Three different versions of Thérèse Raquin, three different meanings of Madame Raquin’s life. And yes, I know I am nitpicking, but who would I be if I did not? Also, shouldn’t one nitpick when it comes to great pieces of Art?

“She led the life of a recluse. Ignoring the poignant joys and cares of this world, she arranged for herself a tranquil existence of peace and happiness.”

As appearing in the digital Gutenberg version, translated and edited by Edward Vizetelly.

“She lived a reclusive life, knowing nothing of the agonizing joys and sorrows of this world. She had created an existence of peace and happiness for herself.”

The translation by Robin Buss for the 1995 Penguin Classics version.

“Elle menait une vie de recluse, ignorant les joies et les soucis poignants de ce monde; elle s’était fait une existence de paix et de bonheur tranquille.”

Émile Zola’s original French text.

David Sedaris on the communist health care systems of Europe (The New Yorker). Us commies.

I can’t read a novel without keeping notes, writing down quotes, and/or keeping track of themes throughout the chunky bundle of paper. Let’s just say it’s a fortunate–unfortunate side effect of reading literary studies, and literatures in English.

Anyway, to at least make some good use of those notes, I’ve created The Canonical Notes. With goodies like the following:

“He had heard that women often love unattractive, simple people, but he did not believe it, because he judged by himself, and he could only love beautiful, mysterious and special women.“

All with MLA references provided, and easy-to-use links to the source material at Amazon. Go check it out at canonicalnotes.com.

Can’t get enough of Arthur Sales. Seriously. Normal service will resume in five, four, three …

84th Academy Awards

It seems that my interest in films has slipped significantly this year. Now, this is not entirely my fault; in my opinion, for critically-acclaimed and perfectly-executed films, this was not the worldwide film industry’s best year. Just look at the nominees, for Christ’s sake. But it doesn’t matter. We are a month away from the 84th Academy Awards, and the nominees have been announced (by the lovely Jennifer Lawrence).

In last year’s tradition, I am just going to post the link, while still giving you a quick overview of the most important and renowned category:

Academy Award for Best Motion Picture

• The Artist
• The Descendants
• Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
• The Help
• Hugo
• Midnight in Paris
• Moneyball
• The Tree of Life
• War Horse

“O Niki de Saint Phalle! / We knew that Boston could be beautiful, / But it was not until you came along. / Where were you, fairest of them all?”

— Chorus (Sam & Henry).

Just click on the link: The Construction of Boston. Or, links: Facebook, Twitter, and Martian Prince.