Love in a cloud: A comedy in filigree explores the subtle tensions between sincerity and pretense within romantic and social spheres. The novel reflects on how love is shaped not only by emotion but also by performance, anonymity, and societal expectation. It considers how communication—particularly in the form of hidden identity and literary admiration—can blur the lines between fantasy and genuine connection. Through a series of witty exchanges and layered misunderstandings, the narrative examines the desire to be both known and admired, and the risks involved in revealing one's true self. The story moves through a world of carefully observed manners and drawing-room interactions, capturing the performative elegance of high society while gently satirizing its conventions. It highlights how affection, curiosity, and uncertainty intersect in moments of vulnerability, and how relationships form under the veil of idealized language and imagined personas. Ultimately, the novel offers an intricate look at the dance of romantic pursuit, where sincerity is often masked by charm and convention.
Arlo Bates was born on 16 December 1850 in East Machias, Maine. A graduate of Bowdoin College in 1876, he became a notable American author, educator, and newspaperman. In 1880, Bates took on the role of editor for the Boston Sunday Courier, a position he held for over a decade until 1893. Following his work in journalism, he transitioned into academia, becoming a professor of English at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he significantly influenced literary education. His contributions to literature spanned fiction, poetry, and criticism. Bates was known for his thoughtful prose and poetic sensibilities, with works such as The Pagans, The Philistines, and Love in a Cloud reflecting his interest in cultural and philosophical questions. He also produced several poetry collections, including Berries of the Brier and Sonnets in Shadow, and authored critical essays like Talks on Writing English. In 1900, he was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Bates passed away on 25 August 1918 in Boston, leaving behind a legacy as both a literary figure and educator.
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