Subject
Harvard University -- Fiction Books
Best books
Owen Wister
Philosophy 4: A Story of Harvard University
"Philosophy 4: A Story of Harvard University" by Owen Wister is a fictional narrative set in the late 19th century, likely during the early 1880s. This work is a humorous exploration of the lives of college students, particularly focusing on the philosophy course at Harvard University and the challenges faced by the young men as they prepare for their final examinations. The book touches on themes of intellect versus absurdity, highlighting the intersection of youthful exuberance and the often dry and convoluted world of philosophical thought. The story primarily revolves around two sophomores, Bertie and Billy, who are distinctly unprepared for their Philosophy 4 final. In a bid to cram for their exams, they hire a fellow sophomore, Oscar, to tutor them. As the narrative unfolds, Bertie and Billy engage in a comical and somewhat chaotic learning process, often challenging Oscar's scholarly interpretations of various philosophers, such as Plato and Berkeley. Their interactions are filled with witty banter that reflects the tension between their carefree attitudes and Oscar's serious demeanor. As they explore the complexities of philosophical concepts through humor and absurdity, the boys ultimately find themselves enjoying the subject matter much more than they anticipated. In a twist of fate, they perform surprisingly well on their exam despite their initial lack of preparation, leaving Oscar bewildered by their success while he himself scores less than them, thereby emphasizing the unpredictability of knowledge and understanding.
Charles Macomb Flandrau
The Diary of a Freshman
"The Diary of a Freshman" by Charles Macomb Flandrau is a humorous novel written in the early 20th century. The story captures the experiences of a young freshman at Harvard University as he navigates his new life, dealing with the challenges and adjustments of college life. The protagonist offers a relatable perspective on the trials and tribulations of being a newcomer, including interactions with quirky classmates and the humorous struggles of settling into a new environment. At the start of the narrative, the main character reflects on his feelings about his mother leaving him to begin his college experience. He humorously recounts the preparations leading up to his arrival at Harvard, including his mother’s worries about his health and living conditions, as well as their efforts to find an accommodation. Once settled into his room, he experiences a mix of anticipation and anxiety about starting this new chapter of his life, ultimately meeting other freshmen and wrestling with feelings of homesickness and the desire to fit in. The opening portion sets the stage for a lighthearted exploration of freshman life, establishing a blend of wit and earnestness that continues throughout the book.
Charles Macomb Flandrau
Harvard episodes
"Harvard Episodes" by Charles Macomb Flandrau is a collection of fictional vignettes set in an academic environment, written in the late 19th century. The narrative explores life at Harvard University through a series of character-driven interactions, primarily focusing on students Horace Hewitt and Robinson Curtiss. The opening chapters introduce themes of isolation, ambition, and the disparities in social dynamics among college students, as well as the deeper emotional currents behind their interactions and aspirations. The opening of the book features a conversation between Horace Hewitt, a sophomore, and Robinson Curtiss, a young graduate. Hewitt expresses his feelings of discouragement and existential doubt regarding his place at Harvard, feeling disconnected and isolated from the vibrant life he observes around him. As he seeks advice from Curtiss, who reflects on his own experiences, a profound exploration of the challenges faced by young men in academia unfolds. The dialogue serves as an introspective examination of their hopes, individuality, and the 'chances' that define their paths within the seemingly exclusive social structure of Harvard. The tone is both analytical and personal, drawing readers into the complexities of college life during this period.
Ralph Henry Barbour
The Land of Joy
"The Land of Joy" by Ralph Henry Barbour is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around John North, a college student returning to Harvard for another academic year, and introduces his responsibilities as a mentor to Phillip Ryerson, a fresh and somewhat reckless newcomer from Virginia. The narrative sets the stage for themes of friendship, mentorship, and the challenges of college life as the characters navigate their relationships and the expectations placed upon them. The opening of the novel depicts John North's return from summer vacation to a sweltering Cambridge, where he reflects on his college experiences and the changes he has undergone. He eagerly anticipates the arrival of his friend Phillip, whom he is expected to look after, a task he initially finds burdensome. As John prepares his space and interacts with his surroundings, he expresses a mix of nostalgia and apprehension. The eventual arrival of Phillip introduces a dynamic that promises both humor and conflict, as John learns more about his new ward's background and temperament, setting the stage for their unfolding relationship against the vibrant backdrop of college life.
Waldron Kintzing Post
Harvard Stories: Sketches of the Undergraduate
"Harvard Stories: Sketches of the Undergraduate" by Waldron Kintzing Post is a collection of literary sketches written in the late 19th century. The book provides a series of anecdotes about undergraduate life at Harvard, focusing on the experiences, friendships, and adventures of a group of students, particularly a character named Jack Rattleton and his circle of friends. Readers can expect a blend of humor and nostalgia as the author reflects on the camaraderie and challenges faced by the students during their time at the university. At the start of the collection, the author introduces Holworthy, a Harvard student who is preparing for a foot-ball game against Yale. Holworthy's room serves as a social hub for his friends, and a lively conversation ensues among them regarding their upcoming match and their various activities. Each character showcases a unique personality, ranging from enthusiastic athletes to laid-back loafers like Jack Rattleton. The opening sketch sets the tone for the stories to come, highlighting themes of friendship, youthful exuberance, and the contrast between different personalities, all set against the backdrop of Harvard University life.
Daniel Wright Kittredge
The Memoirs of a Failure: with an Account of the Man and His Manuscript
"The Memoirs of a Failure: with an Account of the Man and His Manuscript" by Daniel Wright Kittredge is a fictional, interpretative biography written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around the enigmatic figure of William Wirt Dunlevy, a man marked by his singularly strange life, intellectual pursuits, and the personal manuscript that embodies his failures and struggles. Through the portrait of Dunlevy, the book explores themes of isolation, ambition, and the nature of success. The beginning of the work introduces the author’s intent to unravel the character of Dunlevy, a student who is observably different from his peers at the University of Virginia. The narrator reflects on Dunlevy’s aloof demeanor, peculiar habits, and the whispers of a lost love that haunt his past. As the narrative unfolds, we learn of Dunlevy's declining health and retreat from the university—a decision fueled by mental anguish and an inability to connect with his contemporaries. This initial segment sets the stage for a deeper exploration into Dunlevy’s subsequent life, his time at Harvard, and the eventual fate of both the man and his manuscript, leaving a haunting impression of a complex and tragic individual.
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