영어로 읽는 고전 _ 메러디스 니콜슨의 시인
"The Poet"는 20세기 초에 쓰인 Meredith Nicholson의 소설입니다.
이 작품은 '시인'이라 불리는 섬세하고 내성적인 주인공을 중심으로 전개됩니다. 그는 목가적이지만 문제를 안고 있는 자신의 공동체에서 다양한 인물들과 교류하며 삶, 사랑, 인간관계의 복잡성을 고민합니다. 이야기는 주민들을 둘러싼 기쁨과 슬픔을 관찰하며 펼쳐지는데, 특히 가정 불화에 가려진 순수함을 상징하는 어린 소녀 Marjorie의 곤경에 초점을 맞춥니다.
소설의 도입부에서 시인은 다른 아이들의 웃음소리 속에서 소외되고 고립된 어린 소녀 Marjorie의 우울한 상황을 성찰합니다. 그의 사색은 Marjorie의 활기찬 이모 Marian Agnew의 등장으로 중단되는데, Marian은 자연스럽게 소녀와 교감하며 그녀의 슬픔을 기쁨으로 바꿔놓습니다. 시인과 Marian 사이의 진정성 있는 상호작용은 더 깊은 관계의 발전을 암시하며, 그들의 대화에는 결혼, 가족, 예술적 야망을 둘러싼 사회적 문제와 개인적 고뇌가 녹아있습니다.
이러한 도입부는 시적 이상과 삶의 냉혹한 현실 사이의 균형에 대한 풍부한 탐구의 토대를 마련하며, 독자들이 인간 감정의 복잡성을 깊이 있게 살펴볼 수 있는 매력적인 분위기를 조성합니다.

Classics Read in English _ The Poet by Meredith Nicholson
"The Poet" by Meredith Nicholson is a novel written in the early 20th century. It revolves around a sensitive and introspective protagonist known as the Poet, who grapples with the complexities of life, love, and human relationships as he interacts with different characters in his idyllic but troubled community. The narrative unfolds through observations of the joys and sorrows enveloping the residents, particularly focusing on the plight of a little girl named Marjorie, who symbolizes the innocence often overshadowed by familial discord. At the start of the novel, the Poet reflects on the melancholic situation of Marjorie, a young girl ignored and isolated amidst the laughter of other children. His musings are interrupted by the arrival of Marian Agnew, Marjorie's lively aunt, who effortlessly engages the girl, transforming her sadness into joy. Genuine interactions between the Poet and Marian suggest the emergence of a deeper connection, while hints of societal issues and personal struggles surrounding marriage, family, and artistic ambition weave through their dialogues. The beginning sets the stage for a rich exploration of the balance between poetic ideals and the harsh realities of life, creating an inviting atmosphere for readers to delve into the complexities of human emotions.

Among the contents
“The lonesomeness of that little girl over there is becoming painful,” said the Poet from his chair by the hedge. “I can’t make out whether she’s too dressed up to play or whether it’s only shyness.”
“Poor Marjorie!” murmured Mrs. Waring. “We’ve all coaxed her to play, but she won’t budge. By the way, that’s one of the saddest cases we’ve had; it’s heartbreaking, discouraging. Little waifs like Marjorie, whose fathers and mothers can’t hit it off, don’t have a fair chance,?they are handicapped from the start.?Oh, I thought you knew; that’s the Redfields’ little girl.”

Contents
CHAPTER I. The lonesomeness of that little girl over there
CHAPTER II. Under the maples that arched the long street
CHAPTER III. A certain inadvertence marked the Poet’s ways
CHAPTER IV. When Saturday proved to be the fairest of June days
CHAPTER V. Marian and Marjorie had builded a house of sand
CHAPTER VI. It’s beautifully kind of you to want to help
CHAPTER VII. The Poet was amusing himself the next afternoon
CHAPTER VIII. Mrs. Redfield, Marian, and Marjorie were back in town
CHAPTER IX. As September waned, Fulton heard disquieting news
CHAPTER X. Indirection as a method and means to ends