Author |
Gautier, Théophile, 1811-1872 |
Translator |
Hearn, Lafcadio, 1850-1904 |
LoC No. |
99003537
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Title |
One of Cleopatra's Nights and Other Fantastic Romances
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Note |
Reading ease score: 62.1 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.
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Contents |
One of Cleopatra's nights -- Clarimonde -- Arria Marcella -- The mummy's foot -- Omphale: a rococo story -- King Candaules.
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Credits |
Marc D’Hooghe
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Summary |
"One of Cleopatra's Nights and Other Fantastic Romances" by Théophile Gautier is a collection of romantic short stories written in the mid-19th century. The tales predominantly explore themes of beauty, love, and the enchanting realms of antiquity, particularly focusing on iconic characters like Cleopatra and highlighting the lavishness of their mythical lives. The vivid descriptions and fantastical settings paint a rich tapestry of emotion and sensuality that characterize Gautier's artistic vision. The opening of "One of Cleopatra's Nights" sets the stage for a journey along the Nile, in a beautifully adorned cangia belonging to Cleopatra, who is depicted as the epitome of beauty and longing. She expresses her weariness with the oppressive atmosphere of Egypt and her yearning for love and adventure, revealing a deep sense of ennui that permeates her surroundings. Accompanied by her attentive slave Charmion, Cleopatra's restlessness becomes a catalyst for the story's unfolding drama, as she contemplates her isolation despite her regal status. The narrative introduces Meïamoun, a young Egyptian enamored with Cleopatra, who passionately pursues her from his small boat, setting the stage for an impending encounter that promises to be both dangerous and intoxicating. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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Language |
English |
LoC Class |
PQ: Language and Literatures: Romance literatures: French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese
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Subject |
Short stories
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Subject |
French fiction -- Translations into English
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Category |
Text |
EBook-No. |
39397 |
Release Date |
Apr 7, 2012 |
Most Recently Updated |
Jun 27, 2021 |
Copyright Status |
Public domain in the USA. |
Downloads |
264 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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