Classics Retold

Ancient Greek Goddess of love beauty, desire and protection. It was believed that she had immense power over other gods and human beings. She is associated with fertility, passion and prosperity. Her Roman counterpart is Venus. Her name is derived from aphros or sea foam based on the belief that she was born from the sea.  Derived from the Greek word aphros meaning sea-foam, she is a foam-born goddess.  It is believed that she is the daughter of Zeus and Dione, and was created out of the sea-foam ensued by the castration of Uranus. Here we see that sea-foam is an euphemism for another word, but derogatory to air in public. She was worshipped as a warrior goddess of Sparta. Associated with doves, swans, roses and myrtle, she was beautiful but vain, jealous, and vengeful.  A central character in many myths, including Trojan war. The entire theme is a part of homo sapiens' belief system.

The Upper Farm.  The house of Bathsheba.  Sunday afternoon. Joseph Poorgrass, Mathew Moon, Henery Fray and half a dozen others came running up.  Bathsheba was coming out on her way to church; and ceasing for a moment, she pulled on her gloves with her red lips.   "Sixty!" said Joseph Poorgrass.  "Seventy!" said Moon. "Fifty-nine!" said Susan Tall's husband. "Sheep have broke fence," said Fray.  "And got into a field of clover," said Tall.  "Young clover," said Moon.  "Clover," said Joseph Poorgrass. "And they be getting blasted," said Henery Fray. "That they be," said Joseph. "All will die as dead as door nits, if they baint got out and cured," said Tall. Joseph's countenance was drawn into lines and puckers by his concern. Fray'a forehead was wrinkled both perpendicularly and crosswise after the pattern of portcullis expressive of a big concern. Laban Tall's lips were th...

When Boldwood left, Bathsheba thought that Boldwood was very disinterested and kind to her. He offered her all that she can desire.  Yet farmer Boldwood was neither kind or unkind by nature. His offers to Bathsheba was only self-indulgence of a lonely man. Bathsheba considered his offers in detail. Any other woman of her station would have embraced them. Bathsheba esteemed him and liked him. But she did not want him. Men takes wives because possession is not possible without marriage. Women accept husbands because marriage is not possible without possession. Besides, Bathsheba was independent, in business and in home. The first, she enjoyed its thrill and adventure, mainly because she was new to it. As a woman, the second was inherent upon her.  Bathsheba's was an impulsive nature. She had the strategic and calculative mind of Queen Elizabeth I and the romantic spirit of Mary, the Queen of Scotts. She was wary of her men's opinion on her dealings with Boldwood. Again, she was ...

Ixion, a king of the Lapiths in Greek mythology was condemned by Zeus to eternity of torment in Tartarus for his extreme arrogance which included murdering his father-in-law and attempting to seduce Hera. Zeus created a cloud phantom of Hera, with whom Ixon fatherrd Centaurs.  For this arrogance Ixion was expelled from Olympus and blasted with a thunderbolt. Zeus ordered Hermes to bind Ixion to a winged fiery wheel, which spun perpetually  through the underworld.  This punishment served as a classic example for excessive hubris, highlights the severe consequences of defying gods. 

Boldwood did eventually call upon her. But she was not at home. He had made a mistake. Like him she was a farmer. She goes to market, show them the samples, bargain over the price and sell them corn. He did not like the idea of women doing business. So he forgot it, or has been trying to forget it. Here she has no bailiff she is managing the whole farm. Her probable whereabouts is out of doors at this time of the year. On inquiring for her at her house they had told him that she was at sheep washing, and he went off to seek her there.  He went on meditating along the path to the north of the meadow where the sheep washing pool lay. It was a circular basin of stone work in the meadow. Buttercup, daisy, reeds and sedge formed a palisade along its brink. To the north of the meadow were trees with thick foliage. Loud notes of cuckoos were resounding in the atmosphere.  Boldwood went meditating down the slopes with his eyes on his boots, which the yellow pollen from the buttercups ...

