영어로 읽는 SF 소설 _ 프레드릭 폴의 정복당한 지구
"Plague of Pythons"은 Frederik Pohl이 1965년에 발표한 과학 소설이다. 이 작품은 인류가 미지의 외계 존재에 의해 조종당하는 암울한 미래를 그리고 있다. 소설은 갑자기 전 세계적으로 무작위적인 폭력과 파괴 행위가 발생하면서 시작된다. 주인공은 이러한 사건의 가해자로 오해받아 추방당하지만, 점차 진실을 파헤치게 된다. Pohl은 인간의 신체를 원격으로 조종하는 외계 존재들의 개념을 통해 자유 의지, 책임, 그리고 인간성의 본질에 대한 철학적 질문을 던진다. 작품은 긴장감 넘치는 서사와 함께 인간 사회의 취약성, 기술의 양면성, 그리고 극한 상황에서의 인간 본성을 탐구한다. "Plague of Pythons"는 Pohl 특유의 예리한 사회 비평과 과학적 상상력이 조화롭게 어우러진 작품으로, 독자들에게 깊은 성찰을 요구하는 도발적인 SF 소설이다.

Reading Science Fiction Novels in English _ Plague of Pythons by Frederik Pohl
"Plague of Pythons" is a science fiction novel published in 1965 by Frederik Pohl. It depicts a dark future where humanity is controlled by unknown extraterrestrial beings. The novel begins with the sudden occurrence of random acts of violence and destruction around the world. The protagonist is mistaken for the perpetrator of these events and is exiled, but gradually begins to uncover the truth. Pohl poses philosophical questions about free will, responsibility, and the nature of humanity through the concept of extraterrestrial beings remotely controlling human bodies. The work explores the vulnerability of human society, the duality of technology, and human nature in extreme situations along with a tense narrative. "Plague of Pythons" is a provocative science fiction novel that harmoniously combines Pohl's characteristic sharp social criticism and scientific imagination, and demands deep reflection from readers.

Summary
The pythons had entered into Mankind. No man knew at what moment he might be Possessed!

Because of the crowd they held Chandler's trial in the all-purpose room of the high school. It smelled of leather and stale sweat. He walked up the three steps to the stage, with the bailiff's hand on his elbow, and took his place at the defendant's table.
Chandler's lawyer looked at him without emotion. He was appointed by the court. He was willing to do his job, but his job didn't require him to like his client. All he said was, "Stand up. The judge is coming in."

Contents
CHAPTER I. Because of the crowd they held Chandler's trial
CHAPTER II. The odd thing about Chandler's dilemma
CHAPTER III. The pain was still burning when Chandler awoke
CHAPTER IV. Chandler yelled hoarsely
CHAPTER V. Chandler's body carried him rapidly toward
CHAPTER VI. They roared through downtown Honolulu
CHAPTER VII. A pink and silver bus let Chandler off at Fort Street
CHAPTER VIII. By the morning of the fourth day on the island
CHAPTER IX. Chandler had his empty glass halfway to his lips
CHAPTER X. Three days later Koitska's voice
CHAPTER XI. Whatever Chandler's life might be worth
CHAPTER XII. Chandler was a concubine?not even that
CHAPTER XIII. For nine days Chandler's status remained in limbo.
CHAPTER XIV. Chandler loped silently up the stairs to Koitska's suite
CHAPTER XV. Chandler strolled out of the TWA building