Summa Perfectionis
{Summit of Perfection}
{Summit of Perfection}
While I was in grade 9 (or perhaps 10) I was to write a short story for English class. I had become interested in the history of alchemy at that time, and was first delving into socialism, however slightly. I did some breif research on my subject and came across the meaning of Summa Perfectionis, which I deemed a suitable title. I was very pleased with the results at the time, though it was filled with errors I notice so quickly now. I believe this to be a good indication of my evolution as a writer, one of the menchmarks of youth.Here, in it’s post-marked form, is “Summa Perfectionis”.
4 comments on “Digital Napsack 025”
I admire your use of imagery. *gives standing ovation*
Have you ever read any Paulo Coelho? If you haven’t, I think you should. I think you would have a deeper understanding of his work than most.
The only thing I can criticize about your short story is that (probably due to the limitations of the assignment) it was too short. I think there was much more that you wanted to say. Have you ever considered expanding it?
Thanks.
I have not heard of Paulo Coelho. Could you tell me more about him?
The assignment did limit the lenght of the piece, so I’m sure it could have been expanded. However, it’s not the sort of story I would write today, so to expand it would be something I would be unlikely to explore. I think it needs to stand as it is to show me how much I’ve evolved as a writer and also to show me how far I have yet to go.
Paulo Coelho is my boyfriend’s favorite writer. He is Brazilian, so his work is originally in Portuguese. It translates beautifully into Spanish, but I’ve never read any English translations, though one of his books was a cornerstone to the storyline of the movie “Serendipity” (that was where the girl wrote her name), so I suppose they are at least good translations (if not amazing) because people actually do read them.
Your story reminds me of “The Alchemist” and “The Pilgrimage” (which is said to be the “grown-up” version of “The Alchemist”, which is not a children’s book, yet is read and loved by children). Coelho uses the same sort of rich imagery that you do.
I recently read “Eleven Minutes”, which is told from the eyes of a prostitute. It’s the sort of book you don’t expect to read, but then can’t put down. Right now I’m reading the Spanish version of “Manual of the Warrior of Light”, which is a book of daily meditations.
http://www.paulocoelho.com.br/engl/index.html
Mr. Coelho certainly seems very interesting, and I’ll look out for his books.