Boldwood was tenant of Lower Farm, a remote quarter of Weatherbury. In social standing he was near to aristocracy. It was in a remote part away from the market-house.  His house stood away from the road and the stables stood behind the house, and its lower portion being lost amid bushes of laurel. Inside, the air was thick and sweet with the heavy scent of cedar and warm hay.  Horses stood in their stalls, their massive flanks shifting as they ate, a steady rythmic grinding of teeth on oats, one bay mare stamped a hoof, the dull thud echoing against the wooden floorboards. At far end, a young colt paced restlessly in his box, his shadow flickering in the dim light. The steady grind of the animals occasionally diversified by the rattle of a rope or stamp of a foot. The stable and its surroundings were the cloister and almonry of Boldwood.  Here he paced up and down looking to the feeding of his animals. This way the forty year old man who had no sexual relationship with an...

Saturday.  Market-house. Boldwood as usual was present, when Bathsheba entered the market-house. Unlike the previous occasion, the farmer took a look at her. It was the look of a reaper at a passing train -- something foreign to his perception.  He saw her black hair, her curves and profile, her eyelids, eyes and eyelashes, and the shape of her ear. He noticed her skirt and the very sole of her shoes. To the best of his judgement she was a perfect one of an imperfect many. His heart began to move within him. Though forty years of age, Boldwood had never before scrutinized a woman so sharply and at wide angles.  Was her beauty real? He was not sure of himself. He furtively said to a neighbour, "Is Miss Everdene considered handsome?"  "Oh, yes; she was a good deal noticed the first time she came, you remember. A very handsome girl indeed."  It satisfied Boldwood very much. He wanted no more evidence. And this woman had sent him a missive "Marry me". Those tw...

There were many business women in Dorchester during the second half of 19th century. While many women's businesses in these period were in respectable fields like dressmaking, hat making, or running small shops, they were active  participants economic life of the area. The following were some of the prominent among them. 1. Sarah Baker (1805 - 1866) Identified as a 19th century business woman in Upham’s Corner. She operated a successful bandbox business in the Savin Hill for over 40 years. She had a savings of ,$5000 and in her will funded the construction of Baker Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church, at Upham's corner. 2. Judith Foster and Clementina Beach: Operated an academy for young women on Meeting-House Hill during 19th century. They founded Elite Boarding school for Girls in Dorchester. Women were involved in running private academies, and towards the end of the century, practising medicine. Example: Dr Mary Mary Safford-Blake (1834  - 1891) As in other parts of Boston...

All Saints Church, Melchester.  A week day. Morning. The small congregation mainly of women and girls rose from its knees at the end of a service without sermon. They were about to disperse, but their attention was arrested by smart footsteps entering the porch and coming up the central passage. It echoed with a ring unusual in a church. It was the clink of spurs. Everybody looked. A young cavalry soldier in red uniform, with the three chevrons of a sergeant upon his sleeve, strode up the aisle. His presence embarassed the women and girls; especially by intense vigour of his steps and the seriousness upon his face. He felt his movement challenging through, with women on either side of  the aisle. Passing on through the chancel arch he never paused, and came close to the altar railing. Here, he stood for a moment.  The deacon who had not yet took off his vestment saw the new comer and followed him to the communion rail. He whispered to the soldier and then beckoned to the ...

Jacquemart is a self operating machine, an animated, mechanised figure of a person, usually made from wood or metal, which strikes the hours on a bell with hammer. They are part of clocks or clocktowers and are erected at the top of the construction. It is also known as Jack of the Clock or Jack. One of the oldest and well-known jacquemarts is found on the south tower of the Cathedral Church of Notre Dame of Dijon. It was installed by Philip II of  Burgundy, 1383. The word is originally French, but is disputed. 

