영미산문

문서 내 토픽

1. I Have a Dream

백 년 전 흑인노예가 해방된 이후 다시 백년이 흐른 지금 민주주의의 약속을 실현시켜야 할 시간이고 인종 차별을 넘어 정의로 도약하도록 신이 주신 기회의 문을 열어 굳건한 형제애로 정의를 구현할 때이다. 이러한 정의는 흑인이 여행하고 호텔에 머물 신체의 자유, 어디든 이동할 자유, 선거의 자유와 같은 것이다. 이는 또한 미국 독립선언서와 같이 평등하게 창조된 흑인도 당연히 누려야 할 권리이다.
2. On the Philosophy of Hats

이 에세이는 작가가 모자 가게주인과의 대화를 통해 거기서 하나의 깨달음을 얻는 과정을 그리고 있다. 모자 가게 주인은 자신의 오랜 직업을 통해 하나의 믿음을 가지게 되었다. 작가는 이 에피소드에서 모자가게 주인의 생각을 통해 자신도 되돌아보게 되는데, 이러한 작가의 자기 성찰이 이 에세이의 핵심이며 모자가게 주인과의 에피소드를 통해 작가 자신도 작가라는 직업상 언어구사능력이나 태도만으로 타인을 평가하는 잣대로 삼지는 않았는지 반성하면서 독자로 하여금 독자 자신의 사고와 행동방식에 대해서 잘못된, 근거 없는 편견을 버리도록 해 준다.
3. On National Prejudices

작가는 유럽 여행을 하는 도중에 영국인들을 만나 대화를 듣다가 그들이 다른 나라를 비하하면서 영국의 우월성을 강조하는 인상을 받고 이 같은 그들의 옹졸한 시각과 우월의식에 대한 자신의 생각을 피력한다. 즉 스페인이든 프랑스든 독일이든, 영국이든 각 나라마다 국민성의 좋고 나쁨이 공존하고 이는 상대적일 수 있다고 한다. 진정한 젠틀맨이라면 이러한 타인에 대한 편견, 선입견에서 자유로워야 함에도 편견에 사로잡힌 영국사회를 풍자하고 있는 작가는 그 대신 세계시민의 관점에서 행동할 줄 아는 의식의 성숙을 강조한다.
4. Afternoon of an American Boy

이 칼럼은 작가가 성장기에 겪은 첫사랑의 추억을 통해 그 당시 미국 사회에서 행해졌던 문인협회에 대한 정치적 탄압과 관련해 이를 풍자하고 비판하는 주제를 담고 있다. 작가는 상상을 통해 그 당시 자신의 죄책감의 원인이 정말 죄라서 조사와 심문을 받아야 하는 가 자문한다. 당연히 춤을 못 춘다고 죄인처럼 심문받지 않는 것처럼, 반미활동-공산주의 이념과 사상을 표방하는 것-을 이유로 문인들을 탄압하는 것은 부당하다. 사상과 표현의 자유를 지닌 개인이 존중받지 못하는 것이기 때문이다.
5. My Wood

이 작품은 작가가 숲을 재산으로 소유하게 되면서 그 이전에 알지 못했던 소유에 대한 심리적 변화와 이러한 소유의 의미에 대해 고민하고 사색하는 과정이 담겨 있다. 작가의 소유가 개인에게 미치는 영향에 대한 문제제기가 흥미로웠다. 인간은 본성적으로 대동소이하게 때문에 저자의 말처럼 소유하면 할수록 소유의 사중관을 쓴 채로 살아갈지 모른다. 소유물은 그 자체로 가치중립적이다. 따라서 소유를 부정적으로 보기보다는 우리가 가진 소유관념이 보다 합목적적이고 세상에 이익이 된다면, 즉, 뜻이 있는 곳에 길이 있듯, 뜻이 올바르다면 공산주의가 아니라도 소유가 더 풍요로운 사회를 위해 도움이 될 수 있을 것이다.
6. Shooting an Elephant

