In Chapter 7 of The Spendthrifts, Galdós highlights some part of the farcical nature of Queen Isabella II’s court by detailing the Maundy Thursday ceremony held in the palace. Two dozen members of the lowest class (after being scrubbed, of course) are selected to eat in the palace, served by the Queen and her staff. […]
Author: Dwight
A stop at Powell’s Books is always in order when I’m in Portland. Last week I escaped (using restraint I didn’t know I had) spending less than $20 for a few books, one of which was The Spendthrifts by Benito Pérez Galdós, the second release in the 1950’s series The Illustrated Novel Library. There’s another […]
Even with several long posts on La Regenta I’ve barely scratched the surface of this wonderful novel, but I want to wrap things up so I can get to other books. Here are the posts to date on the book: Introduction: summary, introduction, technique, illustrations, references Excerpts: extended quotes on Ana’s boredom, attending Don Juan […]
I continue with my erratic foreign movie posts for this year as well as posting on movies adapted from books. For more foreign movies, check out Caroline’s World Cinema Series 2012 and Richard’s monthly Foreign Film Festival round-up (first half of year and second half). Aitana Sánchez-Gijón as Ana Ozores Picture source I’m always happy […]
I have joked about 2012 being “The Year of the Doorstop” because of the size of the books I’ve read and plan to read before the end of the year. 2013 will probably prove to be a sequel: “Year of the Doorstop, Part 2,” if my plans hold. One of my intended reads is the […]
Having a great birthday today. Pictures and book swag to follow, at least the non-blackmail versions. Enjoy the weekend!
The progressives would present objections, upholding the solidarity of the dogma and the priest, and then Don Pompeyo would have to take sides with the reactionaries, up to a certain point, and say, ‘Let us not confuse one thing with another, gentlemen, the very roots are diseased. The clergy is neither good nor evil, it […]
A post for some extended quotes from La Regenta. The first excerpt looks at Ana’s situation (note the passage is in quotes—see my introduction for Alas’ use of a character’s voice). While preparing for general confession, Ana Ozores reflects on her life. In a novel full of frustration, Alas creates remarkable inner worlds. Ana is […]
The Madonna of the Chair by Raphael Ana’s resemblance to this depiction of Mary is noted several times Picture source Befitting the work of a literary critic, La Regenta contains many references and allusions to artistic works, quotes, and characters. In the dissertation I’ve mentioned in previous posts, Albert Brent adds an appendix listing each […]
Do. Not. Miss. OK, those instructions are meant for me, but I’ll pass along the links and information as I get caught up on what I’ve missed being offline the past few days. BBC Two has started airing Parade’s End. Episode One is available at the link (currently only for the UK? Check back soon). […]