The scarlet and orange light outside the Malthouse. But this light did not reach its inside. There was a dim light coming from the glow of the hearth. The malster, after his sleep was sitting beside a three legged table, breakfasting off bread and bacon. This was eaten without the aid of any plates: he placed a slice of bread on the table; put meat upon the bread; spread mustard plaster upon the meat; and a pinch of salt upon the whole; cut them vertically downward with a large pocket-knife; and lifted it to his mouth. He had no teeth, and he used his hard gum to chew the food. By opening   the door of the malthouse Henery Fray entered. Stamping the snow from his boot he advanced towards the fire. Mathew Moon, Joseph Poorgrass and other carters followed him. They had just come out from the cart-horse stable.  "And how is she getting on without a bailiff?" asked the malster. Henery Fray shook his head and smiled bitterly, "She is going to regret her decision. Pennyways wa...

Dandle-smack-and-coddle is not a fixed idiom but a cluster of old English verbs that all belong to same semantic field. It can be interpreted as physical affection, indulgence, and over-tender handling - especially of children. Each word has its own history and naunce, and when combined, they create a rich, almost poetic expression of pampering, fondling, spoiling, or overindulgent care.  Let us break it down:  1. Dandle: To bounce a child on the knee, playfully lift, rock, or handle with affection.  She dandled the baby upon her knee. The word derived from Middle English, probably meaning imitative or repetitive motion (like jiggle, or jiggle) It is playful physical action. Rhythmic, gentle action. Parental tender movement. 2. Smack:  Light tapping, kissing sound, or playful slaps, especially affectionate ones. She gave the child a smack upon the cheek. It is friendly, not violent. 3. Coddle:  To treat someone with excessive care, indulgence and protection. Der...

The evening of St Valentine's day. At dusk Boldwood sat down to supper as usual by a beaming fire of aged logs. Upon the mantle-shelf before him was a time-piece on top of which was placed a spread eagle. Upon the eagle's wings was the letter sent by Bathsheba. His gaze lingered on the letter, as he sat eating and drinking, and he fancied the words thereon, although they were out of his sight.  "Marry me"  Since the receipt of the missive in the morning his peaceful existence had been spreading into an abnormal distortion in the particular direction of an ideal passion.  When Boldwood went to bed, he placed the valentine in the corner of the looking glass. He was conscious of its presence even when his back was turned upon it. It was first time in his life that such an event occurred. Some woman's hand had travelled softly over the paper bearing his name. The unknown woman's eyes had watched every curve as she wrote it. She had imagined him the while. What had...

The Bonobo (pan paniscus) like chimpanzee, is another closest living relative of homosapien.  They are found exclusively in the low land rain forests of Congo, south of a river by that name. Purely matriarchal led by female bands. More peaceful than chimpanzees, and frequently use sex as a tool for social bonding and conflict resolution.  They have slender bodies and longer legs, darker faces with pink lips, when compared to chimpanzees. An engendered species. Typically live 40 years in captivity. Like chimpanzees, they are not proficient swimmers, and trapped in Congo basin, south of the river and seperated from their ancestors, chimpanzees. Also known as pigmy chimpanzee because of their small size.  Recent groundbreaking studies published in February 2026 reveal that bonobos possess cognitive building blocks for imagination and pretense-play, abilities long considered unique to humans.  The most significant study published in the Journal Science, centred on Kanzi,...

Sexagesima is second Sunday before Ash Wednesday and the eighth Sunday before Easter. It serves as a key point in the pre-Lenten season, a traditional period used to spiritually prepare for the rigors of Lent.  The name comes from the Latin sexagesimus meaning sixtieth, while it is actually fifty six days before Easter, the name is an approximation used to fit the numerical sequence alongside Septuagesima (70th) and Quinquagesima (50th) Ash Wednesday marks the official beginning of Lent, a 40 day liturgical season (excluding Sundays) of prayer, fasting and repentance leading upto Easter.  Rigors of Lent refers to the traditional  practices of self-discipline, sacrifice and spiritual training that Christins undertake to prepare for Easter.  Some of these traditions, practices and customs existed even before Jesus and had its roots in Jewish,  Greco-Roman asceticism, Indian religions, Buddhism, and Jainism, pre-Islamic Arab traditions and ancient Mesopotamian reli...

