Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
If you've ever read Wuthering Heights, you'll probably never forget it. In the Gothic setting, we are beset by unrequited passions, love from beyond the grave and unexplained phenomena. Does love conquer all, or is it just another complication in a troubled family history?
The novel gives you the feeling of a frame story, starting off as it does with Lockwood and his curiosity, related to a house that he'd rented and the people who lived nearby. And then, Nellie tells him the story of the Earnshaw and Linden families, with a passionate, rebellious orphan thrown into the mix. The reader might well question the "what if" phenomenon. What if Catherine had married Heathcliff (since the passions ran so deep)? What if Earnshaw had lived longer? What if revenge and hatred hadn't consumed so many of the possible outcomes of the relationship between the two families?
We're given the opportunity to follow the family angst through multiple generations. We see weddings, land-grabbing techniques and forced marriage. But, in life (as in fiction), we are also presented with the idea: everything happens for a reason. Everything that happens, including bad decisions, leads the two final characters to a happy ending (or at least as happy as it could be, given the circumstances). Perhaps we should get a bit sappy and say: love finds a way.
Rojan Aslani, form 9
The novel gives you the feeling of a frame story, starting off as it does with Lockwood and his curiosity, related to a house that he'd rented and the people who lived nearby. And then, Nellie tells him the story of the Earnshaw and Linden families, with a passionate, rebellious orphan thrown into the mix. The reader might well question the "what if" phenomenon. What if Catherine had married Heathcliff (since the passions ran so deep)? What if Earnshaw had lived longer? What if revenge and hatred hadn't consumed so many of the possible outcomes of the relationship between the two families?
We're given the opportunity to follow the family angst through multiple generations. We see weddings, land-grabbing techniques and forced marriage. But, in life (as in fiction), we are also presented with the idea: everything happens for a reason. Everything that happens, including bad decisions, leads the two final characters to a happy ending (or at least as happy as it could be, given the circumstances). Perhaps we should get a bit sappy and say: love finds a way.
Rojan Aslani, form 9
Pit
I awoke to a completely different scene. When had I fallen asleep? No idea. But I was relieved that I was in that cave no longer. Something in my head told me it was not real, but for some strange reason, my torso was sore and bruised.
I scanned my surroundings, but there was not much to see. Only trees, and further beyond, everything was shrouded in mist. I stood up, and took a steady step, but got a head rush and fell back in the dirt. I let the dizziness pass, and stood yet again, with the support of a tree. The song Dazed and Confused started playing in my head.
Been dazed and confused, for so long, it’s not true, wanted a woman, never bargained for you.
Shut up, I told my brain, and surprisingly it worked. I focused on what was around me. It was no help. All I saw were trees. Then, I started to walk. The mist seemed to cling to me as I walked, and I knew not what to make of it. I had no destination; all I wanted was to see something other than trees. The forest had to end somewhere…
I walked, and I walked, and I walked. And then I walked some more. I walked to the point where I could walk no more. I fell on the grass, too exhausted to even feel the pain. Who knew that the afterlife was this harsh… and I wasn’t even in hell yet! I felt a jolt run up my leg, and too late I realized I’d fallen into a hole. It was 10 foot deep, and I sprained my ankle on impact. The pain in my leg was bearable, but I had difficulty standing. It did not help that the pit was so cramped. I could barely fit in it, and both my shoulders always grazed the side.
I was helpless. The sides were too smooth for handholds, and the top was too far away for me to pull myself. I had no choice, but to give up my futile quest.
‘Let them know that I tried,’ I said, and suddenly, the ground broke open and fell, and soon, I was consumed by the fiery depths of hell.
Pratik Panthee, Form 11
I scanned my surroundings, but there was not much to see. Only trees, and further beyond, everything was shrouded in mist. I stood up, and took a steady step, but got a head rush and fell back in the dirt. I let the dizziness pass, and stood yet again, with the support of a tree. The song Dazed and Confused started playing in my head.
Been dazed and confused, for so long, it’s not true, wanted a woman, never bargained for you.
Shut up, I told my brain, and surprisingly it worked. I focused on what was around me. It was no help. All I saw were trees. Then, I started to walk. The mist seemed to cling to me as I walked, and I knew not what to make of it. I had no destination; all I wanted was to see something other than trees. The forest had to end somewhere…
I walked, and I walked, and I walked. And then I walked some more. I walked to the point where I could walk no more. I fell on the grass, too exhausted to even feel the pain. Who knew that the afterlife was this harsh… and I wasn’t even in hell yet! I felt a jolt run up my leg, and too late I realized I’d fallen into a hole. It was 10 foot deep, and I sprained my ankle on impact. The pain in my leg was bearable, but I had difficulty standing. It did not help that the pit was so cramped. I could barely fit in it, and both my shoulders always grazed the side.
