Pharos and Pharillon
by E. M. Forster (1879–1970)
- Free to read
- 1 hour to read
- 14 chapters
- Reading level: 7th grade
"Pharos and Pharillon" by E. M. Forster is a fictional work written in the early 20th century. The narrative explores the historical and cultural significance of Alexandria, focusing on the legendary lighthouse Pharos and the events surrounding it. The book intricately weaves together both ancient and modern perspectives, showcasing the complexities of the city's identity through various characters and historical references. The opening of the book provides a rich introduction to the setting of Alexandria, recounting the geographical evolution of the site where the Pharos lighthouse once stood. It begins with a historical description of the island of Pharos and transitions into significant events from its past, including Menelaus’s misadventures and the presence of diverse communities such as Greeks, Jews, and later Arabs. As the narrative unfolds, it establishes a connection between the past and the modern day, hinting at personal reflections and philosophical musings that set the tone for the rest of the book. The scene is set for an exploration of how the remnants of history, culture, and identity continue to shape contemporary lives in this storied city.
- English essays · 20th century
- Alexandria (Egypt) · History
- Fay, Eliza, 1756-1816 · Travel
- Cavafy, Constantine, 1863-1933
- Alexandria (Egypt) · Description and travel
Read the opening
Chapter I
The career of Menelaus was a series of small mishaps. It was after he had lost Helen, and indeed after he had recovered her and was returning from Troy, that a breeze arose from the north-west and obliged him to take refuge upon a desert island. It was of limestone, close to the African coast, and to the estuary though not to the exit of the Nile, and it was protected from the Mediterranean by an outer barrier of reefs. Here he remained for twenty days, in no danger, but in high discomfort, for the accommodation was insufficient for the Queen. Helen had been to Egypt ten years before, under the larger guidance of Paris, and she could not but remark that there was nothing to see upon the island and nothing to eat and that its beaches were infested with seals. Action must be taken, Menelaus decided. He sought the sky and sea, and chancing at last to apprehend an old man he addressed to him the following wingèd word:
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About this edition
This free edition of Pharos and Pharillon by E. M. Forster comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #61116, released 2020-01-06. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Novels, British Literature.
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