A concise guide for all your readings
September 8, 2024
“Beloved” by Toni Morrison is a powerful and haunting novel that explores the lasting impact of slavery and trauma on individuals and communities. Set in post-Civil War Ohio, the story follows Sethe, a former slave, as she struggles to rebuild her life and confront the haunting memories of her past. The novel opens with Sethe
READ MORE“Waiting for Godot” by Samuel Beckett is a thought-provoking play that revolves around two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, as they wait for the arrival of someone named Godot. Set in an unspecified location and time, the play explores themes of existentialism, the human condition, and the nature of time. The play opens with Vladimir and
READ MORE“Perfume: The Story of a Murderer” by Patrick Süskind is a dark and captivating novel set in 18th-century France. It follows the life of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a man with an extraordinary sense of smell who becomes obsessed with capturing the essence of human scent. The story explores themes of obsession, isolation, and the power of
READ MORE“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen is a classic novel set in 19th-century England that revolves around the Bennet family and their quest for love, marriage, and social status. The story primarily focuses on the second eldest daughter, Elizabeth Bennet, as she navigates societal expectations, misconceptions, and her own personal biases. The novel opens with
READ MORE“The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka is a novella that tells the story of Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a gigantic insect-like creature. This bizarre transformation sets the stage for a profound exploration of identity, alienation, and the human condition. The story begins with Gregor waking
READ MORE“Macbeth” by William Shakespeare is a tragic play that explores the corrupting influence of ambition, guilt, and supernatural forces. Set in Scotland, the play follows the titular character, Macbeth, as he rises to power through treacherous means and descends into madness and despair. The play begins with Macbeth, a brave and loyal Scottish general, encountering
READ MORE“Othello” by William Shakespeare is a tragic play that explores themes of jealousy, betrayal, love, and racism. Set in Venice, the play follows the Moorish general Othello as he falls victim to the manipulations of his ensign Iago, leading to tragic consequences for himself and those around him. The play opens with Iago, resentful of
READ MORE“The Complete Persepolis” is an autobiographical graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi that depicts her coming-of-age during the Iranian Revolution and the subsequent Islamic regime. Through vivid illustrations and poignant storytelling, Satrapi provides a personal and insightful account of her experiences, capturing the complex social and political climate of Iran during that time. The story begins
READ MORE“Hamlet” by William Shakespeare is a tragedy that tells the story of Prince Hamlet of Denmark, who is tormented by the ghost of his father and driven to seek revenge for his murder. The play explores themes of revenge, madness, mortality, and the complexity of human nature. The play opens with the ghost of King
READ MOREWhen you make love you’re using up energy; and afterwards you feel happy and don’t give a damn for anything. They can’t bear you to feel like that. They want you to be bursting with energy all the time. All this marching up and down and cheering and waving flags is simply sex gone sour. If you’re happy inside yourself, why should you get excited about Big Brother and the Three-Year Plans and the Two Minutes Hate and all the rest of their bloody rot? -1984, Orwell
READ MOREAppearances can be deceptive; Characters in Henrik Ibsen’s A Dolls House Question: Appearances can be deceptive. Support this statement from Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House. People often make assumptions of others’ character based on first impressions. Many times the first impression may be misleading because it does not reveal people’s motivation and circumstance that led
READ MOREThemes in Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House (A KCSE Setbook) Morality in A Doll’s House Morality basically refers to what a society perceives as right and wrong. Henrick Ibsen satirizes morality in this society that by and large suffocates women’s efforts. Although Nora does what she considers her greatest achievement when she borrows money that
READ MOREA summary of Henry R. ole Kulet’s Novel Blossoms of the Savannah This story revolves around a family that is forced to relocate from the cosmopolitan town of Nakuru to a remote town of Nasila. This is after Persimei Ole Kaelo, the head and bread winner of the family, is retrenched from his place of
READ MOREA Summary of Henrik Ibsen’s Play A Doll’s House The play which takes place in Helmer Torvald and Nora’s house explores the perceived role women play in society versus the real role they play that is often overlooked. Helmer, Nora’s husband, has just started serving as a bank manager. Being a housewife with no income
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