The Muses Companion – April 15, 2024

Good day, readers. Today is April 15th, the 105th day of the year 2024, with 261 days remaining.

“The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.”

Albert Einstein

Today in Literary History:

On this day in 1452, Leonardo da Vinci, one of the foremost artists and intellectuals of the Italian Renaissance, was born. While best known for his artworks, Leonardo’s extensive notebooks, filled with scientific diagrams, anatomical sketches, and engineering designs, also make him a significant figure in the literature of the sciences.

Notable Birthdays:

• Henry James (April 15, 1843-February 28, 1916), an American-British author regarded as a key transitional figure between literary realism and literary modernism, was born on this day. Renowned for his narrative technique and depth of characterization, his works like The Portrait of a Lady and The Turn of the Screw remain fundamental to the English literature canon.

Today’s Readings:

From The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James: “It has made me better loving you… it has made me wiser, and easier, and brighter. I used to want a great many things before, and to be angry that I did not have them. Theoretically, I was satisfied. I flattered myself that I had limited my wants. But I was subject to irritation; I used to have morbid sterile hateful fits of hunger, of desire. Now I really am satisfied, because I can’t think of anything better.”

Literary Fact of the Day:

On April 15, 1912, the Titanic sank in the North Atlantic Ocean after hitting an iceberg during its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City. The disaster has since been immortalized in numerous works of fiction and non-fiction, exploring the human drama and technological hubris of the early 20th century.

Reflection:

Today, as we recall the multifaceted genius of Leonardo da Vinci and the intricate psychological narratives of Henry James, let us appreciate the vast scope of human inquiry and creativity. From the sciences to the arts, their works encourage us to explore beyond conventional boundaries and to cherish the depth of human understanding.

Poem of the Day:

“Ode to the West Wind” by Percy Bysshe Shelley:

If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?

Advice for Writers:

Inspired by Henry James, pay close attention to the inner lives of your characters. Delve into their thoughts, desires, and fears to build rich, believable personalities that resonate with readers and drive your narrative forward.

Have a reflective and exploratory day, dear readers. Until tomorrow, may you find inspiration in the libraries of the world and the libraries of your own minds.