영어로 읽는 고전 _ 조셉 새먹슨의 도망자
조셉 새먹슨의 "도망자"는 1950년대 초에 쓰인 SF 중편소설이다. 이야기는 모험을 갈망하고 가상의 영웅들로부터 영감을 받아 우주 탐험가가 되는 꿈을 꾸는 플라토라는 어린 소년을 따라간다. 그가 가출하여 우주선에 몰래 탑승할 계획을 세우면서, 이야기는 상상력, 어린 시절의 꿈, 그리고 젊은 열망과 성인 생활의 현실 사이의 극명한 대조라는 주제들을 탐구한다.평범한 학교 생활과 독특한 이름으로 인한 놀림에 답답함을 느끼던 플라토는 자신만의 모험을 시작하기로 결심한다. 그는 가짜 티켓을 만드는 것부터 배에 몰래 탑승하는 것까지 자신의 탈출을 치밀하게 계획한다. 그러나 그의 환상적인 여행은 그의 열망을 좌절시키는 권위자들에 의해 발각되면서 반전을 맞는다. 궁극적으로 이 이야기는 젊음의 순수한 꿈과 사회적 기대가 부과하는 냉혹한 제약 사이의 갈등을 드러내며, 플라토가 자신의 모험 꿈에 도전하는 가혹한 현실과 맞닥뜨리면서 어린 시절 순수함의 상실에 대한 가슴 아픈 상기로 절정에 달한다.
Classics Read in English _ Runaway by Joseph Samachson
Joseph Samachson's "Runaway" emerges as a poignant early 1950s science fiction work that captures the universal struggle between childhood wonder and adult disillusionment. The novella centers on young Plato, whose classical name becomes both a source of mockery and a symbol of his philosophical nature as he navigates the gap between dreams and reality.
Driven by dissatisfaction with his ordinary existence and inspired by the space adventure stories of his era, Plato constructs an elaborate fantasy of escape that reflects the deep human need for purpose and excitement. His careful preparation?from forging documents to mapping out his clandestine boarding strategy?demonstrates both the ingenuity of youth and the lengths to which imagination can drive us when reality feels insufficient.
Samachson uses Plato's adventure as a lens to examine larger questions about conformity, authority, and the price of growing up. The boy's eventual discovery by adults represents more than just the failure of a single scheme; it symbolizes society's systematic dismantling of youthful idealism in favor of practical resignation.
The novella's emotional power lies not in its science fiction elements but in its honest portrayal of the moment when children first encounter the limitations that will define their adult lives. Plato's thwarted journey becomes a metaphor for the compromises we all must make, while his classical namesake reminds us that the tension between ideal and reality has challenged human nature across centuries.
Through this intimate coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of humanity's space age ambitions, Samachson creates a work that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the sting of dreams deferred by practical concerns.
Among the contents
"Plato!"
Plato leaped to his feet and slid the book under the pillow. Then he seized a textbook at random, and opened it wide. His eyes fastened themselves to the print, seizing upon the meaningless words as if they would save him from a retribution that Rogue Rogan had never had to fear.
The dorm master frowned from the doorway. "Plato, didn't you hear the Assembly bell?"
"Assembly?" Plato's eyes looked up in mild astonishment. "No, sir, I didn't hear any bell. I was so absorbed in my studying, sir?" He shut the book and placed it back with the others. "I'm sorry, sir. I'm willing to accept my punishment."
The dorm master studied the little martyr's expression. "You'd better be, Plato. Now live up to your name and show some intelligence. Run along to Assembly."
