The higher we soar the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly.

-- Friedrich Nietzsche

The Rainbow by D. H. Lawrence

The Rainbow by D. H. Lawrence follows the lives of three generations of the Brangwen family, beginning with Tom Brangwen, a farmer in rural England. The story then shifts to his daughter, Ursula, who struggles to find her place in the world as a young woman. Ursula’s journey takes her through various relationships, including a tumultuous affair with a schoolteacher named Winifred Inger. The novel also explores the themes of sexuality, gender roles, and the changing social landscape of England during the early 20th century. As the story progresses, the focus shifts to Ursula’s sister, Gudrun, and her own struggles with love and identity. The plot of The Rainbow is complex and multi-layered, delving deep into the human psyche and the complexities of relationships.

The setting of The Rainbow is a crucial element in the novel’s exploration of human relationships and the natural world. The story takes place in the English Midlands, a region known for its industrialization and urbanization during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Lawrence’s depiction of this landscape is both vivid and poetic, capturing the beauty and brutality of the changing environment. The novel’s opening scene, for example, describes the “great colliery” that dominates the horizon, with its “black, industrial bulk” looming over the surrounding countryside. This image sets the tone for the rest of the novel, which explores the tension between nature and civilization, tradition and progress, and individual desire and social norms. As the story unfolds, Lawrence takes us on a journey through the changing seasons, from the lush greenery of spring to the barrenness of winter, and shows us how these natural cycles mirror the characters’ emotional and psychological states. The setting of The Rainbow is not just a backdrop for the action, but an integral part of the story’s meaning and themes.

The narrative structure of The Rainbow is complex and multi-layered, reflecting the novel’s themes of continuity and change, tradition and modernity, and the cyclical nature of life. Lawrence employs a non-linear, episodic structure that moves back and forth in time, spanning several generations of the Brangwen family. The novel is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different member of the family: Tom Brangwen, his daughter Ursula, and her son, Winifred.

The first part of the novel, “The Rainbow,” introduces us to Tom Brangwen, a farmer in rural England at the turn of the 20th century. Through Tom’s experiences, Lawrence explores the tensions between tradition and modernity, as well as the changing social and economic landscape of England. The second part, “The Marsh,” follows Ursula Brangwen as she comes of age and struggles to find her place in the world. Ursula’s journey is marked by her search for love and fulfillment, as well as her growing awareness of the limitations placed on women in society.

The final part of the story, “The Cathedral,” focuses on Winifred, Ursula’s son, and his experiences during World War I. Through Winifred’s story, Lawrence explores the devastating impact of war on individuals and society, as well as the possibility of renewal and regeneration.

Throughout the novel, Lawrence employs a lyrical, poetic style that emphasizes the beauty and sensuality of the natural world, as well as the emotional and psychological depths of his characters. The narrative structure of The Rainbow reflects Lawrence’s belief in the interconnectedness of all things, and his vision of life as a continuous cycle of birth, growth, decay, and renewal.

The Rainbow was published in 1915 and caused quite a stir due to its controversial subject matter. At the time of its publication, the novel was considered scandalous and was even banned in some countries. However, it is now recognized as a masterpiece of modernist literature and a groundbreaking work for its frank portrayal of sexuality and its exploration of the human psyche. The historical context of The Rainbow is important to understanding its significance and impact on literature. Lawrence wrote the novel during a time of great social and cultural change, as the world was on the brink of World War I and traditional values were being challenged. The novel reflects this upheaval and explores themes of individualism, sexuality, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. Lawrence’s use of language and imagery is also significant, as he experimented with new forms of expression and challenged traditional literary conventions. Overall, The Rainbow is a complex and thought-provoking work that continues to captivate readers and scholars alike.

Public reception of The Rainbow was controversial and tumultuous. Upon its publication, the novel was met with widespread condemnation for its frank portrayal of sexuality and its exploration of taboo topics such as incest and lesbianism. The book was banned in Britain and the United States, and Lawrence was prosecuted for obscenity. Despite the controversy, The Rainbow was also praised for its lyrical prose and its vivid depiction of rural life in England. Today, the novel is considered a masterpiece of modernist literature and a groundbreaking work in the history of queer literature. Its themes of sexual liberation and individualism continue to resonate with readers and scholars alike.

The legacy of  The Rainbow is one that has endured for over a century. The novel, which was initially banned in England for its explicit content, has since become a classic of modernist literature. Its exploration of themes such as sexuality, gender roles, and the relationship between humans and nature continues to resonate with readers today. The Rainbow has also influenced countless writers and artists, including Virginia Woolf and Frida Kahlo. Lawrence’s masterpiece has left an indelible mark on the literary world and will continue to be studied and celebrated for generations to come.

