All the forces in the world are not so powerful as an idea whose time has come.
— Victor Hugo
From the depths, I found you
Lush hope in my palm, promise glowing from your nacre
I need, I want… But I was not alone
What does it take, to see beyond my dreams
The loss of my most precious treasure?
Breath stilled, lifeblood spilled like rubies
I needed, I wanted… yet failed to see
The real wealth I already had
Were you even worth it
When greed twists the hearts of hungry men?
With a turn of my palm, you return to the sea.
— Inspired by John Steinbeck’s The Pearl
Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité
Victor Hugo, the eminent French poet, novelist, and playwright of the 19th century, stands as a monumental figure in literary history — revered for his profound insight into the human condition, his fervent advocacy for social justice, and his enduring contributions to the Romantic movement.
Born on February 26, 1802 in Besançon, France, Hugo's literary career spanned over six decades, during which he produced a diverse body of work that continues to captivate readers worldwide. His magnum opus, Les Misérables, remains a seminal masterpiece, celebrated for its epic scope, rich characterizations, and impassioned plea for compassion and redemption in the face of adversity.
At the heart of his literary work lies a deep-seated empathy for the oppressed and marginalized members of society. Through his characters such as the ex-convict Jean Valjean and the idealistic revolutionary Marius Pontmercy, he explores themes of poverty, injustice, and the relentless pursuit of liberty and equality. His vivid descriptions of the Parisian underworld and his poignant portrayal of the struggles of the impoverished working class serve as a powerful indictment of social inequality and political oppression.
Beyond his literary achievements, Hugo was a staunch advocate for political and social reform. His unwavering commitment to progressive ideals found expression in his poetry, essays, and speeches, where he championed causes ranging from abolitionism to universal suffrage. His impassioned plea for clemency in the case of the exiled political dissident Auguste Blanqui epitomizes his unwavering dedication to the principles of freedom and justice.
His impact extended far beyond the realm of literature. As a leading figure of the Romantic movement, he revolutionized French poetry with his innovative use of language, meter, and imagery, thus inspiring future generations of poets and writers. His literary legacy continues to resonate today, serving as a timeless testament to the power of art to provoke thought, stir the soul, and ignite social change.
Victor Hugo's enduring legacy as a literary luminary, social activist, and visionary thinker remains as potent today as it was during his lifetime. Through his timeless works of fiction and poetry, he continues to inspire us to confront injustice, champion the cause of the oppressed, and strive for a more compassionate and equitable world.
From Downtrodden Roots to Transformative Fruits
As one of America's most celebrated authors, John Steinbeck transcends literary boundaries with his profound exploration of the human condition, social injustices, and the plight of the marginalized. Born in Salinas, California, on February 27, 1902, Steinbeck's upbringing amidst the agricultural landscape deeply influenced his thematic focus on laborers, migrants, and the dispossessed.
Steinbeck's literary prowess shines in his ability to capture the essence of humanity in his characters. Often drawn from the disenfranchised segments of society, they pulsate with authenticity and depth, inviting us to empathize with their struggles and aspirations.
From the resilient Joad family in The Grapes of Wrath (1939) to the unlikely companionship of George and Lennie in Of Mice and Men (1937), his characters navigate the complexities of survival, dreams, and disillusionment against the backdrop of the Great Depression. His powerful depiction of destitution, exploitation, and the human spirit earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1940.
Simplicity and sincerity characterize Steinbeck’s writing style. He possessed a remarkable ability to evoke the landscape and atmosphere of rural America by infusing his prose with vivid imagery and poignant symbolism. His use of colloquial language and dialects further immerses us in the worlds he creates.
Central to his work is his commitment to social realism. Through his resonant prose, he exposes the harsh realities faced by ordinary people, shedding light on issues of poverty, discrimination, and economic exploitation. His writing serves as a poignant critique of systemic injustices while advocating for empathy and compassion.
Beyond his literary achievements, he remains a figure of moral conscience. He used his platform to advocate for social change, speaking out against injustice and inequality. Despite facing criticism and censorship during his lifetime, John Steinbeck's cultural legacy endures — through his profound portrayal of the human experience, his unwavering commitment to social justice, and his ability to inspire empathy and compassion through his timeless storytelling. He remains a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us of the enduring power of literature to illuminate the darkest corners of the human condition and envision a brighter, more equitable future.
EndlessPens Recommends : Victor Hugo and John Steinbeck’s Working Class Heroes
For Victor Hugo and John Steinbeck, one common and essential piece of advice, quite evident in their body of work, is to write authentically. Whether it be through infusing our work with passion or by capturing the nuances of human behavior and society — it is through sincerity that we can resonate with others. Another common thread that connects their literary works is the focus on laborers, the grassroots workers. Through their characters’ life experiences, we glimpse the social milieu of their times which still exist and resonate with us today.
In honor of these February celebrants, we present a selection of everyday-carry fountain pens
Traveler's Solid Brass Fountain Pen – A compact brass fountain pen that is easy to use when you write. The texture of brass evolves over time as you use it and the top has a ring to which hooks and strings can be attached. You can also use it without clips by removing the ring parts. Insert it into the Traveler's notebook pen holder, or simply throw it into your pocket and carry it with you anytime, anywhere. Changes in the color of the brass and slight scratches from everyday use will add to its personality.
TWSBI Diamond 580 Nickel Gray Fountain Pen – The idea behind the TWSBI Diamond 580 was to go back to basics and capture the simplicity and elegance of traditional writing instruments. By fusing the traditional mechanisms of the fountain pen with a modern industrial design, an eye-catching fountain pen is created that simultaneously appreciates the past and is relevant to the present. The Diamond 580 comes with a benchmark piston ink-filling mechanism and has all-detachable parts. These allow the user to disassemble and reassemble the pen and completely experience the traditional aspects of owning and using a fountain pen.
Sailor Pro Gear Slim Mini Basic Fountain Pen – This Pro Gear Slim Mini series features a compact, pocket-sized fountain pen made of PMMA resin accented with gold trimmings. This fountain pen is equipped with a 14K gold nib, with gold plating, and uses an ink converter/cartridge system.
Pelikan P10 Vintage Studio Fountain Pen – The model Studio P10 was sold in the Netherlands, nearly identical to the Twist P10. The key difference is that the barrel and the end cap of the Studio P10 are molded in the same color. The fountain pen stands out with its single-colored barrel and cap, artfully complemented by a clip of a distinct hue. The P10 Vintage Studio fountain pen comes with a randomly selected black or blue ink cartridge.
Opus 88 Jazz Demonstrator Fountain Pen – The Opus 88 Jazz fountain pen offers a classic style with an eyedropper filling system, created with a transparent resin cap, section, and finials, along with platinum or gunmetal trims.
LAMY Studio Fountain Pen – The LAMY Studio fountain pen elegantly shows just how close design and art can be. This premium writing instrument seamlessly fuses its individual elements with its convex cylindrical form while simultaneously foregoing all unnecessary embellishments. The propeller-shaped, seemingly twisted clip complements the objective elegance with an innovative design accent.
May one of these fountain pens become your daily life companion.
There are as many worlds as there are kinds of days, and as an opal changes its colors and its fire to match the nature of a day, so do I.
— John Steinbeck
Happy Birthday Victor Hugo and John Steinbeck!
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Written by @lekzumali
Check out her musings on Instagram!
