영어로 읽는 고전 _ 메러디스 니콜슨의 5월의 광기
"The Madness of May"는 20세기 초에 쓰인 Meredith Nicholson의 소설입니다.
이 작품은 Billy Deering이라는 인물을 중심으로 전개됩니다. 그는 가족의 은행 회사에서 채권을 훔친 후 깊은 개인적 위기에 빠져 감정적 혼란을 겪고 있습니다.
이야기는 Deering의 삶에 R. Hood라는 수수께끼 같은 괴짜가 등장하면서 본격적으로 시작됩니다. Hood는 Deering의 삶에 변화를 가져오는 촉매가 되어, 그를 예측할 수 없는 모험으로 이끌며 도덕성, 우정, 행복 추구에 대한 그의 이해를 뒤흔듭니다.
소설의 도입부에서 Deering은 가족 은행에서 저지른 최근의 절도 행각으로 괴로워하며 집에 도착합니다. 그는 즐거움과 모험을 추구하는 방랑자라고 자칭하는 Hood를 만나게 되는데, 처음에는 이 낯선 이의 무심한 태도와 철학적인 생각들에 당황합니다. Hood의 존재는 Deering이 자신의 문제와 마주하게 만들고, 잃어버린 채권과 그의 가방을 가져간 수수께끼 같은 소녀에 대한 대화 후, 두 사람은 예기치 못한 여정을 시작합니다.
이러한 도입부는 로맨스, 유머, 그리고 부조리함이 독특하게 어우러진 배경 속에서 자아 발견이라는 기발한 탐구를 예고합니다.

Classics Read in English _ The Madness of May by Meredith Nicholson
"The Madness of May" by Meredith Nicholson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Billy Deering, a man who finds himself entangled in a web of emotional turmoil following his involvement in a theft of bonds and a deep personal crisis. When an enigmatic and eccentric figure named R. Hood appears in Deering's life, he becomes a catalyst for change, leading Deering into a series of unpredictable adventures that challenge his understanding of morality, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness. At the start of the novel, Deering arrives home in a state of distress, burdened by his recent theft from his family's banking firm. Encountering Hood, who claims to be a hobo seeking enjoyment and adventure, Deering is initially baffled by this stranger's carefree attitude and philosophical musings. Hood’s presence prompts Deering to confront his troubles, and after a revealing conversation about his lost bonds and a mysterious girl who has taken his suitcase, the two set off on an unexpected journey. This opening sets the tone for a whimsical exploration of self-discovery against the backdrop of an intriguing blend of romance, humor, and a sense of the absurd.

Among the contents
Billy Deering let himself into his father’s house near Radford Hills, Westchester County, and with a nod to Briggs, who came into the hall to take his hat and coat, began turning over the letters that lay on the table.
“Mr. Hood has arrived, sir,” the servant announced. “I put him in the south guest-room.”
Deering lifted his head with a jerk. “Hood?what Hood?”
“Mr. Hood is all I know, sir. He said he was expected?you had asked him for the night. If there’s a mistake??”
Deering reached for his hat and coat, which Briggs still held. His face whitened, and the outstretched hand shook visibly. Briggs eyed him with grave concern, then took a step toward the stairway.
“If you wish, sir??”

Contents
CHAPTER I. Billy Deering let himself into his father’s house
CHAPTER II. So after all the bother of stealing two hundred
CHAPTER III. On the steps of the Barton Arms an hour later Hood
CHAPTER IV. Beyond the bungalow rose a dark strip of woodland
CHAPTER V. He awoke at seven
CHAPTER VI. Hood and Deering found Cassowary sitting
CHAPTER VII. Evening dress was becoming to Hood
CHAPTER VIII. Tuck, my boy, you should cultivate
CHAPTER IX. At one o’clock West Dempster lay dark
CHAPTER X. A year has passed and it is May again