The article tells the inspiring story of Phillis Wheatley, a young Black woman who was enslaved but became a renowned poet in the 18th century. Despite facing criticism and prejudice, Wheatley’s work was admired by both American and European audiences, and she is considered a pioneer in African-American literature.
Agatha Christie, the best-selling novelist of all time, crafted perfect crimes in her mystery novels through her use of isolated settings, simple yet effective characterization, authenticity and balance in storytelling, the art of misdirection, and unconventional detectives. Her strategies have stumped countless readers and continue to inspire mystery writers today.
The article discusses the story of the Ring of Gyges from Plato’s “Republic” and the philosophical debate it sparks between Socrates and Glaucon. The story explores the concept of justice and the temptation of power, with Glaucon arguing that people would act unjustly if given the opportunity, while Socrates believes that true justice brings both intrinsic and extrinsic benefits. The Ring of Gyges serves as a symbol of the moral dilemma faced when given the chance to act without consequence.
The article tells the story of Baucis and Philemon, an elderly couple who show kindness and hospitality to two strangers who turn out to be gods in disguise. As a reward for their hospitality, their humble cottage is transformed into a grand temple, and they are granted their wish to care for the temple and die together. In the end, they are transformed into trees, symbolizing their enduring love and hospitality.
Maya Angelou’s memoir, “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings,” has faced numerous challenges and bans due to its explicit content and exploration of sensitive topics such as sexual assault and racism. However, supporters argue that the book’s themes of censorship, silence, and the importance of confronting uncomfortable realities make it a valuable and necessary read for young people. Despite the controversy, the memoir has become one of the most taught non-fiction texts in US high school English classes.
The article debunks common myths and misconceptions about medieval Europe. It explains that medieval people were not ignorant or uneducated, they had methods for preserving food and practiced hygiene, and many supposedly medieval torture devices were actually more recent inventions. The article also discusses how perceptions of the Middle Ages have varied throughout history.
The article follows the journey of siblings Hisham and Asma as they prepare for the hajj, the holy pilgrimage to Mecca, in 791 CE. Despite a last-minute mishap with a sick camel, they are able to find a solution and make their final preparations for the journey, which holds personal hopes for both of them.
The article discusses a legend about a family who stole a magical tarot deck from Fate, resulting in a curse. Every 23 years, a family member must face Fate in a duel, with the outcome always being the loss of their soul. The protagonist discovers a hidden camera that reveals the rules of the game, and they must strategize to defeat Fate and potentially break the curse.
The article discusses the perplexing and challenging nature of William Faulkner’s literary works. Faulkner intentionally uses confusion to explore the human mind and issues of personal, racial, and regional identity. His novels are set in the fictional county of Yoknapatawpha, which reflects the tensions and contradictions of the American South. The multiple perspectives and time distortions in Faulkner’s fiction allow readers to understand the characters’ biases and blindspots. Additionally, Faulkner’s works explore Southern history and anxieties, while captivating readers with his verbal acrobatics. Despite the confusion, reading Faulkner is rewarding and encourages contemplation of the unreliable nature of history and memory.
The lesson discusses the evolution of the fictional character Sherlock Holmes, created by Arthur Conan Doyle, over time. It highlights the difference between the popular portrayal of the detective and the original character created by Doyle.
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