Literature

Quotations and Analysis “His best friends were books, and he was always happiest on his own.” This is from page 32 and it reveals the path Nash’s life would take both in terms of his success and his debilitating mental illness. Nash is most at ease in books, and he is always happiest when he is all alone. He has profound...

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Key Facts Nabokov’s Ada or Ardor regularly finds its way on lists of “difficult books” The novel resists a straightforward reading, and any attempt to fully draw out all of the complex references is nearly impossible. These are also reasons why the book remains a favorite for critics, scholars, and those who love taking on a real literary challenge. Often ranked...

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“But what can you do when you have to deal with people?” This question is repeated in the book. The above is from Dr. Stadler in Part One, Chapter VII. It stems from his belief that most people are not really capable of rational thought. They are basically irrational and must be dealt with manipulative and at time repressive means....

From: Literature Guides

Key Facts First published in Germany in 1927 and translated into English in 1929, Herman Hesse’s Steppenwolf has endured a fairly harsh mix of critical receptions. First criticized as immoral for its open depictions of sex and drug use, these judgements eased as cultural norms began to change by the 1960s. Later critics criticized the novel for being too pessimistic and...

From: Literature Guides

Quotations and Analysis He went on two legs, wore clothes and was a human being, but nevertheless he was in reality a wolf of the Steppes. He had learned a good deal . . . and was a fairly clever fellow. What he had not learned, however, was this: to find contentment in himself and his own life. The cause of...

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assegais spear; javelin august majestic; marked by dignity or grandeur connoisseur expert declivity downward slop detonation explosion; rapid combustion in an internal engine that causes knocking; to set off activity diaphanous transparent; delicacy of form digressions going backwards in literary discourse drollery quirky humor emissary spy estuary river meets sea; tide meets current ichthyosaurus prehistoric reptile; aquatic abilities and streamlined...

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Depredations the act of preying upon, robbery, stealing flummoxed confused larders pantry, a place where food is stored audacious intrepidly daring, adventurous conspirator one who joins in a secret agreement to do an unlawful or wrong act runes mystery, magic, writing on maps used by the multiple creatures in The Hobbit. remuneration the act of paying an equivilent for prefer...

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1775 year in which A Tale Of Two Cities begins Woodman personification of FATE Farmer personification of Death Robber meaning of the word highwayman Dover the town to which MR. Lorry is going in the \"mail\" Jerry stops the coach with a message frightened passengers afraid that Jerry is a highwayman Recall to life message that Mr. Lorry gives in...

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Antagonize To be hostile Placid Not easily upset or excited. Formidable Inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, or powerful. Devoid Lacking entirely. Elucidate To make something clear. Amiable Displaying a friendly and pleasant manner. Eccentricities The quality of being erratic. Akimbo With hands on the hips and elbows turned outward. Subtlety Being subtle, the quality of. Impudent Not...

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Disdain Verb: to regard with contempt; to despise Vantage Noun: an advantage; superiority Equivocate Verb: to intentionally mislead with confusing language. Solicit Verb: To seek or obtain by persuasion. Somnambulate Verb: to sleep walk Solipsism Noun: the philosophical theory that the self is the only thing that can be know. Rent Verb: to tear apart Resolute Adj: unwavering; firm; determined...

From: Literature Guides