조지 오웰이 버마에서 경찰로 근무한 당시 경험을 토대로 한 일화를 통해 자신의 제국주의에 대한 증오와 그 본질을 깨달아 가면서 反 제국주의를 강조하는 부분에 해당한다. 코끼리를 죽이는 것이 식민지에 대한 제국주의의 속성과 결부되면서 작가는 제국주의의 본질에 대한 성찰을 하게 된다. 어쩌면 그가 총으로 코끼리를 죽이고 그 결과 마을주민들은 코끼리를 분할, 소유하는 과정은 제국주의의 식민지 착취의 속성을 연상시킨다.
7. Coming Home Again

이 작품이 자신의 성장과 부모님의 사랑이라는 단순한 주제로 머물지 않는 이유는 이민자 가정의 삶에서 드러나는 세대갈등과 가족의 의미를 생각하게 하는 데 있다. 어머니의 삶이라는 것은 무엇일까, 즉, 가족을 위한 삶도 중요하지만 결혼과 함께 자신을 위한 삶은 포기된다. 아들은 어머니가 전수해 준 요리를 재현하면서 마치 의식을 치르듯 어머니에 대한 그리움을 달랜다.
8. Walden

Henry David Thoreau 가 쓴 저작 Walden의 3장 Reading 에 해당하는 이 글은 그의 교육관을 보여준다. 스스로의 무지와 문맹상태를 깨치는 것과 함께 교육을 멈추지 않는 것의 중요성에 대하여, 나아가 단순히 직업상의 필요나 의시소통을 위해 책을 보는 수준이 아니라 교양을 갖춘 문화인, 소양인이 되는 것에 목적을 두어야 한다고 설파한다.

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1. I Have a Dream

The 'I Have a Dream' speech by Martin Luther King Jr. is a powerful and iconic piece of oratory that has had a profound impact on the civil rights movement and the ongoing struggle for racial equality. King's eloquent and inspirational words paint a vivid picture of a future where people are judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. His dream of a society where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their full potential, regardless of their race, is a noble and aspirational vision that continues to resonate today. The speech is a testament to the transformative power of nonviolent resistance and the ability of words to inspire and galvanize people towards a more just and equitable world. While progress has been made, King's dream remains unfinished, and his message continues to challenge us to confront the persistent inequalities and injustices that still exist in our society. Ultimately, the 'I Have a Dream' speech is a timeless and universal call for human dignity, freedom, and the realization of the fundamental ideals of democracy.
2. On the Philosophy of Hats

The essay 'On the Philosophy of Hats' by G.K. Chesterton offers a delightfully whimsical and insightful exploration of the cultural and symbolic significance of headwear. Chesterton's playful yet profound observations on the ways in which hats reflect and shape our identities, social status, and even our worldviews are both entertaining and thought-provoking. Through his examination of the diverse array of hats, from the humble cap to the ostentatious top hat, Chesterton reveals how these seemingly mundane accessories can serve as powerful markers of individuality, class, and even political affiliation. His analysis of the psychological and sociological implications of hat-wearing is both humorous and perceptive, challenging readers to consider the deeper meanings and cultural resonances that often lie beneath the surface of our everyday sartorial choices. Ultimately, 'On the Philosophy of Hats' is a charming and illuminating meditation on the ways in which the seemingly trivial can often conceal profound truths about the human experience. Chesterton's keen eye for detail and his ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary make this essay a delightful and enlightening read.
3. On National Prejudices

