Good day, readers. Today is March 28th, the 87th day of the year 2024, with 279 days remaining.
“March draws to a close, its final pages filled with the ink of impending spring.”
Robert Frost
Today in Literary History:
On this day in 1941, Virginia Woolf, one of the most important modernist writers of the 20th century, took her own life at age 59. Woolf’s novels, essays, and diaries explored the intricacies of human consciousness and made significant contributions to feminist literature and stream-of-consciousness narrative.
Notable Birthdays:
Maxim Gorky (March 28, 1868 – June 18, 1936), the Russian and Soviet writer, a founder of the socialist realism literary method, and a political activist, was born on this day. Gorky’s works, such as The Lower Depths, reflect deep compassion and a keen observation of the lower strata of society, urging a consciousness of social and political realities.
Today’s Readings:
From To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf:
“What is the meaning of life? That was all—a simple question; one that tended to close in on one with years, the great revelation had never come. The great revelation perhaps never did come. Instead, there were little daily miracles, illuminations, matches struck unexpectedly in the dark; here was one.”
Literary Fact of the Day:
On this day in 1802, Heinrich Wilhelm Matthäus Olbers discovered the asteroid Pallas. Though primarily a scientific event, such occurrences often influence literary works by provoking thoughts about human existence and our place in the universe.
Reflection:
As we anticipate the transition from March to April, let Woolf’s introspections and Gorky’s observations remind us of the diverse perspectives that literature offers. This month, let the budding narratives of spring inspire both reflection and revelation in your own life and work.
Poem of the Day:
Dear March—Come In— by Emily Dickinson:
Dear March—Come in—
How glad I am—
I hoped for you before—
Put down your Hat—
You must have walked—
How out of Breath you are—
Dear March, how are you, and the Rest—
Did you leave Nature well—
Oh March, Come right upstairs with me—
I have so much to tell—
I got your Letter, and the Birds—
The Maples never knew that you were coming—
I declare – how Red their Faces grew—
But March, forgive me—
And all those Hills you left for me to Hue—
There was no Purple suitable—
You took it all with you—
Who knocks? That April—
Lock the Door—
I will not be pursued—
He stayed away a Year to call
When I am occupied—
But trifles look so trivial
As soon as you have come
That blame is just as dear as Praise
And Praise as mere as Blame—
Advice for Writers:
Draw inspiration from the philosophical musings of Woolf and the socio-political commentaries of Gorky. Consider how your writing can explore deep existential questions or illuminate the often-overlooked corners of society. Let the end of March encourage a thoughtful assessment of your literary ambitions and the themes you wish to explore.
May your words capture the transformative spirit of this season and resonate with the vibrancy of spring’s approach. Until tomorrow, may your literary journey be as enriching as it is enlightening.