D. H. Lawrence

D. H. (David Herbert) Lawrence (September 11, 1885 – March 2, 1930) was an important and controversial English writer, and one of the most important writers in English Modernism. Lawrence was prolific. His output included novels, short stories, poems, plays, essays, travel books, paintings, translations, literary criticism and personal letters, but he is most remembered for pushing the limits of what was acceptable in literary fiction. While other Modernists, like Joyce and Woolf, were content to radicalize the forms of literature, Lawrence was committed to expanding the range of literary subject-matter. In particular, by incorporating Freudian psychoanalysis, frank descriptions of sexuality, and mystical religious themes that were quite shocking to the audiences of his time. Many of Lawrence's works were banned or left unpublished during his life and, like Lord Byron, Lawrence only gained the recognition he deserved in the decades after his death.

Although he is now esteemed as one of the most important figures in the early history of Modernism, Lawrence remains controversial. His prodigious output is notoriously uneven; and Lawrence, laboring in obscurity, never lived long enough to refine some of his wilder fancies into coherent ideas. Other critics criticize Lawrence's explicitness, and it is true that some of his lesser works were written more to shock than to truly enlighten the mind with the brilliance of art. Nonetheless, Lawrence was a genius of the highest order, and his most exemplary poems and novels are among the most influential works of twentieth-century literature.

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Something Real

Last night as the snow started, I witnessed something tragic yet awe-inspiring. There was a soft thump at the window and I looked out to see a small bird lying motionless on the deck with its mate standing beside it. The fallen bird was not moving, it was lifeless, but its partner remained close, refusing to leave.

Understanding what had happened, I turned away, but when I looked again I saw something that gave me pause. The living bird had laid down beside its partner, pressing its body close so their heads touched. It closed its eyes and joined its mate in the stillness and falling snow, as if willfully choosing to let go of life rather than live alone. They remained where they were and this morning both were in the same position, lying frozen beneath a covering of snow.

The actions of that little bird reminded me how deeply the bonds of life run even in the animal world and how connection sometimes matters more than survival. In a society that teaches us to keep moving, to keep trying and to keep fighting, we forget how essential that connection is. Sadly, most of us measure success by what we accumulate, not by how deeply we love.

Yet, here in this quiet moment between two birds was a truth that we, in our concrete jungles and self-absorbed busy lives, so easily forget; and that is that love, in the end, is more important than anything else. When it is gone something inside us longs to go with it.

Maybe that’s what’s missing in this world of ours – a willingness to let love be our guide, to hold each other close even when the world insists we must keep going. Nature doesn’t measure life in possessions or accolades. It measures our worth in the quiet, unwavering bonds we share.

If we could learn from these two loving birds – if we could somehow remember what really matters – maybe we could start to heal the disconnection so many of us feel, and find our way back to what is real.

Nefarious

 When trust is broken, sorry means nothing.

Plato's Republic

Written around 375 BCE, The Republic is Plato’s most famous work and one of the most important texts in Western philosophy. Through a dialogue led by Socrates, Plato examines the meaning of justice, the nature of the just state, and the role of education, leadership, and philosophy in society.

The book opens with a discussion about the nature of justice. Plato challenges the notion that justice is simply the interest of the stronger party (or individual), proposing instead that it is a harmony achieved when each individual performs the role they are best suited for. This idea leads to his vision of the ideal state, where society is divided into three classes: rulers (philosopher-kings), auxiliaries (warriors), and producers (farmers, artisans, and merchants).

Plato’s ideal rulers are philosopher-kings—leaders who govern with wisdom and reason, guided by a deep understanding of truth and justice. Education plays a central role in shaping these rulers, enabling them to transcend personal ambition and act for the good of the whole society.

One of the most famous passages in The Republic is the "Allegory of the Cave." In this allegory, prisoners chained in a cave mistake shadows for reality. Plato uses this metaphor to illustrate how education and philosophy can liberate the mind from ignorance, allowing individuals to perceive the true nature of reality.

The Republic also critiques various forms of government, including democracy, which Plato views as inherently unstable and susceptible to mob rule. He argues that only a government led by philosopher-kings can achieve true justice and social harmony.