I was helpless. The sides were too smooth for handholds, and the top was too far away for me to pull myself. I had no choice, but to give up my futile quest.
‘Let them know that I tried,’ I said, and suddenly, the ground broke open and fell, and soon, I was consumed by the fiery depths of hell.
Pratik Panthee, Form 11
Below the thunders of the upper deep
I do not know whether anyone will read this letter. This is the last attempt of a desperate man, only
the gods know if my message will wash ashore safely or if this bottle will be lost, tossed forever on
the restless sea. However, I want this event to be talked about among mankind after my life…
I had been on board ship, bound for the Eastern islands, for nearly 20 days. I was seasick
because of the bouncing motion of the ship. But suddenly, the ship started moving calmly and
peacefully; I felt a bit better. As it was sunny, all the people ran to the deck to experience the heat
and the beauty of the sun. For 4 days it was very peaceful.
But, on the 5th night a fierce storm began. I started to feel a bit nauseous. The storm had
continued for 5 days, when a terrible sight appeared.
“Beast off the starboard bow” wailed the man in the crows nest.
I was shocked to hear that and looked through the window; I saw a beast with 12 whips for arms
that was advancing towards us. “The demon of the sea has arrived!!” I cried.
And the men started firing arrows towards the shadow of the creature, however nothing could
stop it.
Suddenly there was a deafening crash which made me fall. I saw the mighty sails of the vessel
collapse in front of me; our ship vibrated, which threw many of our men to the stormy sea.
The mighty vessel is going down; I see the red eyes of the kraken as its head breaks through the
waves. Such a creature is only once by man and angels to be seen. God help me!!
By Danny, Form 7
the gods know if my message will wash ashore safely or if this bottle will be lost, tossed forever on
the restless sea. However, I want this event to be talked about among mankind after my life…
I had been on board ship, bound for the Eastern islands, for nearly 20 days. I was seasick
because of the bouncing motion of the ship. But suddenly, the ship started moving calmly and
peacefully; I felt a bit better. As it was sunny, all the people ran to the deck to experience the heat
and the beauty of the sun. For 4 days it was very peaceful.
But, on the 5th night a fierce storm began. I started to feel a bit nauseous. The storm had
continued for 5 days, when a terrible sight appeared.
“Beast off the starboard bow” wailed the man in the crows nest.
I was shocked to hear that and looked through the window; I saw a beast with 12 whips for arms
that was advancing towards us. “The demon of the sea has arrived!!” I cried.
And the men started firing arrows towards the shadow of the creature, however nothing could
stop it.
Suddenly there was a deafening crash which made me fall. I saw the mighty sails of the vessel
collapse in front of me; our ship vibrated, which threw many of our men to the stormy sea.
The mighty vessel is going down; I see the red eyes of the kraken as its head breaks through the
waves. Such a creature is only once by man and angels to be seen. God help me!!
By Danny, Form 7
The Mad Man’s Mystery
Alone, very alone, that’s what I feel. Why don’t I have friends? Is there something wrong with me? I’ll show them. I’ll show every single one of them! Maybe it’s just the way I look at things. Maybe it’s because I’m different. All you ignorant people, looking at me as if I were mad. You’re mad! You laugh at me for being different, I laugh at you for being all the same!
I shall buy a puppy to keep me company during the dark, long and lonesome nights. A big one would be good, although they are quite dangerous. Maybe the small ones would be best.
Whilst on my way to get myself a puppy, I found one on the street and decided to carry him with me, poor thing. I named him Mystery. It was not long until Mystery looked at me as if I were his father. It was like we had some connection. Mystery didn’t think I was mad, in fact he believed I was the most normal person he had ever encountered. Every day we had long conversations, rather interesting I suppose. These conversations were ones that only we could know about. All of you should just stay in your corner!
With Mystery I felt happy. All my questions were answered. After all, why do y’all think I’m mad?
How can you have love without pain? You can’t get a rainbow with little rain. Well in my case, all the pain had faded away, thanks to Mystery.
Yet it was not long until Mystery also thought I was mad. Why, you as well? You stupid, ignorant, little dog!
He was gone. Last night he found his way out. After everything I have done for him. Why? “Why”, I ask. Am I mad? You all just hate me! You have no soul! You try make me feel insecure, but NO! It will not work! Hahahaha…
That stupid dog doesn’t know what is coming for him!
I promised myself that I would find him! And I knew I was right.
