영어로 읽는 고전 _ 에드나 페버의 희망을 잃지 않는 여성들
"Cheerful By Request"는 1918년에 출간된 에드나 페버의 단편소설집입니다. 이 작품집은 제목의 '요청에 따른 쾌활함'이라는 아이러니컬한 의미처럼, 삶의 고난 속에서도 희망을 잃지 않는 인물들의 이야기를 담고 있습니다.
이 책에 수록된 단편들은 주로 중서부 소도시를 배경으로 하며, 각각의 이야기는 일상적인 삶 속에서 마주하는 도전과 그것을 극복해나가는 인물들의 모습을 그립니다. 특히 여성 캐릭터들을 중심으로, 당시 사회에서 여성들이 겪는 제약과 편견, 그리고 이를 헤쳐나가는 그들의 강인함을 섬세하게 묘사했습니다.
페버는 이 작품집을 통해 현실의 고단함과 슬픔을 인정하면서도, 그 속에서 발견할 수 있는 희망과 인간의 회복력을 강조합니다. 그녀 특유의 날카로운 관찰력과 따뜻한 유머는 무거울 수 있는 주제를 균형 있게 다루며, 독자들에게 위로와 용기를 전합니다.
이 단편집은 페버의 작가적 성숙도를 잘 보여주는 작품으로, 그녀의 대표작들에서 나타나는 사회적 통찰력과 인간에 대한 깊은 이해가 잘 드러나 있습니다.

Reading Classics in English _ Cheerful By Request by Edna Ferber
"Cheerful By Request" is a collection of short stories by Edna Feber published in 1918. As the title, "Cheerful by Request," ironically suggests, contains stories of people who never lose hope in the midst of life's hardships.
The short stories in this book are mostly set in small Midwestern towns, and each story depicts the challenges faced in everyday life and the characters who overcome them. In particular, focusing on female characters, she delicately describes the restrictions and prejudices faced by women in society at the time, as well as their strength in overcoming them.
Through this collection, Feber acknowledges the hardships and sadness of reality, but also emphasizes the hope and human resilience that can be found within it. Her characteristic sharp observation and warm humor balance out the potentially heavy subject matter, providing comfort and courage to readers. This collection of short stories is a great example of Feber's maturity as a writer, and clearly demonstrates the social insight and deep understanding of humanity that are evident in her representative works.

Summary
"Cheerful_By Request" by Edna Ferber is a novel written during the late 1910s. The story primarily revolves around Josie Fifer, a struggling actress-turned-costume keeper in a theatrical warehouse, navigating her complex life in the doldrums of the New York theater scene. The narrative emphasizes the stark contrast between the grim realities of theater production and the author’s desire for a more uplifting tale in a post-war society. The opening portion introduces readers to the world of Josie Fifer, who is entrenched in the behind-the-scenes aspect of theater, managing the costumes of failed productions. The dialogue sets a tone of discontent with the prevailing gloomy and "realistic" narratives common at the time. Josie is depicted with a sharp wit and a somewhat jaded outlook, having faced years of disappointment and hardship within the industry. Through a series of vignettes, we see her reflections on her past aspirations, her current position, and her interactions with others, including Sid Hahn, a prominent theatrical manager. The opening establishes a pitch for a "cheerful" story, hinting at Josie's desire for both recognition and a more hopeful narrative amidst the tragedy she finds herself surrounded by.

Contents
I. CHEERFUL?BY REQUEST
II. THE GAY OLD DOG
III. THE TOUGH GUY
IV. THE ELDEST
V. THAT'S MARRIAGE
VI. THE WOMAN WHO TRIED TO BE GOOD
VII. THE GIRL WHO WENT RIGHT
VIII. THE HOOKER-UP-THE-BACK
IX. THE GUIDING MISS GOWD
X. SOPHY-AS-SHE-MIGHT-HAVE-BEEN
XI. THE THREE OF THEM
XII. SHORE LEAVE