In the nineteenth century, 25th March had been observed as the Feast of Annunciation or Lady Day,  an abbreviation of our Lady's Day. It is an age old custom, which had been in practice in English rural societies. It had its roots in the economic life of the people, and evolved in course of time. While the Church provided a name and fixed a date, the custom was largely driven by the economic and agricultural practices and traditions.  The Role of Church in fixing the date. The Church established the date and name and adopted it into their own system. The Church decided to celebrate 25th March as Our Lady's Day; It commemorates the announcement to Mary by angel Gabriel that she was to be the mother of Christ. The day is known as the Feast of Annunciation. In common parlance it is came to be called Lady Day. It was a major celebration observed by Catholic and Orthodox churches. It is the first quarter day of the year, the date when rents are due, farm tenancies begin and servant...

Carnation is a double flowered cultivated variety of clove pink with grey green leaves and showy pink or white colour. Its scientific name is Dianthus caryophyllus, Greek term meaning the flower of gods.  Origin: The wild carnation is native to the Mediterranean region, but it is found across globe due to cultivation. It was found growing spontaneously, and its early cultivation history is debated. It is found in (1) Southern Europe: Spain, Italy, Sicily, Sardania, Greece, Albania and Croatia; (2) Western Asia: Turkey and parts of Balkan Peninsula (3) Colombia is its leading exporter. (4) Netherlands is its global hub for auction trade. While not native to India, carnations are widely cultivated in India: In regions with cooler climate - Shimla, Kulu, Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. Highrange Kerala, Bangalore, Ooty and Nilgiris. It is the official flower for Mother's day. They are the National flower of Spain, Monaco, and Slovenia.               ...

A Sunday afternoon.  It was the thirteenth of February. The  VALENTINE  Day. Bathsheba's farm- house. After dinner, Bathsheba wanted Liddy to join her to keep company. The mouldy pile was dreary in winter time before the candle were lighted and the shutters closed. The atmosphere seemed as old as the walls; every nook behind the furniture had a temperature of its own; for the fire was not kindled in this part of the house, Bathsheba's piano stood out of level on the warped floor; Liddy, like a little shallow brook was always rippling. On the table lay a little quarto Bible, bound in leather. Looking at it Liddy said, "Did you ever find out, miss, who you are going to marry?"  "By means of Bible and key?" asked Bathsheba. "Don't be foolish, Liddy."  "Well, there's good deal in it."  "Nonsense, child."  "It makes your heart beat fearfully, some believe in it, and some don't. I do."  "Very well, let us tr...

Bethlehem. An Israelite family of Elimelech and Naomi and their sons Mahlon and Kilyon were struggling to survive through a famine. In search of food they move into the land of Moab, Israel's ancient enemy.  In Moab, the father Elimelech dies. The sons marry Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah. Soon the sons also die, leaving Naomi and her daughters-in-law, in the wild.  With no hope Naomi tells them that she is moving back home. She was aware of hard life of unmarried foreign widows in Israel, and compels the daughters-in-law to remain in Moab. Orpah agreed, but Ruth said, "Where you go, I will go. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God."  Naomi changes her name to Mara and they leave for Israel. In Israel Naomi and Ruth search for food. It was the beginning of the harvest of barley. Ruth goes out and ends up picking up grains in the fields of Naomi's relative Boaz. He was a man of noble character. He notices Ruth picking up grains from his field. He wa...

The story of Valentine's day is a blend of Roman pagan festivals with Christian martyrdom honouring saint named Valentine, especially one who secretly married soldiers against Emperor Claudias 2nd's decree and signed a letter "from your Valentine" before his execution on February 14th, later linked to romance by Chaucer and associated with love through traditions of sending cards and flowers.  Origin & History of Valentine's Day  There were several Christian martyrs named Valantinus, but the popular legend comes from 3rd century Rome. Emperor Claudias restricted the marriage of young soldiers, as he believed that single men fought better. A priest named Valentine defied the order and secretly solemnized the marriages of young soldiers. He was imprisoned and executed on 14th February of 269 CE. While in prison, Valentine befriended and healed the jailors blind daughter, and signed a note, "From your Valentine" The phrase struck the popular imagination...