영어로 읽는 SF고전 _ 에드가 R. 버로스의 괴물들
"괴물들"은 20세기 초에 쓰여진 에드거 라이스 버로우스의 소설입니다. 이 책은 새로운 생명체를 만들기 위해 논란이 되는 실험을 하는 맥슨 교수를 중심으로 창조, 정체성, 그리고 과학적 야망의 괴물 같은 결과를 탐구합니다. 서사는 아버지의 강박적인 추구와 그로 인한 위험의 복잡성을 헤쳐나가는 그의 딸 버지니아 맥슨을 통해 보완됩니다.
이야기의 시작은 "넘버원"이라 부르는 기괴한 존재를 만드는 데 실패한 후 깊은 감정적 혼란에 빠진 맥슨 교수를 소개합니다. 맥슨 교수가 자신의 끔찍한 작업의 증거를 숨기려 하는 동안, 우리는 아버지의 실험의 충격적인 본질을 전혀 모르는 딸 버지니아와의 다정하지만 긴장된 관계를 보게 됩니다.
연구를 계속하기 위해 파마룽 제도로 여행을 떠나면서 이야기는 더욱 복잡해지고, 해적들과의 조우와 앞으로 펼쳐질 괴물 같은 결과들을 암시합니다. 긴장감이 고조되면서, 맥슨의 작업이 버지니아와 그가 창조한 생명체들에게 재앙적인 영향을 미칠 수 있다는 것이 분명해집니다. 모험, 공포, 그리고 윤리적 딜레마가 매력적으로 혼합된 이야기는 독자들을 생생하고 불안한 세계로 끌어들입니다.
Classics Read in English _ The Monster Men by Edgar Rice Burroughs
"The Monster Men" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a novel written during the early 20th century. The book explores themes of creation, identity, and the monstrous consequences of scientific ambitions, centering around Professor Maxon, who engages in controversial experiments to create new life forms. The narrative is complemented by his daughter, Virginia Maxon, who navigates the complexities of her father's obsessive pursuits and the ensuing dangers.
The opening of the story introduces Professor Maxon in a state of deep emotional turmoil after a failed experiment in which he created a grotesque being, whom he refers to as "Number One." As Professor Maxon tries to hide the evidence of his grim work, we see a tender yet strained relationship with his daughter Virginia, who is blissfully unaware of the shocking nature of her father's experiments.
The plot thickens when they travel to the Pamarung Islands to continue his research, leading to encounters with pirates and foreshadowing the monstrous consequences that will unfold. As the tension rises, it becomes evident that Maxon's work may have disastrous implications for Virginia and the creatures he has brought into existence. This compelling blend of adventure, horror, and ethical dilemma draws readers into a vivid and unsettling world.
Among the contents
As he dropped the last grisly fragment of the dismembered and mutilated body into the small vat of nitric acid that was to devour every trace of the horrid evidence which might easily send him to the gallows, the man sank weakly into a chair and throwing his body forward upon his great, teak desk buried his face in his arms, breaking into dry, moaning sobs.
Beads of perspiration followed the seams of his high, wrinkled forehead, replacing the tears which might have lessened the pressure upon his overwrought nerves. His slender frame shook, as with ague, and at times was racked by a convulsive shudder. A sudden step upon the stairway leading to his workshop brought him trembling and wide eyed to his feet, staring fearfully at the locked and bolted door.
Although he knew perfectly well whose the advancing footfalls were, he was all but overcome by the madness of apprehension as they came softly nearer and nearer to the barred door. At last they halted before it, to be followed by a gentle knock.
