영어로 읽는 고전 _ 앤드류 랭의 더 어두운 날들
"Much Darker Days"는 19세기 후반에 쓰여진 Andrew Lang의 풍자 소설입니다. 이 작품은 당시의 크리스마스 문학에서 발견되는 전형적인 로맨스 모티프에 어둡게 비튼 코믹한 해석을 제공하며, 중산층의 삶이라는 맥락 속에서 야망, 배신, 그리고 범죄의 결과를 탐구합니다.
이야기는 한때 성공한 쇼맨이었던 베이즐 사우스를 중심으로 전개되는데, 그는 매혹적인 필리파에게 반하지만 곧 그녀의 신비로운 남편인 루난 에런드 경과의 격동적인 관계에 휘말리게 됩니다. 배신과 복수가 얽힌 일련의 사건들 후에, 필리파는 의도치 않게 루난 경을 죽이게 되고 베이즐은 그 후에 벌어지는 혼돈을 헤쳐 나가려 하면서 기만의 거미줄에 휘말리게 됩니다.
기이한 인물들과 터무니없는 상황들이 함께하는 이야기가 펼쳐지면서, 베이즐이 필리파를 법의 심판에서 보호하려는 시도는 더 많은 얽힘으로 이어지고, 결국 그의 계획의 어리석음과 인간 도덕성의 복잡성을 드러내며 코믹하고 극적인 방식으로 풀어집니다.

Classics Read in English _ Much Darker Days by Andrew Lang
"Much Darker Days" by Andrew Lang is a satirical novel written in the late 19th century. This work offers a darkly comedic twist on the typical romantic tropes found in Christmas literature of its time, as it explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the consequences of crime within the context of middle-class life. The story revolves around Basil South, a once-successful showman who falls for the enchanting Philippa, only to find himself in a tumultuous relationship with her mysterious husband, Sir Runan Errand. After a series of events involving betrayal and revenge, Philippa unwittingly kills Sir Runan and Basil becomes embroiled in a web of deception, attempting to navigate the chaos that ensues. As the narrative unfolds, accompanied by a cast of eccentric characters and absurd situations, Basil's attempts to shield Philippa from the law lead to further entanglements, which ultimately unravel in comedic and dramatic fashion, exposing the folly of his plans and the complexities of human morality.

Among the contents
WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness?that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime. Stillicide and Mayhem I (rare old crimes!) are child’s play to me, who have been an ‘accessory after the fact!’ In excuse, I can but plead two things-the excellence of the opportunity to do so, and the weakness of the resistance which my victim offered.
If you cannot allow for these, throw the book out of the railway-carriage window! You have paid your money, and to the verdict of your pale morality or absurd sense of art in fiction I am therefore absolutely indifferent. You are too angelic for me; I am too fiendish for you. Let us agree to differ.

Contents
CHAPTER I. The Curse (Registered).
CHAPTER II. A Villain’s By-Blow.
CHAPTER III. Mes Gages! Mes Gages!
CHAPTER IV. As A Hatter!
CHAPTER V. The White Groom.
CHAPTER VI. Hard As Nails.
CHAPTER VII. Rescue And Retire!
CHAPTER VIII. Local Colour.
CHAPTER IX. Saved! Saved!
CHAPTER X. Not Too Mad, But Just Mad Enough.
CHAPTER XI. A Terrible Temptation.
CHAPTER XII. Judge Juggins.
CHAPTER XIII. Cleared Up.