Joyce was an Irish novelist—perhaps the most influential and significant novelist of the 20th century. After publishing his story collection, The Dubliners, and the autobiographical novel Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, he spent seven years writing Ulysses, which is now widely regarded by many as the greatest English-language novel of the 20th century. It embodies a highly experimental use of language and exploration of new literary methods such as what? Discuss
Month: February 2024
be shown the ropes
To be taught how to do or perform a job, task, or activity; to have explained or demonstrated how something is done. Watch the video
Illuminated Manuscripts
Strictly defined, the phrase “illuminated manuscript” refers only to texts decorated with gold or silver. Now, however, the term is commonly used to describe any decorated or illustrated manuscript from the Western or Islamic traditions. The majority of surviving manuscripts date back to the Middle Ages, during which period they were often produced in monasteries. Illumination was a complex and costly process. What insects were used to make the red pigments that decorate these manuscripts? Discuss
tussock
Chinese Seize Control of Taiwan from Dutch East India Company (1662)
In 1624, the Dutch founded forts in southern Taiwan. Two years later, the Spanish occupied the northern part of the island. The Dutch expelled the Spanish in 1641 and assumed control of the entire island but were, in turn, forced to abandon it when Koxinga, a general of the Ming dynasty of China, successfully laid siege to the main Dutch settlement, Fort Zeelandia, and took the island in 1662, establishing an independent kingdom. What happened to the colony’s governor, Frederick Coyett? Discuss
Rwanda National Heroes' Day
Rwandans celebrate Heroes’ Day on February 1. National celebrations take place starting early in the morning with the laying of wreaths at the Heroes’ Cemetery at Remera, Kigali, by the president, officials of the government, and the families of the country’s heroes. Wreaths are also laid at Nyange in memory of students who stood against the rebel forces of the Rwandan genocide. The national Heroes’ Day celebration at Nyange features songs, dances, and poems praising the virtues and good example of the national heroes. Discuss
Langston Hughes (1902)
Hughes was an American poet and a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance. His writing is largely concerned with depicting African-American life, particularly the experience of the urban African American, and often uses dialect and jazz rhythms. Along with several collections of poetry, Hughes published numerous other works, including several plays, books for children, and novels. While working as a busboy, Hughes launched his literary career by presenting his poems to what poet as he dined? Discuss
rue the day (that something happened)
To curse or bitterly regret a point in time (in which something happened or one did something). Watch the video
"Wrong Way" Corrigan
In 1938, American aviator Douglas “Wrong Way” Corrigan made his infamous, unauthorized transatlantic flight from New York to Ireland. He claimed that during a planned flight to California, heavy cloud cover and low light conditions obscured landmarks and led him to misread his compass. In the years leading up to Corrigan’s “navigational error,” he had applied several times for permission to make the transoceanic trip, but was always rejected. What punishment did he receive for his actions? Discuss
concomitant
Definition: (adjective) Occurring or existing concurrently; attendant.
Synonyms: accompanying, consequent, ensuant, resultant, sequent, incidental.
Usage: There is scarce any human good without its concomitant evil.
Discuss