Ahhh, It felt great, excellent actually! Looking at all that red liquid dripping from the tip of my fingers, as my smile grew wider. Yes it was I! I got rid of the stupid mutt! I killed Mystery!
He deserved it; he knew his time was about to come. Now he knows that nobody betrays me!
After slicing the mutt, I hung him on my room wall. A lot of pride and relief comes to me every time I gaze at that corpse.
After all, do you still think I’m mad? Be careful or you might be next…
It won’t be long until I find my way out of these bars and run away, far away with my Mystery!
Jiyaad Abdula - Form 10
I shall buy a puppy to keep me company during the dark, long and lonesome nights. A big one would be good, although they are quite dangerous. Maybe the small ones would be best.
Whilst on my way to get myself a puppy, I found one on the street and decided to carry him with me, poor thing. I named him Mystery. It was not long until Mystery looked at me as if I were his father. It was like we had some connection. Mystery didn’t think I was mad, in fact he believed I was the most normal person he had ever encountered. Every day we had long conversations, rather interesting I suppose. These conversations were ones that only we could know about. All of you should just stay in your corner!
With Mystery I felt happy. All my questions were answered. After all, why do y’all think I’m mad?
How can you have love without pain? You can’t get a rainbow with little rain. Well in my case, all the pain had faded away, thanks to Mystery.
Yet it was not long until Mystery also thought I was mad. Why, you as well? You stupid, ignorant, little dog!
He was gone. Last night he found his way out. After everything I have done for him. Why? “Why”, I ask. Am I mad? You all just hate me! You have no soul! You try make me feel insecure, but NO! It will not work! Hahahaha…
That stupid dog doesn’t know what is coming for him!
I promised myself that I would find him! And I knew I was right.
Ahhh, It felt great, excellent actually! Looking at all that red liquid dripping from the tip of my fingers, as my smile grew wider. Yes it was I! I got rid of the stupid mutt! I killed Mystery!
He deserved it; he knew his time was about to come. Now he knows that nobody betrays me!
After slicing the mutt, I hung him on my room wall. A lot of pride and relief comes to me every time I gaze at that corpse.
After all, do you still think I’m mad? Be careful or you might be next…
It won’t be long until I find my way out of these bars and run away, far away with my Mystery!
Jiyaad Abdula - Form 10
Roses and Thorns - Persian Poem
Forsaken Joseph,
To Canaan will return.
Despair not.
Upon the thorny stalks of family grief
A rose shall bloom
Despair not.
Turbulent, grieving heart, be sanguine.
Your temperament shall balance.
Confused head, you shall see
A new emergent unity.
Despair not.
Sweet bird, as long as there is spring,
Once more upon the meadow's throne
you shall sing!
Winter shall pass and you shall find your
tune.
The roses shall nod and cense you with
their bloom.
Despair not.
If spinning world in a day or two
Does not bring fortune's gifts to you
Remember, life has many turns,
No two of which bring the same return.
Despair not.
Hey! Raise those eyes for you don't see
The Universe's mysteries,
Those secrets hidden from our view;
Behind the screen are games anew.
Despair not.Though the deluge shall arrive,
And threaten everything alive,
Noah's there to be your guide,
And steer you through the typhoon’s eye.
Despair not.
If desire for the Way is in your heart,
Then set yourself to depart
And plant your foot upon the sand,
The thorn may leave its jagged brand.
Despair not.
Though our lives may be unsafe
With purposes which we can't relate,
Remember, that in any race
There always is an end.
Despair not.
We are all lovers, separated;
Under a watchful tenacious Eye.
For God Knows All:
Our state is His design.
Despair not.
Alone, in the darkest night
Reduced to wretched poverty, Hafez.
Because you practice fervent prayer
And study the Holy Book
Despair not.
Chosen by Rojan Aslani, Form 9
(by the Iranian poet Hafez)
To Canaan will return.
Despair not.
Upon the thorny stalks of family grief
A rose shall bloom
Despair not.
Turbulent, grieving heart, be sanguine.
Your temperament shall balance.
Confused head, you shall see
A new emergent unity.
Despair not.
Sweet bird, as long as there is spring,
Once more upon the meadow's throne
you shall sing!
Winter shall pass and you shall find your
tune.
The roses shall nod and cense you with
their bloom.
Despair not.
If spinning world in a day or two
Does not bring fortune's gifts to you
Remember, life has many turns,
No two of which bring the same return.
Despair not.
Hey! Raise those eyes for you don't see
The Universe's mysteries,
Those secrets hidden from our view;
Behind the screen are games anew.
