Ben-Hur is better known as a film than as a novel. Cinematic in scope and narrative, it was nevertheless as a book that it first met huge popular success on its publication in 1880. Intended as a moral and inspirational narrative, Judah Ben-Hur's life parallels that of Jesus as he makes a journey of discovery and enlightenment through the Mediterranean world from Jerusalem through Nazareth to the galleys that carry him to shipwreck in the Aegean and, finally, Rome. A spiritual tale of the quest for love and the recovery of identity and patrimony, the novel also displays a vivid realism based on Wallace's biblical research and knowledge of the Holy Land. Like other 'toga novels' of the period, Ben-Hur reflects the dissent, division, and moral contradiction of America's emerging imperial culture, the 'New Woman' question, the settlement of the Far West, and even trade unionism. Rich in social parallels, Ben-Hur is both a great historical epic and a window on late nineteenth-century literature.
Lew Ayres (1908-1996) became known to the public when he portrayed the leading character in the epic war film All Quiet on the Western Front. The role made him a household name, introduced him to his closest friends, brought him to the attention of his first two wives, and would overshadow the rest of his career. To be a movie star was his first and only ambition as a child, but once he found success, he was never fully satisfied in his choice of profession. Although lacking a formal education, Ayres spent the rest of his life pursuing dozens of intellectual studies, interests, and hobbies. He even considered ended his acting career after just a few years to pursue a more ""respectable and fulfilling"" path as a director. Ayres was given not one but two comeback opportunities in his acting career, in 1938 and 1945. He was cast in the film series Dr. Kildare where he showed his abilities in comedy and his unique strength at bringing a level of sincerity to even the most outlandish or idealist character. But he was willing to give up his star status in order to follow his moral compass, first as a conscientious objector and ultimately as a noncombat medic during World War II. To everyone's surprise, he was welcomed back to Hollywood with open arms and new opportunities despite his objector status. Biographer Lesley L. Coffin presents the story of a man of quiet dignity, constantly searching for the right way to live his life and torn between the public world of Hollywood and secluded life of spiritual introspection.
Bestselling author Joe Wheeler offers an updated, in-depth look at one of the most beloved books of all timeWithin a few years of the publication of Ben-Hur in 1880, it became Harper's number one bestselling title. In the years since, it has been produced on the stage, adapted for the screen, radio, and television, and translated into more than twenty languages-and gone on to become one of the bestselling books of all time. Lew Wallace's epic story about one man's encounter with Christ has captivated generations, and now Joe Wheeler reveals to readers just why Ben-Hur has such power to fascinate and enthrall. Offering a brief biographical sketch of Wallace, an in-depth introduction to the text, vintage illustrations from the 1908 edition, and thought-provoking discussion questions to help readers get the most out of the story, this companion book will add richness to the experience of reading an American classic.
LEW-IS UNPLUGGED 2 is a book of poetry written in the Japanese style tradition Senryu, Haiku, and Tanka. This poetry is meant to be Concision, Perception, and Awareness.
Studienarbeit aus dem Jahr 2020 im Fachbereich Literaturwissenschaft - Moderne Literatur, Note: 1,0, Universit t Osnabr ck, Veranstaltung: Literatur und Ethik: Historische und theoretische Perspektiven, Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: Die Arbeit stellt sich zur Aufgabe, Tolstois Novelle "Der Tod des Iwan Iljitsch" auf die religi sen und damit verbundenen sozialethischen sowie kulturkritischen Konzeptionen des Autors zu untersuchen und mithilfe der Befunde eine Antwort auf die Frage zu finden, inwiefern sich Iwan Iljitschs Erkenntnis, er habe eine L ge gelebt, im Angesicht seines bevorstehenden Todes erkl ren l sst und welchen Gegenentwurf die Erz hlung f r das richtige bzw. wahre Leben vorgibt. Daf r soll zun chst ein berblick ber Tolstois Leben und Denken dargestellt werden, der sich auf die eben genannten Konzeptionen beschr nkt und diese m glichst auf die f r die Analyse relevanten Punkte reduziert. In einem zweiten Schritt soll die Erz hlung Tolstois gr ndlich analysiert werden. Die Analyse wird den Schwerpunkt dieser Arbeit darstellen. Die Erkenntnisse der Analyse werden anschlie end mithilfe der zuvor herauskristallisierten Konzeptionen interpretiert und diskutiert.
