Wes Young Writer

After submitting some writings to a Christian devotional publication, and being rejected by the same, I've decided to share my three sample devotions here on East and Wes. Hey, it's better than letting them go to waste, and I hope they can be a blessing to someone, somewhere. 

This episode is an audiobook performance of the final chapter of Undine, by Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué. Chapter Ten beautifully concludes this classic fairy tale, gently lowering readers to a sense of closure after the harsh climax of Chapter Nine. In this episode, which is the finale of Season Four, I share a bit of my opinion on what Undine means and how it speaks to readers as a Christian allegory.

This episode is an audiobook performance of the ninth chapter of Undine, by Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué. (If you are joining us for the first time, I strongly advise starting Season 4 at the beginning, with S4-E1.) Chapter Nine holds the climactic scene of this little novella, and I dare not risk a spoiler—just listen and enjoy for yourself. I will add a special thanks to the students in my first period class who served as something like a “live studio audience” for this chapter’s recording. May they find inspiration in the experience to go out and explore their own creativity.

[*Music Credits—used by permission: Eternal Sleep by Darren Curtis https://www.darrencurtismusic.com/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/ Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/]

This episode is an audiobook performance of the eighth chapter of Undine, by Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué. (If you are joining us for the first time, I strongly advise starting Season 4 at the beginning, with S4-E1.) In Chapter Eight, Huldbrand, Undine, and Bertalda take a boating trip to explore the Danube. Things start off brilliantly, then steadily and rapidly dissolve into serious trouble. Undine’s courage and Huldbrand’s faithfulness are put to the test in ways equally dreadful and meaningful.

No Undine today, but check out this quick update on my latest writings.

This episode is an audiobook performance of the seventh chapter of Undine, by Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué. (If you are joining us for the first time, I strongly advise starting Season 4 at the beginning, with S4-E1.) In Chapter Seven, Huldbrand’s heart continues to turn away from his wife and toward this other woman, Bertalda. This chapter includes a clash between the two women, a despairing flight into the Dark Valley, and most menacing of all, further trouble with Undine’s protective uncle, the water spirit Kuhleborn.

This episode is an audiobook performance of the sixth chapter of Undine, by Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué. (If you are joining us for the first time, I strongly advise starting Season 4 at the beginning, with S4-E1.) In Chapter Six, Undine reveals a great secret, learned from the mysterious spirit of the fountain, concerning Bertalda. Undine expects the secret to thrill Bertalda, but instead it enrages her and causes far-reaching upheaval. The realities of what it means to have a human soul, and the depths to which souls can be corrupted, all wash onto Undine’s shore as her adventure continues.

This episode is an audiobook performance of the fifth chapter of Undine, by Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué. (If you are joining us for the first time, I strongly advise starting Season 4 at the beginning, with S4-E1.) In Chapter Five, Huldbrand, his new wife (Undine), and the priest who married them journey off the fisherman’s peninsula, through the haunted forest, and to the Imperial City. The Knight’s return is an occasion for rejoicing in the city, but there is one person not at all excited about meeting Undine. Bertalda, the lady whose hand Huldbrand was originally trying to win, sees now that she has missed her chance with him, and that he now loves another.

This episode is an audiobook performance of the fourth chapter of Undine, by Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué. (If you are joining us for the first time, I strongly advise starting Season 4 at the beginning, with S4-E1.) In Chapter Four, readers learn much that lies behind the mystery of this strange Undine. After her marriage to Huldbrand, she explains who she is and what she is. Chapter Four also dives deeply into the Christian allegory of this tale, having much to do with the idea of Undine acquiring a soul.

This episode is an audiobook performance of the third chapter of Undine, by Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué. (If you are joining us for the first time, I strongly advise starting Season 4 at the beginning, with S4-E1.) In Chapter Three, the floodwaters continue to isolate the people in the cottage, separating them from mainland civilization. Also, a tempest washes ashore a priestly character who propels this story in a new direction. Lastly, Chapter Three features yet another appearance of the menacing white figure that has haunted these worthy people throughout the tale.