Prof, can I, now? I know this is wierd, but I haven't visited for quite some time. My Ques :

The soul of the protaganist is represented by a painting. His aging and the deterioration of his soul shows on the painting, while he stays young and handsome outwardly.

Any guesses?

"The picture of Dorian Gray"Oscar Wilde.
Great Choice MM, I loved it.

Your question, ren...you got it right.

A poor villager discovers he is descended from a local noble family.

His daughter is seduced by one of the noble family in question.........

Hi Ren, how about another clue.

Yes...another clue Ren...this story sounds strangely familiar.

The story takes place in Southern England, the County is an invention of this prolific writer.

Tess by Hardy?

Oh yes... Tess Durbyfield indeed.

A young man trades his innocence...and eventually his life...in order that he can join high society and be with the girl of his dreams.

A hint is clearly needed....the young man's name in question...Clyde Griffiths.

Next hint...American author...initials T. D.

American Tragegy....Dreiser?

That is correct ProffieC...it is your turn to regale us with a query!

"If we are to survive in the environment we had made for ourselves, may we have to be monstrous enough to greet our predicament?"....

Name book from first line?

[ 09-17-2001: Message edited by: profchallenger1 ]

Mosley's "Hopeful Monsters"...a fitting book for our current time?

Yes, very good- I thought it might a good book for September's book selection....first we must finish discussing Ayn Rand's little book.

Maybe we can carry on Atlas Shrugged until the end of this month at least hmm? Meanwhile...here is the next piece of literature:

Since Prof did a quote, I will follow suit. From which work of literature comes the quote:

"To be great is to be misunderstood"

Emerson's "Self-Reliance"

(my favourite line from there is "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines.")

Yes Nerthus! And don't forget...."Trust thyself!" It is now your turn...

Since we're into essays and quotes....

"Alas what wonder! Man's superior part
Uncheck'd may rise and climb from art to art;
But when his own great work is but begun,
What Reason weaves, by Passion is undone."

Another hint;

Know then thyself; presume not God to scan
The proper study of Mankind is Man

Donne's Pope?

lol...close enough Prof. It's Alexander Pope's "Essay On Man".

The floor's all yours Prof.