A Modern Mephistopheles, and A Whisper in the Dark

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Alcott, Louisa May, 1832-1888

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"A Modern Mephistopheles, and A Whisper in the Dark" by Louisa May Alcott is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the struggles of its main characters, Felix Canaris, a young man grappling with despair and hopelessness, and Jasper Helwyze, a mysterious benefactor. Their relationship appears complex, with elements of mentorship, power dynamics, and the exploration of artistic ambition against a backdrop of personal turmoil. The beginning of the novel sets a somber tone, beginning with a desolate scene of a cold garret where Felix Canaris contemplates his despair as he burns his manuscripts-a symbol of his failed dreams. The introduction of Jasper Helwyze shifts the narrative; he interrupts Canaris's dark resolve and offers him a chance at redemption through work and mentorship. As Canaris accepts Helwyze's offer, it becomes clear that their relationship will intertwine ambition and dependency. The mood subtly shifts from despair to an uncertain hope as Canaris embarks on a new chapter, influenced by the enigmatic figure of Helwyze, whose intentions feel both alluring and dangerous. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

Produced by Mary Glenn Krause, David Edwards, ellinora, University of Toronto - Robarts Library and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)

Notes:

Reading ease score: 74.1 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.

Release date is 2017-02-20