Good day, readers. Today is February 7th, the 38th day of the year 2024, with 328 days remaining.
Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.
Mark Twain
Today in Literary History:
On this day in 1812, Charles Dickens, one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era, was born. Renowned for his vivid characters, intricate plots, and social criticism, Dickens’ works such as Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities have not only entertained generations but also provided a poignant critique of social injustices and class disparities.
Notable Birthdays:
Laura Ingalls Wilder (February 7, 1867 – February 10, 1957), an American writer known for the Little House on the Prairie series, which is based on her childhood in a settler and pioneer family. Her books continue to be cherished for their portrayal of family, adventure, and resilience in the American frontier.
Today’s Readings:
From David Copperfield by Charles Dickens: “Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anybody else, these pages must show.”
Literary Fact of the Day:
On February 7, 1992, the Maastricht Treaty was signed, leading to the creation of the European Union. This event has significant implications not only politically but also culturally, as it has influenced discussions and writings about European identity, cooperation, and conflict.
Poem of the Day:
“The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
Advice for Writers:
Inspired by Charles Dickens, consider how your own experiences and observations of the world can inform your characters and settings. Dickens used his keen eye for detail and his personal history to enrich his novels, turning everyday observations into profound narratives that resonate with readers.
Have a thoughtful and productive day, dear readers. Until tomorrow, may your reflections on history and literature deepen your understanding of both the past and the present.