영어로 읽는 고전 _ 에델 M. 델의 100번째 기회
"백번째 기회"는 에델 M. 델이 20세기 초에 쓴 소설입니다. 이 이야기는 장애가 있는 남동생 버니를 돌보는 부담과 현재의 재정적 불안정이 가져오는 어려움에 시달리는 젊은 여성 모드 브라이언을 중심으로 전개됩니다. 모드의 고난은 그녀의 어머니가 모드가 혐오스럽게 여기는 남자와 재혼하기로 결정하면서 더욱 심화되며, 이는 그들의 비참한 상황에 대한 그녀의 깊은 원한과 내적 갈등으로 이어집니다.
이야기의 시작 부분에서, 우리는 브라이언 가족의 복잡한 사정을 소개받습니다. 유아기에 심각한 부상을 입은 후 그녀의 돌봄에 의존하는 버니에 대한 모드의 보호적인 성향이 뚜렷하게 나타납니다. 그들의 상황은 레이디 브라이언이 하층 계급 출신의 자수성가한 남자인 셰퍼드 씨와 결혼하려는 의도로 인해 더욱 복잡해지며, 이는 모드의 분노와 절망적인 무력감을 불러일으킵니다. 이 시작 부분들은 모드의 삶을 정의하는 감정적, 가족적 긴장의 기초를 마련하며, 그녀를 도덕적 딜레마와 제이크 볼튼이라는 말 조련사와의 새로운 관계 가능성으로 가득 찬 길로 인도합니다. 제이크는 그녀의 친구이자 확립된 세계관에 잠재적 위협이 될 수 있는 인물입니다.
Classics Read in English _ The Hundredth Chance by Ethel M. Dell
"The Hundredth Chance" by Ethel M. Dell is a novel from the early 20th century that remains relevant in its exploration of family dynamics and social pressures. The narrative centers on Maud Brian, a resilient young woman shouldering the responsibility of caring for her disabled brother Bunny while navigating the precarious terrain of their financial instability. Maud's already challenging circumstances are further complicated by her mother's decision to remarry a man whom Maud finds deeply objectionable, triggering intense resentment and internal turmoil as she grapples with their increasingly difficult situation.
The opening chapters effectively establish the intricacies of the Brian family's relationships. Readers immediately sense Maud's fierce protectiveness toward Bunny, who has depended on her care since suffering a debilitating injury during infancy. Their delicate family balance faces disruption when Lady Brian announces her intention to marry Mr. Sheppard, a self made businessman from a lower social stratum?a decision that provokes Maud's vehement opposition and overwhelming sense of powerlessness. These initial scenes skillfully lay the foundation for the emotional and familial tensions that shape Maud's existence, propelling her along a path filled with ethical quandaries and potential new connections, particularly with Jake Bolton, a horse trainer whose presence serves as both a source of friendship and a challenge to her established worldview.
Among the contents
"My dear Maud, I hope I am not lacking in proper pride. But it is an accepted though painful fact that beggars cannot be choosers."
Lady Brian spoke with plaintive emphasis the while she drew an elaborate initial in the sand at her feet with the point of her parasol.
"I cannot live in want," she said, after a thoughtful moment or two. "Besides, there is poor little Bunny to be considered." Another thoughtful pause; then: "What did you say, dear?"
Lady Brian's daughter made an abrupt movement without taking her eyes off the clear cut horizon; beautiful eyes of darkest, deepest blue under straight black brows that gave them a somewhat forbidding look. There was nothing remarkable about the rest of her face. It was thin and sallow and at the moment rather drawn, not a contented face, and yet possessing a quality indefinable that made it sad rather than bitter. Her smile was not very frequent, but when it came it transfigured her utterly. No one ever pictured that smile of hers beforehand. It came so brilliantly, so suddenly, like a burst of sunshine over a brown and desolate landscape, making so vast a difference that all who saw it for the first time marvelled at the unexpected glow.
