Project Gutenberg 2003-11-01 Public domain in the USA. 197 Benson, Arthur Christopher 1862 1925 Benson, A. C. (Arthur Christopher) Carr, Christopher At Large The scene -- Contentment -- Friendship -- Humour -- Travel -- Specialism -- Our lack of great men -- Shyness -- Equality -- The dramatic sense -- Kelmscott and William Morris -- A speech day -- Literary finish -- A midsummer day's dream -- Symbols -- Optimism -- Joy -- The love of God -- Epilogue. Produced by Don Lainson, Charles Aldarondo, and David Widger "At Large" by Arthur Christopher Benson is a philosophical exploration and a reflective narrative likely written in the early 20th century. The text presents the thoughts of a bachelor contemplating his life, independence, and solitude while living in the countryside. Throughout this reflective journey, the author seeks appreciation for a life of contemplation, artistic creation, and the beauty of nature, significantly contrasting the busyness of urban life. The opening of "At Large" sets the stage for an introspective examination of the author's position as a reluctant bachelor who values his independence and the serene pleasures of rural life. He wrestles with societal expectations and the challenges of forming deep personal connections, often feeling the strain of communal obligations. The detailed descriptions of the quiet beauty of the Isle of Ely and its historical context reveal his awe for nature, reflecting his yearning for deeper meaning and tranquility. He describes his hermitage, emphasizing a profound connection to the land and surrounding communities, hinting at the peace and contentment he finds in solitude, balanced by brief moments of companionship with select friends. This opening establishes a contemplative tone, resonating with themes of personal liberation, nature, and the quest for a fulfilling life outside conventional norms. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Reading ease score: 56.2 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read. en Essays PR Text Category: Essays, Letters & Speeches Category: Philosophy & Ethics 511717 2025-08-02T12:11:11.776722 text/html 506786 2009-12-03T12:18:32 text/html 263326 2025-08-02T12:11:17.930812 application/epub+zip 272508 2025-08-02T12:11:13.505671 application/epub+zip 272507 2025-08-02T12:11:12.416683 application/epub+zip 429856 2025-08-02T12:11:21.952615 application/x-mobipocket-ebook 406108 2025-08-02T12:11:17.296690 application/x-mobipocket-ebook 377380 2022-09-03T03:36:38.702472 application/x-mobipocket-ebook 497417 2025-08-02T12:11:11.304662 text/plain; charset=us-ascii 497303 2009-12-03T12:17:50 text/plain; charset=us-ascii 18710 2025-08-02T12:11:22.079613 application/rdf+xml 9653 2025-08-02T12:11:12.906655 image/jpeg 2623 2025-08-02T12:11:12.661665 image/jpeg 194174 2009-12-03T12:18:46 application/octet-stream application/zip 192309 2009-12-03T12:18:46 application/octet-stream application/zip 257271 2025-08-02T12:11:11.818657 application/octet-stream application/zip Archives containing the RDF files for *all* our books can be downloaded at https://book.klll.cc/wiki/Gutenberg:Feeds#The_Complete_Project_Gutenberg_Catalog en.wikipedia