Despair not.Though the deluge shall arrive,
And threaten everything alive,
Noah's there to be your guide,
And steer you through the typhoon’s eye.
Despair not.
If desire for the Way is in your heart,
Then set yourself to depart
And plant your foot upon the sand,
The thorn may leave its jagged brand.
Despair not.
Though our lives may be unsafe
With purposes which we can't relate,
Remember, that in any race
There always is an end.
Despair not.
We are all lovers, separated;
Under a watchful tenacious Eye.
For God Knows All:
Our state is His design.
Despair not.
Alone, in the darkest night
Reduced to wretched poverty, Hafez.
Because you practice fervent prayer
And study the Holy Book
Despair not.
Chosen by Rojan Aslani, Form 9
(by the Iranian poet Hafez)
Tess of D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy Review
Tess of the D’Urbervilles tells the story of a young woman whose fate is filled with tragedy. The story begins when Tess’s father discovers that his family belongs to the noble blood line of the knights “D’Urbervilles”. He and his wife decide to send their eldest daughter (Tess) to seek help from their rich relatives. Their wishes are for their daughter to marry with a rich aristocrat, hence saving the family from their poor condition.
Tess begins to work as a maid in the house of Alec D’Urberville. He finds her a very attractive young woman, and takes advantage of her innocence. She then decides to seek work as a milkmaid in another village, and there, she falls in love with Angel Clare, a young man learning the skills of farming. They grow fond of each other and end up marrying. However, on their honeymoon, Tess makes a shocking to her husband, and finding it too hard to bear, Clare goes to Brazil in order to make his fortune and get away from Tess.
Tess goes to work on a different farm, where the work is harder. By this time, Alec D’Urberville has converted and has become a Christian preacher, but he sees Tess again and he is attracted to her again. He proposes to her and after many advances she succumbs to his proposal, as he promises to help her family. After her marriage with Alec D’Urberville, Angel returns and Tess is divided between two marriages...
Tess is an excellent book, full of tragedy and misery. I think that Hardy manages to touch on many sensitive issues for the 1800s, such as the role of women in society, religion, the social status … Despite her tragic life, Tess never stops being a pure woman. She seems to be disappointed by everything and everyone, starting with her parents, who should be the ones to protect her and support her, but are the first ones to judge her. Joanne Durbeyfield says to Tess after she returns home for the first time, “You fool, why are you so selfish?” This is not the type of response we should expect from a mother. Then her father is rather delusional, as he thinks that his ancestral bones are more important than his daughter’s safety and happiness. Regarding the two men in Tess’s life, Alec and Angel, they are the opposite of each other. Alec is a very seductive man, but with few scruples, while Angel is a simple man, very noble and with his own ideas. I think that’s the reason why Angel found it hard to forgive Tess’s imperfect past.
I recommend this book to form 11 above, as I think there is a certain maturity needed to understand some complexities described by Hardy in this novel.
Lane Castro – Form 11
Tess begins to work as a maid in the house of Alec D’Urberville. He finds her a very attractive young woman, and takes advantage of her innocence. She then decides to seek work as a milkmaid in another village, and there, she falls in love with Angel Clare, a young man learning the skills of farming. They grow fond of each other and end up marrying. However, on their honeymoon, Tess makes a shocking to her husband, and finding it too hard to bear, Clare goes to Brazil in order to make his fortune and get away from Tess.
Tess goes to work on a different farm, where the work is harder. By this time, Alec D’Urberville has converted and has become a Christian preacher, but he sees Tess again and he is attracted to her again. He proposes to her and after many advances she succumbs to his proposal, as he promises to help her family. After her marriage with Alec D’Urberville, Angel returns and Tess is divided between two marriages...
Tess is an excellent book, full of tragedy and misery. I think that Hardy manages to touch on many sensitive issues for the 1800s, such as the role of women in society, religion, the social status … Despite her tragic life, Tess never stops being a pure woman. She seems to be disappointed by everything and everyone, starting with her parents, who should be the ones to protect her and support her, but are the first ones to judge her. Joanne Durbeyfield says to Tess after she returns home for the first time, “You fool, why are you so selfish?” This is not the type of response we should expect from a mother. Then her father is rather delusional, as he thinks that his ancestral bones are more important than his daughter’s safety and happiness. Regarding the two men in Tess’s life, Alec and Angel, they are the opposite of each other. Alec is a very seductive man, but with few scruples, while Angel is a simple man, very noble and with his own ideas. I think that’s the reason why Angel found it hard to forgive Tess’s imperfect past.
I recommend this book to form 11 above, as I think there is a certain maturity needed to understand some complexities described by Hardy in this novel.
Lane Castro – Form 11