Key Ideas

• Justice is achieved when everyone performs the role they are naturally suited for in society.
• The human soul consists of three parts: reason, spirit, and appetite—mirroring the structure of a just society.
• The ideal rulers are philosopher-kings: wise, rational, and guided by knowledge of the Good.
• The "Allegory of the Cave" illustrates the transformative power of education and philosophy.
• Democracy is flawed because it prioritizes popular opinion over wisdom and truth.
• Education should focus on cultivating virtues, not just imparting knowledge or technical skills.
• Leadership is a moral responsibility, not a path to personal power or wealth.

Reading The Republic feels like entering a timeless conversation about the values that shape a good society. While some of Plato’s ideas—such as rigid class divisions and censorship—feel outdated today, his exploration of justice, leadership, and the role of education remains incredibly relevant.

The "Allegory of the Cave" is especially powerful. It focuses on how often we accept superficial truths and how challenging it can be to seek deeper understanding. Plato’s emphasis on the moral responsibility of leaders also resonated strongly, particularly in a time when public trust in leadership is low.

The Republic is not an easy read. The dialogue format and philosophical depth can be dense at times; however, If you approach it with patience, you’ll be rewarded with insights that extend far beyond politics into personal growth and ethics.

Summary

After a religious festival, Socrates is invited to the house of a wealthy merchant named Cephalus. There, Socrates joins a discussion with Cephalus, Polemarchus, Glaucon, Adeimantus, and the Sophist Thrasymachus about the nature of justice. Socrates soon proves that Cephalus and Polemarchus' conception of justice as telling the truth and paying what is owed is insufficient, and he likewise disproves Thrasymachus's belief that justice is simply whatever is of most advantage to the stronger person or people. But Socrates does not state what his own idea of justice is. Instead, he proposes to "create" an ideal city that will show justice on a large scale. Once they have defined a just city, Socrates believes, they'll be able to examine justice in an individual.

Socrates' ideal city depends on education, specialization, and social structures that define family, behavior, and loyalty to the city. Each person will specialize in a specific occupation, an occupation that is chosen for them by the city based on their aptitudes and abilities as children. Education, especially of the guardians who will function as guards or soldiers as well as rulers, is the key to the success of the city. Imitative literature in which the author creates the voices of different characters, "imitating" human behavior, is forbidden. Literature must reflect only good behavior. Those who will be laborers or craftsmen will form the "producer" class. The best of the guardians are given special education to prepare them to rule. The others from the initial group of guardians will become the warriors for the city. Wives and children of the guardians are held in common. The rulers will lead very simple lives, forbidden to touch gold or silver or to own property. Their daily needs will be met by the other residents of the city so that guardians can rule without distraction.

Socrates turns to the question of who should rule the city. In support of his claim that the philosopher is the best ruler Socrates explains that the soul is made of three parts, the rational, the appetitive and the spirit. In the just man, each part of the soul performs its function, directed by reason, so that the appetites and spirit are controlled. Just as the rational part of the soul should rule over the others, the rational part of the city residents, the philosopher, should rule over the warriors and producers. This will require that philosophers become kings, or kings become philosophers. Only philosophers are able to truly love knowledge and truth, and only they recognize truth. Socrates presents the allegory of the cave. Imagine, he says, a cave, where men are chained in the dark and think that the shadows they see on the wall are reality, until one of them escapes into the sunlight and sees the physical world. The freed prisoner later returns and tries to teach the others about the nature of truth.

The philosopher is the best ruler because he understands that the objects of the physical world are copies, imitations, of the ideal Forms in the world of Ideas. The philosopher, because he understands the Forms, has greater understanding of everything. Consequently, the guardians must be educated in philosophy, as well as mathematics and logic. When the guardians are mature, their education includes the study of dialectic, the art of debate. Then, just as the prisoner returns to the cave, the guardians begin public service in preparation for later rule. Only the best of the guardians will become philosopher-kings. Socrates describes four kinds of cities, and the four kinds of people equivalent to the cities, ending with the worst, the tyrant. He ends with an examination of the tyrant, showing that the tyrant is neither just nor happy.

Socrates concludes with the myth of Er, a soldier who dies, but is returned to life and reports on the after life. He sees souls sorted out into those who were unjust, who must then suffer, and those who were just, who spend the afterlife in pleasure. At the end of their allotted time, souls are allowed to choose a new life. Socrates argues that the soul, since it can not be destroyed by death, or by evil, is immortal.

