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power dynamics
A curated path through fragments connected by a shared motif, atmosphere, or recurring literary concern.
2026-03-31
And, above all, what must he have thought when Captain Nemo, drawing from the pocket of his dress a bag of pearls, placed it in his hand! This munificent charity from the man of the waters to the poor Cingalese was accepted with a trembling hand. His wondering...
2026-03-29
“The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. “‘This is my secretary and manager,’ said the colonel. ‘By the way, I was under the impressi...
2026-03-29
“‘Yes, I promise.’ “‘Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?’ “‘I have already given you my word.’ “‘Very good.’ He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning across the room he...
2026-03-22
That the life I had since led was laborious enough to kill an animal of ten times my strength. That my health was much impaired, by the continual drudgery of entertaining the rabble every hour of the day; and that, if my master had not thought my life in dange...
2026-03-22
The fair girl shook her head coquettishly, and the other two urged her on. You are first, and we shall follow; yours is the right to begin.” The other added:-- “He is young and strong; there are kisses for us all.” I lay quiet, looking out under my eyelashes i...
2026-03-18
You’ll be able to tell his uncle fine tales of his _kindness_, when you get home again, I assure you.” “You’re right there!” I said; “explain your son’s character. Show his resemblance to yourself: and then, I hope, Miss Cathy will think twice before she takes...
2026-03-18
The north and west were surely never meant to be left out of his diabolical scheme--let alone the City itself and the very heart of fashionable London in the south-west and west. I went back to Smollet, and asked him if he could tell us if any other boxes had ...
2026-03-14
The Martian who had been overthrown crawled tediously out of his hood, a small brown figure, oddly suggestive from that distance of a speck of blight, and apparently engaged in the repair of his support. About nine he had finished, for his cowl was then seen a...
2026-03-02
Rucastle came down just after breakfast and whispered something to her husband. “‘Oh, yes,’ said he, turning to me, ‘we are very much obliged to you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted ...
2026-02-23
The ballots had been thrown; they were all black, and Justine was condemned. I had before experienced sensations of horror, and I have endeavoured to bestow upon them adequate expressions, but words cannot convey an idea of the heart-sickening despair that I t...
2026-02-22
There remained the guide: what course would he adopt? In default of his assistance, it was necessary to be assured of his neutrality.
2026-02-16
He arranges the business just as he pleases.” “And if not able to please himself in the arrangement, he has at least great pleasure in the power of choice. I do not know anybody who seems more to enjoy the power of doing what he likes than Mr. Darcy.” “He like...
2026-02-13
By his assistance, I was able to hold a conversation with those who came to visit me; but this consisted only of their questions, and my answers. The despatch came from court about the time we expected. It contained a warrant for conducting me and my retinue t...
2026-02-07
However, since the king was pleased to allow me access to his royal person, I was resolved, upon the very first occasion, to deliver my opinion to him on this matter freely and at large, by the help of my interpreter; and whether he would please to take my adv...
2026-01-30
The emperor also confers on him some public mark of his favour, and proclamation is made of his innocence through the whole city. They look upon fraud as a greater crime than theft, and therefore seldom fail to punish it with death; for they allege, that care ...