영어로 읽는 고전 _ 메러디스 니콜슨의 가족을 위한 어려운 결정
"The Lords of High Decision"(초기 20세기 작품)은 가족 관계와 사회적 기대를 중심으로 이야기가 전개되는 Meredith Nicholson의 소설입니다.
이 작품은 Wayne Craighill과 그의 자매 Fanny를 중심으로, 그들의 아버지가 Adelaide Allen이라는 젊은 여성과 재혼하려는 상황에서 발생하는 갈등을 다룹니다.
소설은 Craighill 가의 저녁 식사 장면으로 시작됩니다. Wayne이 자매 Fanny를 만나는 자리에서, 두 남매는 아버지가 곧 결혼을 발표할 것이라 예감하며 긴장감이 고조됩니다. 특히 아직 죽은 어머니를 애도하는 중인 그들에게, 이 재혼은 가족 간의 유대를 흔들 수 있는 중대한 사건입니다.
Colonel Craighill이 워싱턴에서의 논의와 임박한 발표에 대해 이야기하는 동안, 남매는 아버지에 대한 가족애와 상황에 대한 불만 사이에서 갈등합니다. 이러한 도입부는 이후 전개될 그들의 갈등, 야망, 그리고 그들의 사회적 계층에서 요구되는 기대와 규범을 탐구하는 토대가 됩니다.
이 소설은 사랑, 원망, 그리고 상실 후 삶을 이어가는 과정의 복잡성을 섬세하게 다룹니다.

Classics Read in English _ The Lords of High Decision by Meredith Nicholson
"The Lords of High Decision" by Meredith Nicholson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around familial dynamics and societal expectations as it follows Wayne Craighill and his sister Fanny, who confront the implications of their father's imminent second marriage to a younger woman, Adelaide Allen. The narrative delves into themes of love, resentment, and the complexities of moving forward after loss. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to a dinner at the Craighill household where tension brews as Wayne meets his sister Fanny. They suspect their father is about to announce a marriage that could disrupt their family bond, especially as they still mourn their deceased mother. As Colonel Craighill shares details about his discussions in Washington and the impending announcement, the siblings struggle between familial love and their growing discontent about the situation. This opening sets the stage for the exploration of their conflicts, ambitions, and the societal norms that enforce expectations within their circle.

Among the contents
AS Mrs. John McCandless Blair entered the house her brother, Wayne Craighill, met her in the hall. The clock on the stair landing was striking seven.
“On time, Fanny? How did it ever happen?” he demanded as she caught his hands and peered into his face. He blinked under her scrutiny; she always gave him this sharp glance when they met,?and its significance was not wasted on him; but she was satisfied and kissed him, and then, as he took her wrap:
“For heaven’s sake what’s up, Wayne? Father was ominously solemn in telephoning me to come over. John’s dining at the Club?I think father wants to see us alone.”
“It rather looks that way, Fanny,” replied Wayne, laughing at his sister’s earnestness.
“Well, is he going to do it at last?”
“There’s no use kicking if he is, so be prepared for the worst.”
“Well, if it’s that Baltimore woman??”

Contents
I. The Face in the Locket
II. The Lady of Difficult Occasions
III. A Letter, a Bottle and an Old Friend
IV. The Ways of Wayne Craighill
V. A Child of the Iron City
VI. Before a Portrait by Sargent
VII. Wayne Counsels his Sister
VIII. The Coming of Mrs. Craighill
IX. “Help Me to be a Good Woman”
X. Mr. Walsh Meets Mrs. Craighill
XI. Paddock Delivers an Invitation
XII. The Shadows Against the Flame
XIII. Jean Morley
XIV. A Light Supper for Two
XV. Mrs. Blair is Displeased
XVI. The Trip to Boston
XVII. Mrs. Craighill Bides at Home
XVIII. The Snow_storm at Rosedale
XIX. Mr. Wingfield Calls on Mr. Walsh
XX. Evening at the Craighills’
XXI. Soundings in Deep Waters
XXII. A Conference at the Allequippa
XXIII. The End of a Sleigh-ride
XXIV. Jean Answers a Question
XXV. Colonel Craighill is Annoyed
XXVI. Colonel Craighill Scores a Point
XXVII. “I’m Going Back to Joe”
XXVIII. Closed Doors
XXIX. “You Love Another Man, Jean”
XXX. The House of Peace
XXXI. Wayne Sees Jean Again
XXXII. An Angry Encounter
XXXIII. The High Moment of Their Lives
XXXIV. The Heart of the Bugle
XXXV. Golden Bridge
XXXVI. Two Old Friends Seek Wayne
XXXVII. Wayne Visits His Father’s House
XXXVIII. “They’re Callin’ Strikes on Me”
XXXIX. We See Walsh Again
XL. The Belated Appearance of John McCandless Blair
XLI. “My City _ Our City”