"Sweets" by Robert Lynd

Robert Lynd (1879-1949) was an Irish essayist, journalist, and critic. He was born in Belfast, Ireland, and educated at Trinity College Dublin. After graduating, he worked as a journalist for several newspapers, including the Manchester Guardian and the Daily News. He also wrote several books of essays, including "A Selection from the Essays of Robert Lynd" (1923) and "The Green Fool" (1920).

Lynd's essay "Sweets" explores the nature of sweetness and its role in human life. He argues that sweetness is not simply a physical sensation, but also a complex emotional and psychological experience. Sweetness can be associated with pleasure, comfort, and security, but it can also be associated with temptation, indulgence, and even corruption.

The essay begins with Lynd discussing the different ways in which sweetness is represented in art, literature, and culture. He cites examples of sweet foods, drinks, and flowers, as well as sweet sounds, smells, and words. He also discusses the symbolism of sweetness in religious and philosophical traditions.

Lynd then goes on to argue that sweetness is a complex and contradictory emotion. It can be both pleasurable and dangerous. It can both comfort us and tempt us. He writes, "Sweetness is a quality that is not easy to define. It is not simply a matter of taste, but also of feeling. It is a quality that can be both attractive and repulsive, both comforting and dangerous."

Lynd then discusses the different ways in which sweetness can be used to manipulate and control people. He cites examples of advertisers who use sweet images and sounds to sell products, and of politicians who use sweet promises to win votes. He writes, "Sweetness is a powerful weapon. It can be used to seduce, to deceive, and to control."

Finally, Lynd concludes the essay by arguing that sweetness is a powerful emotion that can have a profound impact on our lives. He writes, "Sweetness is a complex and contradictory emotion. It can be both pleasurable and dangerous. It can both comfort us and tempt us. But it is an emotion that is essential to our humanity. It is an emotion that reminds us of our childhood, of our loved ones, and of the beauty of the world around us."

Lynd's essay "Sweets" is a thoughtful and insightful exploration of a complex and often contradictory emotion. The essay is well-written and engaging, and it offers a unique perspective on the role of sweetness in human life.

Here are some additional observations about the essay:

Lynd's use of language is vivid and evocative. He uses a variety of sensory imagery to create a sense of the sweetness he is describing.

Lynd's essay is full of interesting insights into the nature of sweetness. He explores the different ways in which sweetness can be experienced, both physically and emotionally.

Lynd's essay is also thought-provoking. He raises some interesting questions about the role of sweetness in our lives.

Overall, "Sweets" is a well-written and thought-provoking essay that offers a unique perspective on the nature of sweetness. It is a valuable addition to any collection of essays on the subject.