The Consolation of Philosophy is a philosophical work written by the Roman philosopher Boethius, who was imprisoned and awaiting execution by the Ostrogothic King Theodoric. It is often described as the last great Western work of the Classical Period. The book is written in the form of a prosimetrical apocalyptic dialogue, which means that it …
Paradise Lost is a poetic masterpiece by John Milton, published in 1667. The epic poem is divided into twelve books and retells the biblical story of the fall of man, from the perspectives of Satan, Adam, and Eve. It is a complex work that has been the subject of much analysis and interpretation over the …
The Bacchae is a Greek tragedy written by Euripides that explores the themes of religion, power, and gender. The play is set in Thebes and centers around the arrival of Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, and religious ecstasy. Dionysus seeks revenge against the city for not accepting his worship and for disrespecting his mother, …
The Castle of Perseverance is a morality play that dates back to the 15th century. It is considered to be the earliest known full-length vernacular play in existence. Along with Mankind and Wisdom, The Castle of Perseverance is preserved in the Macro Manuscript that is now housed in the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C. …
One Hundred Years of Solitude is a novel by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, first published in 1967. The book is widely considered a masterpiece of magical realism and has been translated into numerous languages. The novel is set in the fictional town of Macondo and follows the Buendia family over the course of several generations. The …
Jane Eyre is a novel written by Charlotte Bronte that has been studied by literary enthusiasts for decades. The novel follows the life of Jane Eyre, a young woman who faces numerous challenges and obstacles throughout her life. The novel has been interpreted in many ways, with some readers arguing that it is an allegory …
The Time Machine, a science fiction novel by H.G. Wells, was published in 1895. The novel is a commentary on the social and political issues of the Victorian era, including class inequality and the effects of industrialization. The novel tells the story of an unnamed time traveler who travels to the distant future, where he …
Julius Caesar is one of the most famous plays written by William Shakespeare. It is a historical tragedy that explores the events leading up to the assassination of Julius Caesar and the aftermath of the conspiracy. The play deals with themes of power, honor, and fate versus free will. However, there is more to Julius …
The Dream of the Rood is an Old English poem that dates back to the 8th century AD. It is considered one of the earliest Christian poems in English literature and is known for its allegorical representation of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The poem is a dream vision, in which the narrator sees a …
“The Book of the City of Ladies” is an allegorical work by Christine de Pizan, written in 1405. The book is a response to the harmful stereotypes perpetuated about women in Jean de Meun’s “Romance of the Rose“. Christine constructs an idealistic city where women can be protected from the criticisms and advances of men. …