For such a popular author of his time, it seems that he is so little discussed. I have a thick collection of his poems and, while he isn't my favorite, I feel like he should be more popular. Swinburne was a master of rhythm and musicality, even if he does tend to overdo it. Has anyone else read Swinburne, and if so, what are your thoughts on him?
I enjoy reading as much 19th century French literature as I can afford and I hope to learn French someday. My personal favorite author from that time would have to be Charles Baudelaire. Even though he did not write much, almost all of it is of the highest quality. He feels just as modern (perhaps even more so) as when he first appeared. Despair, ennui, the rapid mechanization of the world and life in the cities...all of these are just as timely now as they were in Baudelaire's time. And his style is so beautiful and intoxicating! What are your favorite writers from France?
I am an ardent lover of classic literature and read works written by both non-Christians and Christians alike. Recently, I have noticed that many Christian/Catholic authors have characters who say things such as "Oh God" or "Oh my God" quite often. To use an example, Flannery O'Connor (who was a very devout and educated Catholic) has some of her characters drop a GD on occasion in her novel Wiseblood. Likewise, Dostoevsky used the Lord's Name throughout many of his books. Both authors were devoted Christians. There are many more instances that I could bring up, but I am wondering: Is it permissible for authors to use the Name of our Lord like that? Obviously the name of God is worthy of the greatest respect and reverence and should not be used in vain. Are the authors who use it like that committing a sin? Or is it permissible? I appreciate the feedback.