Good day, readers. Today is January 11th, the 11th day of the year 2024, with 355 days remaining.
Be not simply good; be good for something.
Henry David Thoreau
Today in Literary History:
On this day in 1928, Thomas Hardy, an English novelist and poet, passed away. Hardy’s works, which include novels such as Tess of the d’Urbervilles and The Mayor of Casterbridge, as well as numerous poems, are celebrated for their portrayal of the tragic dimension of life and the relentless forces of fate. His literary contributions continue to be studied for their profound psychological depth and descriptive power of the natural world.
Notable Birthdays:
Alexander Hamilton (January 11, 1755 – July 12, 1804), one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and the first Secretary of the Treasury, was born on this day. While more commonly known for his political writings and the economic foundation he laid for the new nation, his prolific writing, including the Federalist Papers, showcases his profound influence on American constitutional law and fiscal policy.
Today’s Readings:
From Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy: “But his dreams were as gigantic as his surroundings were small.”
Literary Fact of the Day:
On January 11, 1759, the first American life insurance company was incorporated in Philadelphia. This event marks an important moment in the development of American commerce and has been referenced in various economic histories and studies exploring the growth of American financial institutions.
Poem of the Day:
“The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by William Butler Yeats:
I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
Nine bean rows will I have there, a hive for the honeybee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.
And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet’s wings.
I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements gray,
I hear it in the deep heart’s core.
This poem expresses a longing for a return to a simpler, more natural life, away from the complexities and distractions of modern existence. It beautifully captures the human desire for peace and solitude.
Advice for Writers:
Inspired by Thomas Hardy’s ability to weave complex emotions and human destinies into his narratives, consider how your writing can explore the themes of fate and human resilience. Such themes can provide a rich tapestry for character development and plot, offering readers profound insights into life’s challenges and the human spirit’s endurance.
Have an inspiring and thoughtful day, dear readers. Until tomorrow, may your literary explorations bring depth and meaning to your understanding of the world.