영어로 읽는 고전 _ 짐 하먼의 폐기물 처리
Jim Harmon의 "The Expendables"는 1960년대 초에 쓰인 공상과학 소설이다. 이 서사는 폐기물 처리를 위해 설계된 특이한 발명품을 중심으로 하지만, 그것의 사용이 범죄 영역으로 확장될 때 전제가 뒤바뀐다. 줄거리는 시체를 포함한 물체들을 존재하지 않게 만드는 능력에서 발생하는 도덕적, 윤리적 딜레마를 탐구하며, 물리 법칙과 현실을 함부로 조작하는 것의 결과를 부각시킨다.
이야기는 조폭 토니 카르멘과의 수상한 거래에 휘말리게 되는 베네티 교수를 따라간다. 베네티가 방사능 폐기물을 중화시키기 위해 고안된 자신의 발명품의 실용적 응용에 대해 양심의 가책을 느끼며 고민하는 동안, 카르멘은 그것을 시체 처리에 사용할 것을 고집한다. 그 장치가 물질을 완전히 제거할 수 있다는 것이 분명해지면서, 그들이 그러한 힘을 휘두르는 것의 예상치 못한 파급효과와 씨름하면서 줄거리는 복잡해진다. 결국 두 인물 모두 존재의 구조를 함부로 조작함으로써 촉발된 혼돈에 직면하게 되고, 이는 그들 각자의 세계에서 합법성과 도덕성의 경계를 둘러싼 긴장으로 이어진다. 베네티의 발명품은 해결책이자 위협이 되며, 자연 법칙을 거스르는 기술을 다룰 때의 인간의 책임에 대한 질문을 제기한다.
Classics Read in English _ The Expendables by Jim Harmon
Jim Harmon's "The Expendables" is a science fiction story written in the early 1960s. This narrative centers on a peculiar invention designed for waste disposal, but the premise is subverted when its use extends into the criminal realm. The plot explores the moral and ethical dilemmas arising from the ability to make objects, including bodies, cease to exist, highlighting the consequences of tampering with the laws of physics and reality.
The story follows Professor Venetti, who becomes entangled in a shady deal with mobster Tony Carmen. As Venetti struggles with his conscience over the practical applications of his invention, which is designed to neutralize radioactive waste, Carmen insists on using it for body disposal. When it becomes clear that the device can eliminate matter entirely, the plot thickens as they grapple with the unforeseen repercussions of wielding such power. Eventually, both characters face the chaos unleashed by their tampering with the fabric of existence, leading to tensions around the boundaries of legality and morality in their respective worlds. Venetti's invention poses both a solution and a threat, raising questions about human responsibility when dealing with technology that defies natural laws.
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"You see my problem, Professor?" Tony Carmen held his pinkly manicured, flashily ringed hands wide.
I saw his problem and it was warmly embarrassing.
"Really, Mr. Carmen," I said, "this isn't the sort of thing you discuss with a total stranger. I'm not a doctor?not of medicine, anyway?or a lawyer."
"They can't help me. I need an operator in your line."
"I work for the United States government. I can't become involved in anything illegal."
Carmen smoothed down the front of his too-tight midnight blue suit and touched the diamond sticking in his silver tie. "You can't, Professor Venetti? Ever hear of the Mafia?"
"I've heard of it," I said uneasily. "An old fraternal organization something like the Moose or Rosicrucians, founded in Sicily. It allegedly controls organized crime in the U.S. But that is a responsibility-eluding myth that honest Italian-Americans are stamping out. We don't even like to see the word in print."
