Hannah Plake > Recent Status Updates

Very enjoyable read - I oscillate between being engaged in lively argument with Chesterton, demanding that he substantiate his (often bizarre) aphorisms and nodding in admiration at the lucidity of his prose.

Fair seed-time had my soul, and I grew up
Fostered alike by beauty and by fear.
Bk 1, 305-6
The mind of man is framed even like the breath
And harmony of music. There is a dark
Invisible workmanship that reconciles
Discordant elements, and makes them move
In one society.
Bk 1, 351-5
Moon and stars
Were shining l’er my head; I was alone,
And seemed to be a trouble to the peace
That was among them
Bk 1, 321-4

How does Tolkien manage to write an essay that somehow conserves the beauty, thoughtfulness, and rhythm of poetry? I'm in love with this piece. Will be referring to it WAY too many times in the future.

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“Sane people did what their neighbors did, so that if there were any lunatics at large, one might know and avoid them.”

“We mortals devour many a disappointment between breakfast and dinner-time… Pride helps us; and pride is not a bad thing when it only urges us to hide our own hurts - not to hurt others.”

An easy read, but chock full of beautifully turned phrases. Already underlined to death.

Willa Cather is so good at description:
“No one on Back Creek could remember a finer autumn; frosts before sunrise, summer heat at noon, chill nights. All morning the mountain lay in a soft blue haze, and in the afternoon broad fans of heavy golden sunlight warmed its back and flanks. The great maples in Mrs. Blake's yard were like blazing torches; scarlet leaves fluttered softly down to the green turf.”

I am SO sick and tired of the sons of Fëanor and their ridiculous oath! 😭 Good grief.