Biography of Plato

Plato's father Ariston descended from Codrus, the last King of Athens, and his mother Perictione had ties to Solon, one of the creators of the Athenian Constitution. Plato's brothers Glaucon and Adeimantus briefly appear in the Republic. Plato planned a political career until 404 BC, when Athens became controlled by an Oligarchy of wealthy men. After Athens was restored to democracy in 403 BC, Plato again considered politics until Socrates, Plato's mentor, was accused of heresy and put to death in 399 BC. Plato subsequently abandoned politics for philosophy. He eventually founded the Academy, a philosophy school.

Historical Context

The Peloponnesian war between Sparta and Athens took place from 431–408 BC. Plato probably saw military service during the course of the war. Athens lost, and the war had a profound affect on politics and philosophy. The rise of democracy as a form of government made the ability to speak and debate more important. The Sophists, nomadic teachers who taught the arts of rhetoric to anyone who could pay them, became influential. The Sophists were particularly popular during Athens' brief democracy when the ability to persuade large groups of people became more important than speaking the truth.

Other Books Related to The Republic

Plato wrote a number of other works in the form of dialogues, including The Symposium, Phaedrus, and Crito. The Republic is from the latter part of Plato's career. Plato's ideas regarding the ideal city influenced More's Utopia, in which More describes the mythical "perfect place," (Utopia literally means "no place") based on the recollections of a traveler. Utopia's customs and government were partly inspired by Plato's ideal city in The Republic.

And Finally...

The Socratic Method. The method Plato has Socrates use in Republic, that is, asking leading questions that provoke discussion and encourage his audience to follow his train of thought until they arrive at the solution he favors, is called in Greek elenchus, and in English the "Socratic method." You can see the Socratic method particularly clearly in Book I of Republic, but Plato also uses it in many of his earlier works.

Aristotle's Teacher. Just as Plato is the most famous follower of Socrates, Aristotle is the most famous of Plato's students. Other followers include the Neo-Platonists, philosophers like Plotinus and Proclus who took Plato's ideas about the nature of reality and his theory of forms and developed them even further. The Neo-Platonists influenced Saint Augustine, one of the fathers of the early Christian Church.

No Thanks, I'm Thinking

No thanks!

My Annual New Year's Message to the Masses

Hi there.

Another year down and a new one started. Never thought I’d live this long but here I am so might as well enjoy it. All things considered, I’m in good shape, not overweight, still athletic and fit even after significant health issues (ran and walked four miles today), debt-free, organic, signed, sealed, and delivered.

My animals are safe, fat, and spoiled. Chickens give me a steady diet of eggs and I expect to have little chicks in the spring as well as an expanding organic garden. I finally installed my wood stove and so that allows big steps towards being completely off grid. I have managed to avoid the Covid vax death shot although the doctors at the VA cluck-cluck at me when I refuse their jabs. Well, I’m not going to live forever and who would want to anyway? Sometimes the state of the world makes me yearn for a decent long sleep, a perpetual rest from the madness of greed, ego, and personal aspirations. In any case, I’m still here and still ready to fight the good fight.

For you readers out there, I’ve just finished Isaac’s Storm by Erik Larson, an account of the 1900 destruction of Galveston, Texas by a mighty hurricane. It was a decent read but not entirely recommended because as it turns out, author Larson is a Seattle Leftist and his socialist leanings sometimes appear to taint his perspective. Progressive propaganda is still being pumped out by the legacy media in great steaming blobs of oozing electronic bullshit. You might want to take that into account if you are fascinated by the proclamation of the flat-earth advocates or whatever the Democrats have to say about anything.

Yes, I still believe a hot war is brewing here in the good old USA. The progressives have got to do something to cover their crimes. If they don’t, heads are going to roll. Additionally, they’ve told the rest of us that if they don’t get their way, they would just as soon destroy the whole country. Tear it all down and start over again in the image of George Clooney.

Meanwhile, we still have the effects of the great Covid pandemic hoax lingering as well as a brand new genetic disposition for the peoples of the earth. Are you still human? Only 17% of us across the globe can claim that distinction anymore. I may have forever chemicals running through my veins but still no trace of a killer mRNA package hiding somewhere in my lipase tissues.

I don’t care for communists. I despise calculated ignorance. I ignore feminists, loudmouth liberals, Republicans and Democrats, Libertarians, economists, and bloated egotistic conservatives (in name only) like my low-life neighbors. Pretty much just fuck ‘em all due to thievery, betrayal, and dark ages opinions. Also, if you happen to be one of those who are all hung up on diversity, equity (or equality), and inclusion, I would prefer you avoid me entirely. I have no qualms about protecting myself and the sight of your blood does not frighten me.

In all, life is good. I write, therefore I am. Thanks for reading and I hope Santa was good to you. If not, maybe you better be good this new year.