Matthew Gregory Lewis

Matthew Gregory Lewis:

(9 July 1775 – 14 or 16 May 1818).
English novelist and dramatist, whose writings are often classified as “Gothic horror”. He was frequently referred to as “Monk” Lewis, because of the success of his 1796 Gothic novel The Monk. He also worked as a diplomat, politician and an estate owner in Jamaica.

Matthew Gregory Lewis (1800). Painting: George Lethbridge Saunders – wikipedia.org

Yet still when the famed first of April returns… I dread the approach.

Photo by Louise.com. ✒️ The Quote: “But still, when the famous first of April returns… I fear its approach.” Meaning 🤔: This quote expresses a sense of ‘fear, unease, or impending doom’ associated with a specific date: April 1st. April 1st: ‘Although it is known in many cultures as a day for jokes and pranks (“April Fools’ Day”)’, this text suggests a much ‘darker or more serious context’. The context: The speaker does not look forward to the day with merriment, but fears its return. This implies that a ’tragic, traumatic, or ominous event’ has occurred on this date in the past, or that the speaker believes the day is cursed. The tone: The tone is somber and ominous, which stands in stark contrast to the usual lighthearted associations with April 1st. 📚 Author: Matthew Gregory Lewis (1775–1818). Lewis was a British novelist and playwright, best known as the author of the infamous Gothic novel “The Monk” (1796). He is often referred to as “Monk” Lewis due to the success and scandals surrounding this book. His style: His work is known for its macabre, supernatural, and often shocking elements, typical of early Gothic literature. Origin: The quote comes from his ‘collection of poems and ballads’, titled “Tales of Terror,” first published in 1799 (some sources also cite 1801 for later editions). Specific Source: Although the exact ballad in which this specific phrase appears may vary depending on the edition or the specific compilation (he wrote many ballads with similar themes), it is often associated with his poems that explore the dark side of folklore and superstition. It is likely a line from one of his longer, narrative ballads in “Tales of Terror.” The Context of April 1st in his Work: In the context of Lewis’s work, April 1st is often not associated with innocent jokes, but with:
The awakening of evil forces: It was sometimes believed that certain supernatural beings or curses were more active on this day. False hope or deception with tragic consequences: The “joke” is then not funny, but deadly or disastrous. Historical tragedies: A day on which a terrible event took place in the past, leaving the date tainted forever.

 

 

Door Pieter

Mensenmens, zoon, echtgenoot, vader, opa. Spiritueel, echter niet religieus. Ik hou van golf, wandelen, lezen en de natuur in veel opzichten. Onderzoeker, nieuwsgierig, geen fan van de mainstream media (MSM).

Geef een reactie

Je e-mailadres wordt niet gepubliceerd. Vereiste velden zijn gemarkeerd met *