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Studies in Classic American Literature
by D. H. LawrenceLawrence asserted that 'the proper function of a critic is to save the tale from the artist who created it'. In these highly individual, penetrating essays he has exposed 'the American whole soul' within some of that continent's major works of literature. In seeking to establish the status of writings by such authors as Poe, Melville, Fenimore Cooper and Whitman, Lawrence himself has created a classic work. Studies in Classic American Literature is valuable not only for the light it sheds on eighteenth- and nineteenth-century American consciousness, telling 'the truth of the day', but also as a prime example of Lawrence's learning, passion and integrity of judgement.
Senhora
by José De AlencarA critique of marriage of convenience, this classic of Brazilian literature clarifies universal truths as one-time lovers reconcile as husband and wife. The poor orphan Aurélia is devastated when her true love, Fernando, breaks their engagement for the financial rewards of a marriage of convenience to another. But Aurélia unexpectedly inherits a fortune and plans her revenge. Winning marriage to Fernando with a large dowery, she stuns her lover on their wedding night by imposing a marriage of convenience until the dowery is returned. The marriage descends into one of hate more than convenience, until both recognize the errors of their ways.
O Alienista
by Machado De AssisA sarcastic criticism of the science of its day, O Alientista, considered a classic of Brazilian literature, tells the story of psychiatrist Simão Bacamarte, who convinces the town of Itaguaí to pay for an assylum, and begins to fill it with residents he believes insane. While the assylum at first has a few patients, it grows quickly until, after a revolt by many in the town is fought off, it includes 4/5ths of the town! Realizing something is wrong, Bacamarte releases those committed saying that those committed are infact normal. Instead, he concludes, the insane are those who are considered normal or exemplary. Then his friends convince him that he is, in fact, exemplary. . .
Memorial de Aires
by Machado De AssisThe last novel by Brazil's most important writer, Memorial de Aires doesn't have a strict plot. It is structured as a kind of diarly of Counselor Aires, a retired diplomat. His notes tell several stories including that of Tristão, who falls in love with and marries a young widow, Fidália. After their marriage, the couple go to Europe, leaving their friends with only sadness and memories. Known as the novel that best reflects the personality and life of Machado de Assis, Memorial de Aires substitutes the irony and sarcasm of his earlier novels with a compassionate and melancholy tone. Some critics count the novel as a literary and human testament from the master of Brazilian letters.