Given the the title of du Maurier’s most famous work it is unsurprising that Rebecca dominates the entire plot, like some sort of Gothic spectre. Although she is dead, she manages to corrupt all characters, and the physical house of Manderley, while being corrupted herself. Rhododendrons are mentioned throughout the text, and they grow overContinue reading “The Corrupting Presence of Rebecca de Winter in ‘Rebecca’”
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Dickens and the classic Victorian Christmas
Originally posted on Khambay's Words, Words, Words:
Dickens and the classic Victorian image of Christmas are inextricably linked, mostly because of ‘A Christmas Carol.’ Published in 1843, the book sold 6000 copies in five days, and became massively popular. First editions today sell for ten to fifteen thousand pounds. Dickens is often credited with…
‘1984’s’ Feminist Retelling: Some Thoughts
The prospect of a feminist re-telling of ‘Nineteen Eighty Four’ is incredibly exciting. Orwell’s estate have approved the release of Sandra Newman’s book ‘Julia’ for a June 2022 release, and, as the title suggests, the book will tell the same story but from Julia’s perspective. But what could this entail? Here are some random musings. Continue reading “‘1984’s’ Feminist Retelling: Some Thoughts”
‘Rebecca’ Chapter One: An Analysis
‘Rebecca’ was published in 1938 and is Daphne Du Maurier’s most influential novel. Throughout the novel, the unnamed narrator describes her life with her new husband, Mr de Winter, and begins to realise that he, and her marital home, are haunted by Mr de Winter’s previous wife. The novel opens with the iconic line: ‘lastContinue reading “‘Rebecca’ Chapter One: An Analysis”
Was the influence of Thomas Cromwell the main reason for reforms to the English Church from 1529-1540?
The Henrician reformation of the early fifteen hundreds was brought about by a culmination of people and factors. Before this period, Henry VIII struggled to produce an heir and the religious dominance of Rome was greatly felt by England. Factors such as these can be considered as reasons for the reformation, but they appear toContinue reading “Was the influence of Thomas Cromwell the main reason for reforms to the English Church from 1529-1540?”
‘Wholeness’ in ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’
‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’ is mostly remembered for its vivid depictions of sex. It was these that caused quite the stir when it was first published in 1928, and led to Penguin Books being put on trial for violating the Obscene Publications Act of 1959. Since then, the novel has been recognised as D. H. Lawrence’sContinue reading “‘Wholeness’ in ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’”
‘Spencer’ 2021: An Analysis
This post contains spoilers for the 2021 film ‘Spencer.’ Pablo Larraín’s latest biopic, which focuses on the late Princess of Wales, has been lauded by critics and caused quite a stir. Those who would be expecting something similar to ‘The Crown’ will be in for a surprise. The film does not just follow the Princess,Continue reading “‘Spencer’ 2021: An Analysis”
Diwali: A Brief History
Diwali is the ‘festival of lights,’ and is celebrated by Sikhs, Hindus and Jains. Although the date of the festival changes every year, it usually falls in October or November and lasts for five days. Many celebrate the festival in honour of the goddess Lakshmi, the wife of Vishnu and the goddess of wealth. ItContinue reading “Diwali: A Brief History”
Halloween: A Brief History
Everybody knows that Halloween falls on the 31st of October every year… but not everyone knows how the modern traditions surrounding the spooky day came about. Historians believe that Halloween’s prequel came in the form of the Celtic festival Samhain. During this festival, Celts would light bonfires and wear frightening costumes to ward off spirits.Continue reading “Halloween: A Brief History”
‘In what ways is the world of ‘1984’ a totalitarian state? How does Big Brother organise society?’
A totalitarian state is one that has a centralised government. The dictator leading the state requires all those within it to be subservient to the state. This dictator can also be seen to be an autocratic figure, as they are a ruler who has absolute power. An example in our history of a totalitarian stateContinue reading “‘In what ways is the world of ‘1984’ a totalitarian state? How does Big Brother organise society?’”
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