Hypolympia Or, The Gods in the Island, an Ironic Fantasy By: Edmund Gosse (1849-1928)
Hypolympia Or, The Gods in the Island, an Ironic Fantasy by Edmund Gosse is a whimsical and satirical novel that takes readers on a fantastical journey into a unique world filled with gods, mortals, and a myriad of amusing circumstances. Set in a fictional island known as Hypolympia, the narrative explores the existence of various gods, who have chosen to reside in this peculiar place away from the mortal world. Gosse masterfully crafts a world that combines elements of Greek mythology with his own imaginative inventions, resulting in a truly original storyline. The novel's greatest strength lies in its ironic and comedic portrayal of the gods. Gosse skillfully characterizes these immortals as flawed, petty, and altogether human-like in their actions and motives. This approach adds a distinct layer of humor as readers witness the gods' constant bickering, infatuations, and misguided attempts to exert their divine powers. Moreover, the author's style of writing is captivating and highly descriptive, painting vivid images of the enchanting landscapes and the whimsical beings that inhabit them. Gosse's prose possesses a poetic quality that elevates the narrative, embedding the reader in the fantastical realm of Hypolympia. In addition to the engaging storyline and strong characterization, Gosse also weaves in themes of power, morality, and the fallibility of the divine. Through the gods' interactions and the mortal inhabitants' observations, the novel prompts readers to question the very nature of authority and the limits of godly influence. While Hypolympia Or, The Gods in the Island delights with its humor and imaginative world-building, it may not be a book for everyone. Its tongue-in-cheek style and irony may require readers to familiarize themselves with the genre and appreciate the satirical undertones. Overall, Hypolympia Or, The Gods in the Island, an Ironic Fantasy is an enjoyable and thought-provoking novel that will leave readers amused and pondering the nature of divinity and the foibles of the gods. Edmund Gosse's skillful storytelling and unique blend of humor and fantasy make this a book that stands out in the realm of comedic literature. First Page: Verse by the Same Author ON VIOL AND FLUTE KING ERIK FERDAUSI IN EXILE IN RUSSET AND SILVER HYPOLYMPIA Or The Gods in the Island An Ironic Fantasy by EDMUND GOSSE London William Heinemann 1901 PREFACE The scene of this fantasy is an island, hitherto inhabited by Lutherans, in a remote but temperate province of Northern Europe. The persons are the Gods of Ancient Greece. The time is early in the Twentieth Century. I [ A terrace high above the sea, which is seen far below, through vast masses of woodland. Steps lead down towards the water, from the centre of the scene. To the left, a large, low country house, of unpretentious character, in the style of the late eighteenth century. Gardens belonging to the same period, and now somewhat neglected and overgrown, stretch on either side. The edge of the terrace is marked by a stone balustrade, with a stone seat running round it within. At the top of steps, ascending, appear APHRODITE and EROS.] APHRODITE. A moment, Eros. Let us sit here. What can this flutter at my girdle be? I breathe with difficulty. Oh! Eros, can this be death? EROS. Death? Ah! no; you have roses in your cheeks, mother. Your lips are like blood. APHRODITE... Continue reading book >>

Hypolympia Or, The Gods in the Island, an Ironic Fantasy By: Edmund Gosse (1849-1928)

Hypolympia Or, The Gods in the Island, an Ironic Fantasy by Edmund Gosse is a whimsical and satirical novel that takes readers on a fantastical journey into a unique world filled with gods, mortals, and a myriad of amusing circumstances.

Set in a fictional island known as Hypolympia, the narrative explores the existence of various gods, who have chosen to reside in this peculiar place away from the mortal world. Gosse masterfully crafts a world that combines elements of Greek mythology with his own imaginative inventions, resulting in a truly original storyline.

The novel's greatest strength lies in its ironic and comedic portrayal of the gods. Gosse skillfully characterizes these immortals as flawed, petty, and altogether human-like in their actions and motives. This approach adds a distinct layer of humor as readers witness the gods' constant bickering, infatuations, and misguided attempts to exert their divine powers.

Moreover, the author's style of writing is captivating and highly descriptive, painting vivid images of the enchanting landscapes and the whimsical beings that inhabit them. Gosse's prose possesses a poetic quality that elevates the narrative, embedding the reader in the fantastical realm of Hypolympia.

In addition to the engaging storyline and strong characterization, Gosse also weaves in themes of power, morality, and the fallibility of the divine. Through the gods' interactions and the mortal inhabitants' observations, the novel prompts readers to question the very nature of authority and the limits of godly influence.

While Hypolympia Or, The Gods in the Island delights with its humor and imaginative world-building, it may not be a book for everyone. Its tongue-in-cheek style and irony may require readers to familiarize themselves with the genre and appreciate the satirical undertones.

Overall, Hypolympia Or, The Gods in the Island, an Ironic Fantasy is an enjoyable and thought-provoking novel that will leave readers amused and pondering the nature of divinity and the foibles of the gods. Edmund Gosse's skillful storytelling and unique blend of humor and fantasy make this a book that stands out in the realm of comedic literature.

First Page:

Verse by the Same Author

ON VIOL AND FLUTE KING ERIK FERDAUSI IN EXILE IN RUSSET AND SILVER

HYPOLYMPIA

The Gods in the Island

An Ironic Fantasy

EDMUND GOSSE

London William Heinemann 1901

PREFACE

The scene of this fantasy is an island, hitherto inhabited by Lutherans, in a remote but temperate province of Northern Europe. The persons are the Gods of Ancient Greece. The time is early in the Twentieth Century.

[ A terrace high above the sea, which is seen far below, through vast masses of woodland. Steps lead down towards the water, from the centre of the scene. To the left, a large, low country house, of unpretentious character, in the style of the late eighteenth century. Gardens belonging to the same period, and now somewhat neglected and overgrown, stretch on either side. The edge of the terrace is marked by a stone balustrade, with a stone seat running round it within. At the top of steps, ascending, appear APHRODITE and EROS.]

APHRODITE.

A moment, Eros. Let us sit here. What can this flutter at my girdle be? I breathe with difficulty. Oh! Eros, can this be death?

EROS.

Death? Ah! no; you have roses in your cheeks, mother. Your lips are like blood.

APHRODITE... Continue reading book >>

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