I've begun a journal of my readings in effort to find meaning in the works. I'm happy to say it's been an enlightening experience.
I started with Manon Lescaut by Abbe Provost. Then The Deerslayer by James Fenimore. Cooper. I just finished Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas.
Manon Lescaut was a maddening love story about a young man who gave up all sense of judgement and morals for a young girl seemingly unworthy of his affection. It holds a nice twist upon reflection which gives a deeper insight into the heart of Manon. Manon's heart is enriched by the unwavering devotion of her young lover. She eventually becomes who he believes her to be.
The Deerslayer offers a contrasting view of a young man encountering beauty and temptations. The Deerslayer is determined to hold true to his values and truth as he understands it. He also encounters a great beauty. The young girl is inspired by his goodness and is experienced enough to desire a simple and good life. Tragically, his view has been tainted by the opinion of another and he cannot accept her due to his since of right. She is left to live her life as best she can among lesser men and he goes on to live a faithful life.
The final book, Three Musketeers, a mix of the previous two. A young man faced with temptation sometimes succeeds in doing what is right as he faces different temptations and trials. D'artangen, is growing through his experiences and developing into a man and a soldier of character. His friends are a great support to him and help him in so many ways, but principly the teach him loyalty. His antaganist, Milady, on the other hand has only her self interest at heart and learns only to be more wicked.
If you've read these books I'd love to hear what you think of them.
A little tip for reading classics: take many short breaks.
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