Literature presents different ways of observing the New Year. Just like in real life, options range from big parties to quiet at-home gatherings to existential crises.
Louisa May Alcott little woman, Meg and Joe March attend a New Year’s Eve party at the house of family friend Mrs. Gardiner. “They got a little timid and went down because they rarely went to parties, and because this little get-together was informal, it was an event for them.” Sparks fly when Joe talks to Laurie for the first time. The two watch the New Year’s Eve party from a common shelter in a small, curtained-off resting place. They mock the dancing that takes place in the next room and laugh together for the rest of the night (an activity that will surely appeal to most non-dancers).
Charles Dickens warns in his novel chimeToby Veck is a ticket porter who wears “leaky shoes” all day long. He reads a negative report – “Observation!” – In the newspaper, he feels bad about stories about the working class. I am strong as a lion, but not all men are. But if it’s true that we don’t have the right to welcome the new year, that is Intrusion – “”. His daughter, Meg, interrupts his thoughts. They meet with an economist, who emphasizes Toby’s feelings that he has no right to anything.with a twist similar to Christmas carol Toby, published the year before, found that of course he and everyone were deeply appreciated. skillfully revealed.
A new year in literature means new beginnings in all respects, both for readers and subjects
No celebratory reading is complete without an Agatha Christie story.of Mysterious Mr. Quinn, Tom Evesham and his wife Laura are hosting a New Year’s Eve get-together at a country mansion for close friends. He appears to have suddenly committed suicide ten years ago. Changing the subject for the benefit of the women present, Mr Evesham, Mr Satterthwaite, Sir Richard Conway and Alex Portal have all been told that the women have left. After sipping a tumbler of whiskey, Mr. Capel resumes his discussion. Mr. Harley Quinn entered the house and explained that his car had broken down outside and he wanted a shelter to keep him out of the cold while it was being repaired. Mr. Evesham obliges and adds some more logs to the fire. Mr. Quinn tells the party that he knew the late Mr. Capel and enthusiastically discusses the mystery of Mr. Capel’s death. Their meeting completely solves the case.
Nick Hornby’s suicide is ruthlessly prevented long way to goLife for Martin Sharpe didn’t turn out the way he envisioned it. On New Year’s Eve, he climbs to the top of a building with plans to end his life. But once there, Maureen, a single mother, 18-year-old Jess, and he, a musician, meet JJ. Rather than the bleak reading that the short summary of the novel might suggest, the four strangers form a heartwarming bond and learn to enjoy their second chance at life.
hero in white teeth On New Year’s Day 1975, Zadie Smith had a similarly devastating thought. Archie Jones’ wife had just left him and he tried to smoke gas in the car. Luckily, Archie is interrupted by a sudden epiphany, realizing that “life still wanted him.” So he accepts it.
Nora Helmer and husband Torvald share the bright and optimistic feeling Archie has for the New Year in Henrik Ibsen’s play doll house. The play opens on Christmas Eve when Helmers receives a visit from two of his best friends, Dr. Rank, and Christine Linde, an old friend of Nora’s whom she hasn’t seen in years. Christine tells Nora that she has been living alone in poverty since her husband died. She asked if Nora’s husband, Torvald, could find her a job at the bank where he worked, and Nora replied that she was sure he would help her. , confides that he understands the burden of her financial hardship. When she married Torvald, he fell ill and had to recuperate in Italy. To finance this trip, Nora lied to him and said that her money came from her father, but actually had to borrow it in secret. , a man named Krogstad comes to the house. He is one of Torvald’s employees, and his appearance makes Nora uneasy. New Year’s promises provide a welcome and much-needed new start for all.
Easy relief is Helen Fielding’s Diary of Bridget Jones, Bridget boldly attacked the New Year with a list of resolutions, eating a hearty turkey curry buffet courtesy of Aunt Una.of Wuthering HeightsNew Year’s Day is also the day allotted for the wedding of young Cassie and Hareton.
As always, books from the past help us celebrate the future. A new year in literature means new beginnings for both readers and subjects in every way.
