Good day, readers. Today is April 21st, the 111th day of the year 2024, with 255 days remaining.
“The world is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.”
Bertrand Russell
Today in Literary History:
On this day in 1918, Manfred von Richthofen, better known as the Red Baron, was shot down and killed during World War I. The legendary German fighter pilot has been the subject of numerous books and films that explore his prowess in the sky and the mythos surrounding his persona.
Notable Birthdays:
- Charlotte Brontë (April 21, 1816-March 31, 1855), one of the famed Brontë sisters and a towering figure in English literature, was born on this day. Her novel Jane Eyre is celebrated for its intensity of emotion and strong, complex characters, paving the way for modern feminist literature.
- John Muir (April 21, 1838-December 24, 1914), a Scottish-American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, and early advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the United States, was also born today. His writings and activism helped to inspire a movement to protect natural landscapes, and his legacy lives on in the form of protected areas such as the Muir Woods National Monument.
Today’s Readings:
From Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë: “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.”
Literary Fact of the Day:
On April 21, 1926, Queen Elizabeth II was born. While she is not a literary figure, her reign witnessed significant literary milestones and the flowering of British and Commonwealth literature, influenced by the historical events of her time.
Reflection:
As we appreciate the courage and spirit of pioneers like Charlotte Brontë and John Muir today, let us also reflect on the power of literature and nature to liberate and renew our spirits. In their unique ways, each has carved paths toward greater understanding and freedom in our collective human experience.
Poem of the Day:
“The Tables Turned” by William Wordsworth:
Up! up! my Friend, and quit your books;
Or surely you’ll grow double:
Up! up! my Friend, and clear your looks;
Why all this toil and trouble?
Advice for Writers:
Drawing inspiration from Charlotte Brontë, consider the ways in which your characters assert their independence and navigate the constraints of their worlds. Strong, well-defined characters not only drive your narrative forward but also resonate deeply with readers, echoing the enduring human struggle for freedom and self-determination.
Have an inspiring and thoughtful day, dear readers. Until tomorrow, may your explorations—both literary and in nature—bring you closer to the magical realities of our world.