Flames

Name: Flames
Author: Robert Hichens

A cultivated young Londoner lives by intellectual discipline and is renowned among acquaintances for his deliberate purity. Restless curiosity gradually unsettles his contentment as he begins to wonder why he cannot share the appetites and excesses he observes in others. A close friendship with a temperamentally opposite companion frames late-night conversations that expose and deepen his doubts. The narrative follows his inward questioning and social interactions as he weighs ascetic restraint against the lure of worldly experience. Themes include the conflict between intellect and desire, the pull of modern urban life on moral identity, and the costs involved in choosing restraint or indulgence.

By Robert Hichens

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British Literature Philosophy & Ethics

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About the Author

Robert Hichens

Robert Hichens was an English author known for his diverse literary contributions, including novels, essays, and travel writing. His works often explore themes of love, morality, and the complexities of human relationships. One of his notable novels, "Bella Donna," delves into the life of a woman torn between passion and societal expectations. Hichens also wrote extensively about Egypt, as seen in his travelogue "Egypt and Its Monuments," which reflects his fascination with the culture and history of the region. With a career spanning several decades, Hichens left a significant mark on early 20th-century literature.