Books matching: tragic downfall
38 result(s)
The Oresteia is a trilogy of Greek tragedies by Aeschylus that revolves around the murder of Agamemnon by Clytemnestra, the subsequent murder of Clytemnestra by their son Orestes, and Orestes' trial. The plays explore themes of revenge, justice, and the influence of Greek gods on the characters' decisions. The trilogy is the only extant example of an ancient Greek theatre trilogy, showcasing the transition from personal vendetta to organized litigation.
“The Greek Tragedy in New Translations is based on the conviction that poets like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides can only be properly rendered by translators who are themselves poets. Scholars ma...Stefan Zweig presents a compelling and humane account of Marie Antoinette's tragic life, delving into her personality, marriage, and the dysfunctional French Court of Versailles. Through letters and historical details, Zweig brings the Rococo Princess to life, showcasing her follies, courage, and the impact she made in history. The biography allows readers to form their own conclusions about this enigmatic historical figure who faced her demise with dignity and strength, despite her youthful mistakes and misguided decisions.
UPON DOZENS OF GERMAN, Italian and Flemish battlefields, the Habsburgs and the Bourbons had engaged in deadly strife, each party hoping to make itself predominant in Europe. Now both sides were extenu...- #3
Save:The 'Scroll of Saqqara' by Pauline Gedge is a historical fiction novel set in ancient Egypt that brings to life the triumphs and failures of centuries past. The story follows Prince Khaemwaset, a physician and archeologist, as he explores a tomb in Saqqara, a necropolis, in search of The Scroll of Thoth. His encounter with a mysterious family, particularly a woman named Tbubui, leads to a series of events that disrupt his loving family and drive the plot towards an unexpected and chilling ending. The book expertly weaves daily life in ancient Egypt with elements of mystery, romance, and fantasy, keeping readers engrossed and intrigued until the very end.
Khaemwaset cast a swift glance around and shouted back a denial. His initial enthusiasm was quickly turning to a familiar disappointment. His were not, after all, the first feet to tread the sacred fl... - #4
Save:'Macbeth' by William Shakespeare is a classic tragedy that delves into themes of ambition, betrayal, guilt, and the consequences of seeking power for its own sake. The story follows Macbeth, a Scottish nobleman, who is driven by prophecies to commit murder in order to fulfil his ambitions, ultimately leading to his downfall. The play is known for its dramatic and intense plot, supernatural elements, and memorable characters like Lady Macbeth and the three witches.
A sailor's wife had chestnuts in her lap, And munch'd, and munch'd, and munch'd:— 'Give me,' quoth I: 'Aroint thee, witch!' the rump-fed ronyon cries. Her husband's to Aleppo gone, master o' the Tiger... - #5
Save:"Trilby" by George du Maurier follows the story of Trilby O'Farrell, an artist's model in 1860s Paris, who befriends three British artists and falls under the spell of a devious musician magician named Svengali. The plot revolves around the intertwining of art forms like painting, music, poetry, and literature, with a focus on mesmerism and extrasensory perception. The narrative explores themes of love, social class, and the bohemian lifestyle in Paris, culminating in tragedy and heartbreak for the characters involved.
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Save:The Death of Bunny Munro by Nick Cave is a dark and disturbing novel that follows the unraveling journey of Bunny Munro, a sleazy and troubled traveling salesman of beauty products who is haunted by the suicide of his wife, Libby. As Bunny travels with his young son, Bunny Jr., he begins to believe that Libby's spirit is haunting them, leading to a story that is funny, tragic, and transcendent. The book delves into themes of addiction, grief, self-destruction, and redemption, with a writing style that is described as thrilling, inventive, and clever.
‘I am damned,’ thinks Bunny Munro in a sudden moment of self-awareness reserved for those who are soon to die. He feels that somewhere down the line he has made a grave mistake, but this realisation p... 'The Oedipus Cycle: Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus, Antigone' by Sophocles is a collection of three plays that explore themes of fate, guilt, morality, and the relationship of the individual to the state. The plot revolves around Oedipus, the hero king of Thebes, who discovers he has unknowingly fulfilled a prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother. The story unfolds through formal and ritualized structures, punctuated by choral odes and offstage actions narrated by messengers. The writing style is described as poetic, with a mix of lofty tones, dark humor, and powerful emotional impact that brings the ancient text to life for contemporary readers.
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Save:'Madame du Barry: The Wages of Beauty' by Joan Haslip delves into the intriguing life of Jeanne Becu, later known as Madame du Barry, the last mistress of King Louis XV of France. The book provides a detailed account of Madame du Barry's rise from humble beginnings to the heights of power at the court of Versailles. Haslip's writing style is described as straightforward, clean, intelligent, and personable, making the biography an engaging read. The narrative explores Madame du Barry's life at court, her time after leaving the convent, and her relationships, offering insight into the aristocracy of 18th-century France.
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Save:In Paris Trout by Pete Dexter, the story unfolds in Cotton Point, Georgia, focusing on the loathsome character of Paris Trout, a white businessman who commits a heinous act by murdering a 14-year-old African American girl in a racially charged incident. The book delves into the depravity of Trout and the impact it has on those around him, portraying the dark and disturbing nature of his descent into madness and violence. Through multiple perspectives, including the girl he killed, his lawyer, his wife, and other supporting characters, Dexter paints a realistic portrait of the redneck Georgia setting in the 1950s, exploring themes of racism, violence, and human nature.
The news that Paris Trout had shot two colored females in Indian Heights came to Harry Seagraves from the police chief, Hubert Norland. Seagraves kept Chief Norland on a small retainer for just that s... - #10
Save:Doctor Faustus by Thomas Mann is a complex and dense novel that retells the story of Dr. Faustus while exploring Germany's selling of its soul to the Devil under Hitler. The book follows the life story of a fictional composer, Adrian Leverkuhn, who becomes the greatest composer of his age but struggles with the consequences of his Faustian bargain. Mann weaves together multiple eras, including the reformation, World War I, and the fall of Germany during Nazism, creating a contrapuntal narrative that delves deep into the German culture and history of the first half of the 20th century.
I wish to state quite definitely that it is by no means out of any wish to bring my own personality into the foreground that I preface with a few words about myself and my own affairs this report on t...
