Author: Preety Dhunna

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen’s works continue to be loved even after more than 200 years of her death. Austen’s work offers unique insights into the Regency era. It provides a commentary on class, gender, and societal norms of the time, delivered with a blend of sharp wit and biting irony. She wrote about the mundane situations of everyday life remarkably, using dry humor, making even the drawing rooms of landed gentry in the English countryside intriguing, which is why her work is often categorized as a “comedy of manners”. Her novels continued to be studied by…

Ancient Greeks had a profound influence on world literature and were trailblazers of many literary genres including epic, poetry, lyric, tragedy, and fables. The Greek language has also enriched the English vocabulary, contributing over 150,000 words, and even the modern English alphabet is derived from the Greek one. Greek mythology and culture dominate various aspects of life, such as art and music, even the word “music” is derived from a Greek goddess, named Muses. However, its influence on our everyday language is often overlooked. This article delves into the fascinating world of Greek tales and mythologies that form the foundation…

If you ever feel the urge to escape to a fantasy world but aren’t in the mood for world-saving quests, evil forces, and epic battles, then cozy fantasy is the perfect root for you. What is Cozy Fantasy? Cozy fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy that focuses on characters and their relationships, often set in small towns with close-knit communities. There is a greater emphasis on world-building, and the stakes are lower, as the conflicts of the characters are more personal and intimate rather than involving world-threatening situations. They usually include quirky and whimsical elements with themes of magic, adventure, and…

With every slice of pizza and every delicious cup of coffee, you indulge in, you benefit from the tireless efforts of a honey bee. These humble, tiny creatures are often taken for granted, but they are one of the most important creatures in biodiversity and are essential for human survival. These busy bees work extremely hard behind the scenes and play an important role in our food chain, and without them, we won’t have access to vegetables, fruits, nuts, coffee, and other essential items. This article will dive into their vital contributions to our lives and how we can help…

Fashion serves as a time capsule and provides us with insights into the unique cultures and lifestyles of different eras. The lengths of skirts are also closely tied with the societal and political changes throughout history. In prehistoric times, skirts were worn by both men and women simply to cover the lower body. Interestingly, in ancient Egypt, skirts were initially worn by men. Over the centuries, they evolved into an essential fashion element for Western women and continued changing throughout history, becoming a global fashion staple. The hemlines of skirts were influenced by a multitude of factors, including the status…

Hozier, the artist celebrated for his poetic lyrics and mesmerizing vocals, has been blessing our ears since his first single “Take Me to Church”, which was released in 2013. His music explores themes like complexities of human experience, religion, society, and profound, sacred love. He has a remarkable ability for storytelling and incorporates folklore, mythology, and religious themes, adding depth and complexity to his music and providing the listener with an otherworldly experience.  This article aims to dissect two of his songs rich with mythological and religious references. Note that Art is always open to interpretation and some of the…

In a literary world overflowing with best sellers and mainstream books, hidden gems are yearning to be discovered. New authors and books do not always get the recognition they rightfully deserve. To be a well-rounded reader, it is essential to add diversity to our reading lists and acquaint ourselves with different perspectives and writing styles from vast cultures. Here’s how you can uncover hidden gems and underappreciated works with just a hint of curiosity: 1. Independent bookstores Small independent bookstores that offer a vast collection are the best way to find underrated books. Take your sweet time to peruse the…

Corsets are making a huge comeback in modern fashion, especially among the younger generation. You’ve probably spotted them being flaunted by women in period dramas like “Bridgerton.” However, corsets have existed since the dawn of fashion history. In the past, they were designed to shape women’s torsos to fit society’s unrealistic beauty standards, at the expense of their comfort. Once a symbol of oppression and subjugation of women, the corset has been revolutionalized in contemporary fashion to empower them and enhance their confidence. Fashion gives us insights into the values and culture of a specific time and place, and corsets…

Fairytales have always been an essential part of our childhood, transporting us to magical realms filled with benevolent fairies and talking beasts. But did you know that the enchanting fairytales we adore have much darker, more chilling origins? You won’t believe the secrets hidden behind these beloved tales! The Gory Fairytale of Cinderella The Disney version of Cinderella that we grew up with is the tale of a young kind girl whose fate suddenly changes when she is blessed with good fortune. It is brimming with magical elements like fairy godmothers, glass slippers, singing animals, and pumpkins turning into carriages.…

In the frenzy of modern life, it’s tempting to escape into the lavish and romanticized life of period dramas. The exquisite costumes, historical settings, eloquent language, old-fashioned culture, and intriguing plots, along with amazing cinematography, make period dramas an ideal choice for the ultimate viewing experience. If you are ready to dive into some fantastic entertainment, here’s a list of some gripping period dramas that you wouldn’t want to miss: The Great (2020 – present) The Great is a satire and a dark comedy, loosely based on the life of Catherine the Great, the longest-reigning female empress in the history…