〈영어로 읽는 고전 _ 시어도어 드라이저의 천재〉
"천재"는 1915년에 처음 출판된 테오도르 드라이저(Theodore Dreiser)의 소설이다. 이 소설은 빈곤, 사회적 기대, 내면의 악마와 싸우면서 세상에서 자신의 자리를 찾기 위해 고군분투하는 재능 있는 예술가 유진 위틀라(Eugene Witla)의 이야기를 담고 있다.
19세기 말과 20세기 초 미국을 배경으로 한 이 소설은 중서부에서의 소박한 시작부터 뉴욕시의 활기 넘치는 예술계에서 성공적인 예술가로 자리매김하려는 시도까지 유진의 여정을 다루고 있다. 그 과정에서 유진은 사랑과 관계의 복잡성, 예술적 우수성 추구, 삶의 가혹한 현실과 씨름하기도 한다.
"The Genius"는 종종 Dreiser의 가장 자서전적인 작품 중 하나로 간주되며, 고군분투하는 작가이자 예술가로서의 자신의 경험이 바탕이 되었다. 소설은 예술적 천재의 본질, 예술적 야망과 사회적 규범의 충돌, 경쟁이 치열한 세상에서 성공의 대가와 같은 주제를 이야기하고 있다.
〈Classics to read in English_ The Genius by Theodore Dreiser 〉
"Genius" is a novel by Theodore Dreiser, first published in 1915. The novel tells the story of Eugene Witla, a talented artist struggling to find his place in the world while battling poverty, social expectations, and inner demons.
Set in late 19th and early 20th century America, the novel follows Eugene's journey from his humble beginnings in the Midwest to his attempts to establish himself as a successful artist in New York City's vibrant art scene. Along the way, Eugene wrestles with the complexities of love and relationships, the pursuit of artistic excellence, and the harsh realities of life.
"The Genius" is often considered one of Dreiser's most autobiographical works, and was based on his own experiences as a struggling writer and artist. The novel addresses topics such as the nature of artistic genius, the clash between artistic ambition and social norms, and the price of success in a highly competitive world.
Summary
"Eugene Witla, wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour her, and keep her in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?"
"I will."
This story has its beginnings in the town of Alexandria, Illinois, between 1884 and 1889, at the time when the place had a population of somewhere near ten thousand. There was about it just enough of the air of a city to relieve it of the sense of rural life. It had one street-car line, a theatre,?or rather, an opera house, so-called (why no one might say, for no opera was ever performed there)?two railroads, with their stations, and a business district, composed of four brisk sides to a public square. In the square were the county court-house and four newspapers. These two morning and two evening papers made the population fairly aware of the fact that life was full of issues, local and national, and that there were many interesting and varied things to do. On the edge of town, several lakes and a pretty stream?perhaps Alexandria's most pleasant feature?gave it an atmosphere not unakin to that of a moderate-priced summer resort. Architecturally the town was not new.
