The novella tells the story of the murder of Santiago Nasar, an event foretold from the outset. The narrative is set in a small Colombian town and revolves around the wedding of Bayardo San Román and Ángela Vicario. When Ángela is discovered not to be a virgin, her twin brothers, Pedro and Pablo Vicario, decide to kill Santiago, whom Ángela accuses of defiling her. The story is told through a non-linear narrative, blending flashbacks and interviews to reconstruct the events leading to Nasar’s demise. The book explores themes of honor, ritual, and the consequences of tradition, and is characterized by García Márquez’s use of magical realism[2][5].
Sigmund Freud's "Totem and Taboo" explores the origins of religion, morality, and social structures through a psychoanalytic lens. Freud posits a primal horde scenario where a father figure is overthrown, leading to the establishment of totemism and the development of societal norms. The book delves into the psychological dynamics of the family, exploring themes of incest, authority, and the repression of primal desires. "Totem and Taboo" remains a controversial but influential work, sparking debate about the relationship between psychology, anthropology, and the origins of culture. Its exploration of primal anxieties and the formation of social bonds continues to resonate with readers.
Published in 1857, 'Madame Bovary' is a seminal work of literary realism that tells the story of Emma Bovary, a beautiful and intelligent young woman who marries Charles Bovary, a dull and unambitious doctor. Emma's life is marked by boredom, romantic fantasies, and a series of ill-fated love affairs with men like Rodolphe and Léon. Her inability to distinguish between her romantic ideals and the harsh realities of her life leads to financial ruin, public scandal, and ultimately, her tragic demise. The novel is renowned for its masterful writing, detailed psychological insights, and its critique of bourgeois provincial life[2][3][5].
Published in 1878, 'Anna Karenina' is a novel by Leo Tolstoy that delves into the complexities of Russian society in the late 19th century. The story centers around the extramarital affair between Anna Karenina, a married socialite, and Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky, which scandalizes the social circles of Saint Petersburg. The novel also follows the parallel story of Konstantin Levin, a wealthy landowner, and his struggles with marriage, faith, and managing his estate. Tolstoy explores a wide range of themes including love, loyalty, betrayal, hypocrisy, and the differences between rural and urban life. The novel is known for its detailed character development and its profound commentary on the human condition[2][4][5].
Die Leiden des jungen Werthers, or The Sorrows of Young Werther, is an epistolary novel written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The novel consists of letters from Werther to his friend Wilhelm, describing his intense and unrequited love for Charlotte (Lotte), who is engaged to another man, Albert. The novel delves into Werther's emotional turmoil, his meditations on love, beauty, nature, philosophy, art, and religion, and ultimately his tragic descent into despair and death. It was a pivotal work of the Sturm und Drang period in German literature and significantly influenced the later Romantic movement.
Dit jaar schrijft Arnon Grunberg voor De Standaard het kerstessay en hij heeft het daarin over de onmogelijkheid van langdurige vrede. In dit derde deel kijkt hij onder meer naar de liefde, naar vriendschappen, naar huwelijken en het gezin. Hij schrijft: "Zelfs de kleinste bestuurseenheid, het gezin, wordt geteisterd door oorlogen en kent alleen al daarom ook periodes van relatieve vrede die juist in die bestuurseenheid nauwelijks te onderscheiden zijn van gezapigheid."
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