Good day, readers. Today is August 5th, the 218th day of the year 2024, with 148 days remaining.
The secret of getting ahead is getting started.
Mark Twain
Today in Literary History:
On this day in 1850, French writer Guy de Maupassant, renowned for his short stories, was born. Maupassant is considered one of the fathers of the modern short story, known for his keen observation of everyday life and his ability to depict human nature with irony and precision.
Notable Birthdays:
Guy de Maupassant, born on August 5, 1850, was a French author famous for his short stories and novels. His works, such as “The Necklace” and “Bel-Ami,” are celebrated for their wit, realism, and deep psychological insight.
Today’s Readings:
From “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant: “She was one of those pretty and charming girls, born by a blunder of destiny in a family of employees.”
Literary Fact of the Day:
On August 5th, 1962, Marilyn Monroe, the iconic American actress and cultural icon, passed away. Her life and tragic death have inspired numerous biographies, novels, and studies, exploring her impact on popular culture and the complexities of her persona.
Advice for Writers:
Mark Twain’s quote emphasizes the importance of taking the first step. In your writing, don’t wait for the perfect moment to begin. Start now, and let the momentum carry you forward.
Wishing you a day of productive beginnings and inspired writing, dear readers. Until tomorrow, may your literary endeavors be filled with the courage to start and the determination to succeed.
Guy de Maupassant’s “The Necklace” is a story that’s haunted me ever since I first read it in grade school. It raises so many questions that seem specific to Mathilde yet general as well. Reading it again now I think about how the story deals with the differences between reality and perception, how we shape our world, but when I was young the main question was whether her one night at the party was worth it. Even now I lean toward saying it was.
I have not yet had the chance to read the story, but it’s fascinating to reflect on how our perceptions of the world evolve with age. At 16, I was enamored with my idyllic visions of what life and love would entail, confident in my meticulously crafted plans. Now, at 45, I’ve come to understand the necessity of harboring multiple dreams and the inherent unpredictability of life. Events can unfold unexpectedly, altering our paths in ways we could never have anticipated. Life’s capricious nature teaches us that anything can happen to anyone, at any time, and in any place.
Thank you for your insightful comment, Christopher!