The Cold Snap E-Book

Bellamy Edward

• Herausgeber: DigiCat
• Kategorie: Fantasy und Science-Fiction
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

In Edward Bellamy's poignant novella, "The Cold Snap," the narrative delves into the intricate interplay between socio-political issues and human empathy in the face of adversity. Set against the backdrop of a harsh winter, the story explores the ramifications of economic disparity and social isolation, employing a lyrical prose style that masterfully blends elements of realism and idealism. Bellamy's deft characterization allows readers to engage deeply with his protagonists as they navigate the challenges associated with climate and society, encapsulating both the personal and communal crises evoked by the unforgiving cold. The work is not only a reflection of Bellamy's concerns for contemporary society but also a prescient commentary on the changing climate and its effects on human relationships. Edward Bellamy, a prominent figure in late 19th-century American literature, was known for his visionary works that merged elements of socialism and utopianism. His seminal novel, "Looking Backward," garnered significant attention and spurred debates about economic reform and social justice. Drawing from his own experiences and observations of industrial society's disparities, Bellamy's writing often sought to challenge existing norms and provoke thoughtful discourse among his readers. As he grappled with the societal issues of his time, "The Cold Snap" stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to advocating for human dignity and interconnectedness. I highly recommend "The Cold Snap" to readers interested in social justice narratives or those who appreciate thought-provoking fiction that transcends its time. Through its compelling themes and rich characterizations, this novella not only captivates but also prompts critical reflection on our own societal structures. Bellamy's work remains relevant in today's climate-driven conversations, urging us to consider our collective responsibilities in the face of adversity.

Leseprobe

Edward Bellamy

The Cold Snap

1898

 

EAN 8596547334958

DigiCat, 2022 Contact: [email protected]

Table of Contents

Cover

Titlepage

Text

"

By Edward Bellamy 1898

Table of Contents

In the extremes of winter and summer, when the weather is either extraordinarily cold or hot, I confess to experiencing a peculiar sense of helplessness and vague uneasiness. I have a feeling that a trifling additional rise or fall of temperature, such as might be caused by any slight hitch in the machinery of the universe, would quite crowd mankind out of existence. To be sure, the hitch never has occurred, but what if it should? Conscious that I have about reached the limit of my own endurance, the thought of the bare contingency is unpleasant enough to cause a feeling of relief, not altogether physical, when the rising or falling mercury begins to turn. The consciousness how wholly by sufferance it is that man exists at all on the earth is rather forcibly borne in upon the mind at such times. The spaces above and below zero are indefinite.

I have to take my vacations as the fluctuations of a rather exacting business permit, and so it happened that I was, with my wife, passing a fortnight in the coldest part of winter at the family homestead in New England. The ten previous days had been very cold, and the cold had "got into the house," which means that it had so penetrated and chilled the very walls and timbers that a cold day now took hold of us as it had not earlier in the season. Finally there came a day that was colder than any before it. The credit of discovering and first asserting that it was the coldest day of the season is due to myself—no slight distinction in the country, where the weather is always a more prominent topic than in the city, and the weather-wise are accordingly esteemed. Every one hastened to corroborate this verdict with some piece of evidence. Mother said that the frost had not gone off the kitchen window nearest the stove in all the day, and that was a sign. The sleighs and sledges as they went by in the road creaked on the snow, so that we heard them through the double windows, and that was a sign; while the teamsters swung their benumbed arms like the sails of a windmill to keep up the circulation, and the frozen vapor puffed out from the horses' nostrils in a manner reminding one of the snorting coursers in sensational pictures. The schoolboys on their way from school did not stop to play, and that was a sign. No women had been seen on the street since noon. Young men, as they hurried past on the peculiar high-stepping trot of persons who have their hands over their ears, looked strangely antiquated with their mustaches and beards all grizzled with the frost.