Open Sesame

Introduction Francis Bacon’s essay “Of Friendship” explains the importance, value, and uses of friendship in human life. He begins with Aristotle’s famous saying: “Whosoever is delighted in solitude is either a wild beast or a god.” By this, Bacon means that human beings cannot live alone. Those who enjoy complete solitude are either animal-like, having no need for society, or god-like, being self-sufficient. Most people need the company of others to live happily. Solitude and the Need for Companionship Bacon mentions a few men — Epimenides, Numa, Empedocles, and Apollonius of Tyana — who lived in isolation for higher purposes. Yet, Bacon calls their attempts “false and feigned,” suggesting that human nature is not made for such separation. He adds that even among people, one may feel lonely. Faces may be like “a gallery of pictures,” and conversations without love are like “tinkling cymbals.” He quotes a Latin proverb: “Magna civitas, magna solitudo” — “A great city is a great s...

  Eugene O'Neill was a renowned American playwright. He was born in New York City on October 16, 1888, and passed away on November 27, 1953. O'Neill is widely acknowledged as one of the most significant playwrights in American history. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1936.   O'Neill's plays frequently delve into topics such as dysfunctional family dynamics, addiction, and existential despair. Some of his major works include Long Day's Journey Into Night , The Iceman Cometh , Desire Under the Elms, and A Moon for the Misbegotten . His plays are known for their profound psychological depth, vivid characterizations, and poetic language. O'Neill's contributions to American theatre were highly significant and his work continues to influence American theatre today. His plays are popular among academics and are studied widely both nationally and internationally.  Long Day's Journey Into Night This is a semi-autobiographical play is known for i...

Title: "Man's Search for Meaning": Introduction: Man's Search for Meaning, published in 1947 is the story of a young doctor, Viktor Frankl, who was in a Nazi Camp in 1942. His experiences would later shape a poignant narrative and give birth to a therapeutic approach that delves into the core of human existence. "Man's Search for Meaning" is an account of Frankl's harrowing journey through the Holocaust, weaving personal events with profound existential analysis. Published in 1947, the book has since become a source of solace for millions. The book opens a window into the dark days of the Holocaust, revealing the shocking cruelty inflicted upon prisoners. The book offers profound insights into coping with pain, discovering the meaning and finding comfort in the moments of despair. A Personal Journey and Existential Analysis: Man's Search for Meaning , is more than a historical account; it is a deeply personal journey. Through the lens of hi...

Introduction: Viktor Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist and psychotherapist, is renowned for his profound contributions to the field of psychology, particularly through the development of logotherapy. Born on March 26, 1905, in Vienna, Austria, Frankl's journey from a youth fascinated by psychology to surviving the horrors of the Holocaust showcases not only personal resilience but also the transformative power of finding meaning in life. This essay delves into the key aspects of Viktor Frankl's life, career, and enduring legacy. Early Years and Educational Pursuits: From a young age, Frankl displayed a keen interest in psychology, studying the subject along with philosophy in high school. His exploration of psychological theories, including those of Sigmund Freud and Alfred Adler, laid the foundation for his later contributions to the field. As a student at the University of Vienna Medical School, Frankl delved into personal psychology and delivered talks on the subject, s...

My backpack of memories Is too huge  With multi layered chambers Cocktails of anxiety, hope, frustration Bitterness mixed in right proportion Will taste fine and sweet.  Memories  As fire in the deep forest Unattended  Ought to survive  With the resilience of a street's child. A rampage Would expose the me Vehement Venomous me In the perfect symmetry 

An antagonist is a character, group, or force in a story or drama that opposes the protagonist or main character. The antagonist is often seen as the primary source of conflict in the story, and their actions or motivations drive the plot forward. The term "antagonist" comes from the Greek word "antagonistes," which means "opponent" or "rival." In literature, the antagonist is often portrayed as having qualities that are opposite or in opposition to those of the protagonist. For example, the antagonist may represent evil while the protagonist represents good, or the antagonist may be a physical or psychological obstacle that the protagonist must overcome. In some cases, the antagonist may be a person or group of people, such as a villain or enemy army. In other cases, the antagonist may be a force of nature, an internal struggle within the protagonist, or an abstract concept such as fear or society's expectations. Regardless of their form,...