영어로 읽는 고전 _ 메러디스 니콜슨의 여인의 삶
"The Proof of the Pudding"은 20세기 초에 쓰인 Meredith Nicholson의 소설입니다.
이 작품은 컨트리 클럽에서의 사교 모임을 배경으로, Nan Farley라는 젊은 여성의 복잡한 삶을 다룹니다. 이야기는 그녀가 사회적 기대를 헤쳐나가면서 개인적 관계들과 양아버지 Timothy Farley의 지속적인 영향력 사이에서 고민하는 모습을 보여줍니다.
소설은 활기찬 점심 모임에서 시작되는데, Nan이 자신의 재능인 흉내 내기로 청중들을 사로잡는 장면이 펼쳐집니다. 하지만 웃음과 박수 속에서도 그녀는 불안감을 느끼고, 곧 강가의 고독 속으로 도피하는데, 이는 그녀의 내적 갈등을 반영합니다.
과거의 인물이자 현재는 외판원이 된 Jeremiah Amidon과의 만남은 그녀의 캐릭터에 또 다른 층위를 더하며, 사회 계급과 개인적 야망이라는 주제를 부각시킵니다.
이러한 도입부는 Nan의 과거, 그녀를 둘러싼 사람들과의 관계, 그리고 이들이 그녀의 미래에 미치는 영향을 탐구하는 토대를 마련합니다.

Classics Read in English _ The Proof of the Pudding by Meredith Nicholson
"The Proof of the Pudding" by Meredith Nicholson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces readers to a social gathering at the Country Club, focusing on the complex life of a young woman named Nan Farley. The narrative delves into her attempts to navigate the expectations of society while grappling with her personal relationships and the lingering influence of her foster-father, Timothy Farley. At the start of the novel, the scene is set at a lively luncheon where Nan captivates her audience with her mimicry, showcasing her talent for entertainment. However, despite the laughter and applause, she feels an unease and soon escapes to the solitude of the riverbank, reflecting her internal struggles. The encounter with Jeremiah Amidon, a young man from her past who is now a commercial traveler, adds another layer to her character, highlighting themes of social class and personal ambition. The opening establishes a foundation for the exploration of Nan's past, her relationships with the people around her, and the impact they have on her future.

Among the contents
It was three o’clock, but the luncheon the Kinneys were giving at the Country Club had survived the passing of less leisurely patrons and now dominated the house. The negro waiters, having served all the food and drink prescribed, perched on the railing of the veranda outside the dining-room, ready to offer further liquids if they should be demanded. Such demands had not been infrequent during the two hours that had intervened since the party sat down, as a row of empty champagne bottles in the club pantry testified. The negroes watched with discreet grins the antics of a girl of twenty-two who seemed to be the center of interest. She had been entertaining the company with a variety of impersonations of local characters, rising and moving about for the better display of her powers of mimicry. Hand-clapping and cries of “Go on!” followed each of these performances.

Contents
I. A Young Lady of Moods
II. The Affairs of Mrs. Copeland
III. Mr. Farley becomes Explicit
IV. Nan and Billy’s Wife
V. A Collector of Facts
VI. An Error of Judgment
VII. Welcome Callers
VIII. Mrs. Copeland’s Good Fortune
IX. A Narrow Escape
X. The Ambitions of Mr. Amidon
XI. Canoeing
XII. Last Wills and Testaments
XIII. A Kinney Lark and its Consequences
XIV. Bills Payable
XV. Fate and Billy Copeland
XVI. An Abrupt Ending
XVII. Shadows
XVIII. Nan against Nan
XIX. Not according to Law
XX. The Copeland-Farley Cellar
XXI. A Solvent House
XXII. Null and Void
XXIII. In Trust
XXIV. “I never stopped loving him!”
XXV. Copeland’s Unknown Benefactor
XXVI. Jerry’s Dark Days
XXVII. “Just helping; just being kind!”