Today we’re looking at a devastating scene from Edith Wharton’s 1911 novella “Ethan Frome.” Trapped in a loveless marriage with a spiteful and bitter wife, all goes poorly for Ethan until he discovers his feelings for Mattie, feelings which ultimately end in a winter disaster…

A Bradbury-inspired ghost story featuring a misty lake and misanthropic young writer (completely unrelated to reality, of course!)

Turgenev’s powers of description, character, and humor are on full display here! We join the tragically-fated Tatyana Borisovna at her cottage at the end of the lane for our final Turgenev short story. Trans. Charles and Natasha Hepburn

It’s mid-Spring…so what better time to dip into this mosy lyrical of autumn poems? Shelley takes us into the whirlwind, touching upon matters of life and death in this most highly regarded of Romantic era poems.

Examining Turgenev’s powers of description, humor, and surrealism in a short scene.

Turgenev excels in nature writing and character sketches, but how well does he do with character psychology? “The End of Chertopkhanov” offers a tragically astute portrait of a mind in decline.

This week we’re going to examine several scenes from Ivan Turgenev’s classic: “Sketches From a Hunter’s Album.”

Happy Easter Sunday! As the pilgrims enter Jerusalem, they are reminded of God’s unity and provision.

At long last, Dante has come through the purgatorial slog and is ready to face Heaven. Bathed in the River of eunoTrans. John Ciardi

Sated with Betrice’s smile, Dante falls into sleep and experiences a vision of the corruption of the Church. Dragons, harlots, giants, and more!Trans. John Ciardi