Select Conversations with an Uncle (Now Extinct) and Two Other Reminiscences
"Select Conversations with an Uncle (Now Extinct) and Two Other Reminiscences" by H.G. Wells is a collection of essays written in the late 19th century. The narrative features an uncle who embodies a blend of intellectual observation and humorous social commentary as he expresses his views on various topics such as fashion, society, and the human condition. Through witty dialogues and reflections, the uncle discusses themes of social norms, ideals, and the
absurdities of contemporary life. The opening of the text introduces the uncle's character, who is depicted as lively, talkative, and slightly disillusioned with the modern world. He emerges into society with high hopes of engaging in stimulating conversations, but finds himself frustrated by the lack of wit among the literary elite he encounters. His criticisms extend to the fashionable circles of London, where he expresses disdain for the superficiality he sees. Key points of his monologues touch on topics like the nature of fashion, the discomfort of humanity, and the societal expectations surrounding ideals, culminating in a rich exploration of human folly and the quest for meaning within societal constructs. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Of conversation and the anatomy of fashion -- The theory of the perpetual discomfort of humanity -- The use of ideals -- The art of being photographed -- Bagshot's mural decorations -- On social music -- The joys of being engaged -- La belle dame sans merci -- On a tricycle -- An unsuspected masterpiece -- The great change -- The pains of marriage -- A misunderstood artist -- The man with a nose.
Credits
Produced by Al Haines
Reading Level
Reading ease score: 72.7 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
