영어로 읽는 고전 _ 찰스 H.S. 존 쿠퍼의 가상결혼
"헨리 세인트 존 쿠퍼의 '가상의 결혼(The Imaginary Marriage)'은 20세기 초에 쓰여진 소설입니다. 이야기는 영국 사회를 배경으로 휴 올스턴(Hugh Alston)과 조안 메러디스(Joan Meredyth)의 삶을 중심으로 전개되며, 이들은 복잡한 로맨스, 오해, 그리고 사회적 기대가 얽힌 상황에 처해 있습니다. 주요 주제로는 사랑, 충성심, 그리고 개인적 관계에 미치는 사회적 지위의 영향이 포함되며, 특히 린든 부인(Lady Linden)이 조카 마조리(Marjorie)의 미래를 좌우하려는 시도가 조안과 휴를 둘러싼 복잡한 상황으로 이어집니다. 이야기의 시작 부분에서, 우리는 독단적이지만 친절한 보호자인 린든 부인을 만나게 되는데, 그녀는 조카 마조리가 진정한 사랑인 톰 아룬델(Tom Arundel) 대신 부유하지만 평범한 휴 올스턴과 결혼하기를 고집합니다. 이로 인해 마조리를 돕기 위해 거짓말에 발을 들이게 된 휴가 조안 메러디스와 결혼했다고 주장하는 일련의 사건이 시작되며, 이는 감정과 관계를 복잡하게 만드는 발명입니다. 이후 휴와 조안은 이러한 기만의 결과에 직면하게 되며, 오해와 사회적 압력 속에서 그들의 진정한 감정을 탐색하게 됩니다. 초반부 장들은 캐릭터 발전을 위한 풍부한 프레임워크를 구축하며, 이야기가 진행됨에 따라 더 깊은 갈등과 감정적 탐구를 예고합니다."
Classics Read in English _ The Imaginary Marriage by Henry St. John Cooper
"The Imaginary Marriage" by Henry St. John Cooper is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the lives of Hugh Alston and Joan Meredyth, who are involved in a complex web of romance, misunderstandings, and social expectations, set against the backdrop of British society. Central themes include love, loyalty, and the impact of social status on personal relationships, particularly as Lady Linden attempts to dictate her niece Marjorie's future and leads to complications involving Joan and Hugh. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Lady Linden, a domineering but kind guardian, who insists that her niece, Marjorie, marry the wealthy but unremarkable Hugh Alston instead of her true love, Tom Arundel. This sets off a chain of events where Hugh, unknowingly entering into a lie to help Marjorie, claims to be married to Joan Meredyth?an invention that complicates feelings and relationships. Both Hugh and Joan then confront the consequences of this deception, leading to an exploration of their true sentiments amidst misunderstandings and societal pressures. The opening chapters establish a rich framework for character development, foreshadowing deeper conflicts and emotional explorations as the story progresses.
Among the contents
“Don’t talk to me, miss,” said her ladyship. “I don’t want to hear any nonsense from you!”
The pretty, frightened girl who shared the drawing-room at this moment with Lady Linden of Cornbridge Manor House had not dared to open her lips. But that was her ladyship’s way, and “Don’t talk to me!” was a stock expression of hers. Few people were permitted to talk in her ladyship’s presence. In Cornbridge they spoke of her with bated breath as a “rare masterful woman,” and they had good cause.
Masterful and domineering was Lady Linden of Cornbridge, yet she was kind-hearted, though she tried to disguise the fact.
In Cornbridge she reigned supreme, men and women trembled at her approach. She penetrated the homes of the cottagers, she tasted of their foods, she rated them on uncleanliness, drunkenness, and thriftlessness; she lectured them on cooking.
On many a Saturday night she raided, single-handed, the Plough Inn and drove forth the sheepish revellers, personally conducting them to their homes and wives.
