It is time I described in depth the style of education called the Socratic method, which I have referred to at intervals over these last months and intend to continue referencing in the future. The Socratic method formed the base of my recent education and influences my approach to literature and writing on this blog. … Continue reading What is the Socratic Method?
In Time of Peril (Original Story)
In January, a friend of mine initiated a writing project based on the paintings of the 19th century English artist Edmund Blair Leighton. Each participating writer chose a painting and used it as a prompt. The result was a collection of unique and touching short stories and poetry beautifully reflective of Leighton’s style. I was … Continue reading In Time of Peril (Original Story)
The Etymology of “Refuge”
A refuge is a place people run to when they require or desire protection or sanctuary. It is one of those English words whose meaning is so ingrained that the word ceases to be a word at all and becomes only the meaning. The word has dissolved and only the idea remains and the idea, … Continue reading The Etymology of “Refuge”
More on the Influence of Freedom on Character in The Horse and His Boy
I wrote last week about the influence freedom has on the Narnians’ actions toward their fellow men (and animals). However, what I did not have time to write about was how this freedom influences their attitudes as well. If one reads enough C.S. Lewis, it becomes clear that the Narnians are Lewis’s interpretation of a … Continue reading More on the Influence of Freedom on Character in The Horse and His Boy
The Influence of Freedom on Character in The Horse and His Boy
In The Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis portrays the Narnians as being honourable, gracious, and genuine people. This is especially evident in The Horse and His Boy owing to its Calormen setting. The customs and culture of Calormen are placed beside those of Narnia; and the Narnians are seen from the perspective of Calormenes, or … Continue reading The Influence of Freedom on Character in The Horse and His Boy
The Path to the Moon, by Madeline C. Thomas
I long to sail the path to the moon / On a deep blue night, when the wind is cool: / A glist’ning path, that runs out to sea. / Silver the sails to carry me, / To carry, carry, carry me over the sea...
Convivial: An English Word with an Elvish Meaning
Convivial is one of those words whose etymology I discovered in a slightly backward fashion. I learned the Latin root word first (in situ while studying Latin) and then the etymology of the Latin word before I even recognised the English cognate. This is possibly one of the best ways to learn the etymology of … Continue reading Convivial: An English Word with an Elvish Meaning
Yet Another Translation of Beowulf
I very recently finished reading John Lesslie Hall’s translation of Beowulf. Several months ago I shared my reflections on Seamus Heaney’s and J.R.R. Tolkien’s translations of Beowulf in Beowulf: Seamus Heaney vs. J.R.R. Tolkien. It feels appropriate to share my thoughts on Hall’s translation as well. Hall’s translation is a verse translation which, to the … Continue reading Yet Another Translation of Beowulf
A Reflection on “Good Morning”
“Good morning!” said Bilbo, and he meant it. The sun was shining, and the grass was very green. But Gandalf looked at him from under long bushy eyebrows that stuck out further than the brim of his shady hat. “What do you mean?” he said. “Do you wish me a good morning, or mean that … Continue reading A Reflection on “Good Morning”
“When a person opens a book, he can never be in prison.”
Of all the quotes I record in my little booklet of quotations, those by Victor Hugo are often the most thought-provoking. He has such a way of writing that begs a moment of attention. One such quote that I have seen attributed to Victor Hugo is this: “When a person opens a book, he can … Continue reading “When a person opens a book, he can never be in prison.”
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