영어로 읽는 고전 _ 맥스 브랜드의 침묵의 기수들
맥스 브랜드의 "침묵의 기수들"은 20세기 초에 쓰여진 소설입니다. 이 이야기는 예수회 기관에서 자란 초심자인 피에르 르 루주를 소개하고, 정체성, 의무, 복수의 복잡성에 의해 행동의 사람으로 변모하는 그의 변화를 탐구합니다. 이 서사는 북부 황야를 배경으로 전개되며, 특히 피에르가 그의 과거와 그의 양육에 크게 영향을 미친 빅터 신부와 같은 인물들과의 관계와 씨름하면서 자아 발견과 도덕적 갈등의 주제를 다룹니다.
소설의 도입부는 그들의 제자인 피에르에 대한 중요한 대화를 나누는 두 사제인 앤서니 신부와 빅터 신부를 소개하면서 긴장된 분위기를 조성합니다. 빅터 신부는 피에르에 대한 깊은 자부심을 표현하며, 그를 캐나다의 야생 사람들 사이에 그들의 신앙을 전파할 운명인 "번개"라고 칭합니다. 그러나 이 자부심은 특히 피에르의 온화한 성격이 그의 임무에 내재된 폭력과 대조되면서 집착의 경계에 위태롭게 서 있습니다. 텍스트는 피에르가 가족과 소속감에 대한 그의 이해를 뒤흔드는 멀어진 아버지로부터 편지를 받은 후 새롭게 발견한 정체성과의 투쟁을 암시합니다. 이 장은 피에르가 아버지의 과거를 직면하기 위한 여정을 시작하기로 결심하면서 끝이 나며, 복수와 구원에 대한 탐구의 무대를 마련합니다.
Classics Read in English _ Riders of the Silences by Max Brand
Max Brand's "Riders of the Silences" is a novel from the early 20th century that introduces Pierre le Rouge, a novice raised in a Jesuit institution, and explores his transformation into a man of action driven by the complexities of identity, duty, and vengeance. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the northern wilderness and delves into themes of self-discovery and moral conflict, particularly as Pierre struggles with his past and his relationships with figures like Father Victor, who has significantly influenced his upbringing.
The novel opens by establishing a tense atmosphere as we meet Father Anthony and Father Victor, two priests engaged in a critical conversation about their pupil, Pierre. Father Victor expresses deep pride in Pierre, calling him a "thunderbolt" destined to spread their faith among the wild people of Canada. However, this pride teeters on the edge of obsession, especially as Pierre's gentle nature contrasts with the violence inherent in his mission. The text hints at Pierre's struggles with his newfound identity after receiving a letter from his estranged father that shatters his understanding of family and belonging. The chapter concludes with Pierre determined to embark on a journey to confront his father's past, setting the stage for an exploration of revenge and redemption.
Among the contents
It seemed that Father Anthony gathered all the warmth of the short northern summer and kept it for winter use, for his good nature was an actual physical force. From his ruddy face beamed such an ardent kindliness that people literally reached out towards him as they might extend their hands toward a comfortable fire.
All the labors of his work as an Inspector of Jesuit institutions across the length and breadth of Canada could not lessen the flame of the good father's enthusiasm; his smile was as indefatigable as his critical eyes. The one looked sharply into every corner of a room and every nook and hidden cranny of thoughts and deeds; the other veiled the criticism and soothed the wounds of vanity.
On this day, however, the sharp eyes grew a little less keen and somewhat wider, while that smile was fixed rather by habit than inclination. In fact, his expression might be called a frozen kindliness as he looked across the table to Father Victor.
It required a most indomitable geniality, indeed, to outface the rigid piety of Jean Paul Victor. His missionary work had carried him far north, where the cold burns men thin.
