As mentioned in a previous post, Greek mythology is a complicated web of characters birthed by multiple deities. The birth of Uranus (son of Gaea) in Greek Myth also has his own part in creating monsters, both figuratively and literally. In examining his birth and rise to power, we can see how he created the more modern understanding of warring gods who fight for control of mortal fate and destiny.
Continue reading Greek Myth: Uranus, a Monster Who Created MonstersTag Archives: reading
A River Runs Through It and the Stories They Tell
“Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it,” writes Norman Maclean in A River Runs through it and Other Stories. “The river was cut by the world’s great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters.”
Continue reading A River Runs Through It and the Stories They TellWhy Writing Simply for Clearer Meaning is Important
Often, beginning writers write long, winding sentences that lose track of their meaning. Typically, this happens because novice writers have a lot to prove, and simply do too much. What budding writers forget is that writing simply for clearer meaning is important. Writing simply is an important function of writing because it shows that the writer has a direct command of language. In this way, they are able to say more with less. It is okay to write big, long sentences with lots of punctuation and conjunctions from time to time. Yet, it is an entirely other thing to write simple, direct sentences that pack a lot of meaning.
Continue reading Why Writing Simply for Clearer Meaning is ImportantMarked for Doom: The Literary Origins of the Black Spot
In Treasure Island (1883) by Robert Louis Stevenson, a nasty, blind pirate named Pew gives ex-pirate Billy Bones a mark of revenge. This act is precisely what the black spot stands for when given in malice: judgement day. For those who hold it are doomed to die! But what is the literary origins of the black spot? Why did Robert Louis Stevenson choose the black spot as his means of vengeful conveyance? In this post, we will examine the literary origins of the black spot.
Continue reading Marked for Doom: The Literary Origins of the Black SpotAnalysis of “America” by Claude McKay: Strength and Struggle
In interpreting Americanness through the eyes of poet Claude McKay, we see his experiences manifested in the forms of the Harlem Renaissance and the reality of racism. The latter was/is a pervasive, violent thorn in side of Black Americans. In this post, we will analyze “America” by Claude McKay through a brief analysis. This poem offers insight into the dual lives of people of color in the United States and a hope for a brighter future.
Continue reading Analysis of “America” by Claude McKay: Strength and StruggleFolklore: The Paulding Light in Michigan
Folklore is graced with a fantastical flavor, which makes it so interesting, whether that be Zeus throwing lightning bolts at frightened peasantry, or Johnny Appleseed walking clear across the country to keep fruit alive in the hearts of the American people.
Continue reading Folklore: The Paulding Light in MichiganWhat a Mark Twain Quote Teaches Us About Putting Facts First
How do we get it right the first time? Is that even possible? As Mark Twain–author of many important works–once stated, “Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.” In this post we are going to examine this quote. It has something to do with you as a writer and us as people. In the very least, the quote is about bending the rules after you’ve learned the rules. This is important to the writing process, regardless if you are a writer OR a Yankee from Connecticut.
Continue reading What a Mark Twain Quote Teaches Us About Putting Facts FirstStrange Tales of Mystery and Imagination, A Formative Read
I have a lot of books that played a role in my literacy voyage. These include Roald Dahl’s Young Adult/Adult novels to R.L. Stine’s Goosebump series and others. But there are a few that really got me rolling on loving horror and the occult. One of which was Strange Tales of Mystery and Imagination by Alex Hamer.
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