens of man versus nature, The Track Of The Cat delves into the complexities of human relationships, the fragility of existence, and the inevitable clash between civilization and the wild, culminating in a tale that is both thrilling and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
Arthur was the first in the Bridges’ ranch house to hear the far-away crying, like muted horns a little out of tune. The wind turned and came down over the shoulder of the Sierra against the house, sh... - #4
Save:The Marrow of Tradition by Charles W. Chesnutt is a novel set in a fictional town called Wellington, inspired by real events that occurred in Wilmington, NC in 1898. The book delves into racial issues in the American South, focusing on the aftermath of the Wilmington Massacre and the tensions between the white and black communities. Chesnutt's writing style is described as a mix of realistic discussions and soap opera melodrama, offering a frank and eye-opening history lesson on race relations in the United States.
The night was hot and sultry. Though the windows of the chamber were wide open, and the muslin curtains looped back, not a breath of air was stirring. Only the shrill chirp of the cicada and the muffl... - #5
Save:'We The Living' by Ayn Rand is a novel set in early Soviet Russia, providing a dark and fascinating look into the USSR. The story follows Kira Argounova, a young socialite navigating life in post-revolution Russia alongside two men she is romantically involved with - one a revolutionary and the other a government official. Despite the tragic and depressing themes, readers are absorbed into the world created by Rand and can sympathize with the characters' struggles. The writing style immerses readers in 1920s Russia, showcasing Rand's personal experiences and her disdain for communism.
A semi-autobiographical account, 'We The Living' is Ayn Rand's first novel and lays the foundation for her philosophy of Objectivism. The plot mirrors Rand's own experiences in the early USSR, highlighting the impact of the Russian Revolution on individuals seeking the freedom to live their lives as they choose. The novel is praised for its engaging storyline, thought-provoking nature, and vivid descriptions of daily life in post-revolution Russia, making it a compelling read for those interested in the historical and sociopolitical context of the time.
A pinkish-gray banner that had been red, hung in the webbing of steel beams. Tall girders rose to a roof of glass panes gray as the steel with the dust and wind of many years; some of the panes were b... - #6
Save:The Folded Leaf by William Maxwell is a coming-of-age story set in Chicago in the 1920s, focusing on the relationship between two young men, Spud and Lymie. Spud is a virile and athletic teenager, while Lymie is a frail and studious introvert. The book explores their homoerotic relationship, with Lymie being pathetically dependent on and subservient to Spud. The story delves into their struggles with fitting into society and their shared feelings of barely suppressed fury towards the world around them. The novel also highlights the psychological portrayal of the characters and the complexities of their friendship.
Maxwell's writing style in The Folded Leaf is described as lyrical and understated, with disarmingly beautiful descriptions and quietly powerful revelatory passages. The book invites readers to delve into the inner lives of the characters, particularly Lymie and Spud, who are portrayed as lifelike yet idealized. Maxwell skillfully transforms what could be excessive stereotypes into recognizable and believable flesh and blood characters. The novel leaves pivotal scenes to the reader's imagination, allowing for a deeper exploration of the characters' emotions and relationships.
The blue lines down the floor of the swimming pool wavered and shivered incessantly, and something about the shape of the place—the fact that it was long and narrow, perhaps, and lined with tile to th... - #7
Save:'Carrie' by Stephen King tells the story of Carrie White, a telekinetic outcast who faces relentless bullying at school and lives under the control of her fanatically religious mother. As Carrie discovers her powers and seeks revenge after a cruel trick at the school prom, the narrative delves into themes of isolation, cruelty, and the consequences of mistreatment. Stephen King's writing style in 'Carrie' is praised for its ability to create believable and sympathetic characters, with a quick pacing that includes snippets from texts and transcripts related to the main story, making it an altogether great and creepy read.
It was reliably reported by several persons that a rain of stones fell from a clear blue sky on Carlin Street in the town of Chamberlain on August 17th. The stones fell principally on the home of Mrs.... - #8
Save:'The Wild Party' is a long narrative poem from 1928 that describes a wild night among louche theater people, set in the Jazz Age. The poem portrays a night of drink, debauchery, and a tragic love story, culminating in a shooting. The story is compelling and daring, filled with a cross-section of low-life characters, with fantastic tension building up to a breaking point that keeps the reader eagerly waiting for the resolution. Art Spiegelman's expressive illustrations in the 1994 edition add a woodcut style that complements the energy and abandon of the rhyming couplets that characterize the entire party.
The book is praised for its powerful and wonderfully written narrative that explores themes of debauchery, corruption, and crime, rising from the muck to become a tragic love story. The fearlessness of author Joseph Moncure March in addressing taboo subjects during a time of censorship adds depth and greatness to the story, making it a captivating read that leaves a lasting impact on readers. The combination of March's narrative and Spiegelman's illustrations creates an immersive experience that brings the Jazz Age party to life, blending whimsical and grim tones seamlessly.
- #9
Save:Covenant With Death by John Harris is a poignant and gripping novel set during the First World War, specifically focusing on a British Pals Battalion formed of civilians. The story follows the journey of Mark Fenner and his comrades as they volunteer for the war effort, undergo training, and ultimately face the brutal realities of trench warfare on the Western Front. Harris's writing style effectively captures the camaraderie, fears, and sacrifices of the soldiers, culminating in a powerful depiction of the Battle of the Somme and the devastating impact it had on the men of the Sheffield City Battalion.
Even now, after all these years, I remember the feeling that was in us that we should succeed where others had failed, the naïve certainty that we were greater than our predecessors; that upon us rest... - #10
Save:In the book Blue Lightning by Ann Cleeves, Detective Jimmy Perez returns to his childhood home on Fair Isle with his fiancée, Fran, to introduce her to his parents. However, their visit takes a dark turn when a murder occurs at the bird observatory, isolating the island due to storms. Jimmy must lead the investigation, uncovering secrets and navigating a limited pool of suspects in this atmospheric locked room mystery. The book is praised for its strong sense of place, complex characters, and unexpected plot twists that keep readers engaged until the shocking ending.
The final installment in Ann Cleeves' Shetland Quartet series, Blue Lightning is a police procedural that showcases the desolate isolation and storms of the Shetland Islands, adding to the menacing atmosphere of the story. Readers commend the author for her skill in creating a closed circle of suspects, with solutions that are not obvious, leading to a stunning conclusion that leaves them both stunned and admiring of Cleeves' willingness to take risks in her storytelling.
Fran sat with her eyes closed. The small plane dropped suddenly, seemed to fall from the sky, then levelled for a moment before tilting like a fairground ride. She opened her eyes to see a grey cliff ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Shetland Island )