The essay 'On National Prejudices' by George Orwell offers a nuanced and insightful exploration of the complex and often deeply ingrained biases that shape our perceptions of other cultures and nationalities. Orwell's analysis is particularly relevant in today's increasingly globalized world, where the need to overcome narrow-minded prejudices and embrace cultural diversity has never been more pressing. Through his examination of the ways in which national stereotypes and preconceptions can distort our understanding of other peoples and societies, Orwell encourages readers to approach the world with a more open and critical mindset. He highlights the dangers of uncritically accepting the dominant narratives and biases that are often perpetuated by the media, education systems, and political institutions, and calls for a more nuanced and empathetic approach to cross-cultural engagement. Orwell's essay is a powerful reminder that our national identities and allegiances can often blind us to the shared humanity that transcends borders and cultural differences. By challenging readers to confront their own prejudices and preconceptions, he invites us to cultivate a more expansive and inclusive worldview, one that recognizes the inherent dignity and worth of all people, regardless of their national or ethnic origins. Ultimately, 'On National Prejudices' is a timely and essential read in an era marked by rising nationalism, xenophobia, and cultural polarization. Orwell's insights offer a valuable counterpoint to these troubling trends, and serve as a call to action for individuals and societies to embrace the richness and diversity of the human experience.
4. Afternoon of an American Boy

The essay 'Afternoon of an American Boy' by E.B. White offers a poignant and evocative portrait of the simple pleasures and profound experiences that can be found in the everyday moments of childhood. Through his vivid and lyrical descriptions, White transports the reader to a specific time and place, capturing the unique sensations, emotions, and perspectives of a young boy exploring his rural surroundings. At the heart of the essay is White's keen observation of the natural world and his ability to imbue even the most mundane details with a sense of wonder and significance. The way he describes the boy's interactions with the animals, the changing light, and the rhythms of the landscape is both deeply personal and universally relatable, tapping into the shared experiences and memories that often define our formative years. But beyond the vivid imagery, 'Afternoon of an American Boy' also grapples with deeper themes of identity, belonging, and the fleeting nature of childhood. White's protagonist is on the cusp of adolescence, caught between the carefree innocence of youth and the looming responsibilities of adulthood. The essay's bittersweet tone reflects the author's own nostalgia for a time that can never be recaptured, while also acknowledging the inevitable march of progress and change. Ultimately, 'Afternoon of an American Boy' is a poetic and poignant meditation on the power of memory, the beauty of the natural world, and the profound significance of the small, seemingly insignificant moments that shape our lives. White's masterful storytelling and keen observational skills make this essay a true gem of American literature, one that continues to resonate with readers of all ages.
5. My Wood

E.M. Forster's essay 'My Wood' is a thoughtful and introspective exploration of the complex relationship between the individual and the natural world. Through his reflections on the small plot of woodland that he owns, Forster delves into the deeper philosophical and emotional implications of our connection to the land and our sense of ownership and stewardship over it. At the heart of the essay is Forster's grappling with the inherent tension between the desire for personal autonomy and the recognition of our interdependence with the natural environment. He acknowledges the allure of private property and the sense of control it can provide, while also questioning the validity and ethics of such ownership, particularly in the face of the larger, impersonal forces of nature. Forster's writing is marked by a keen awareness of the fragility and transience of human existence, and the ways in which our individual lives are inextricably linked to the cycles and rhythms of the natural world. His musings on the fleeting nature of his own ownership of the wood, and the inevitable passage of time that will outlast his tenure, are both poignant and thought-provoking. Ultimately, 'My Wood' is a meditation on the human condition, and the ways in which our relationship with the natural environment can shape our sense of identity, purpose, and place in the world. Forster's insightful and eloquent prose invites the reader to consider their own connections to the land, and to grapple with the complex ethical and philosophical questions that arise from our interactions with the natural world.
6. Shooting an Elephant

George Orwell's essay 'Shooting an Elephant' is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the moral and psychological complexities of colonial rule. Through the lens of a British police officer stationed in Burma, Orwell delves into the inherent contradictions and tensions that arise when a foreign power imposes its will upon a subjugated population. At the heart of the essay is the protagonist's internal struggle as he is forced to confront the realities of the colonial system he represents. Orwell masterfully captures the officer's conflicted emotions – his sense of duty and obligation to uphold the authority of the British Empire, his growing empathy and understanding for the Burmese people, and his ultimate revulsion at the violence and oppression that the colonial system perpetuates. The essay's central metaphor of the elephant, which the officer is compelled to kill despite his reluctance, serves as a powerful symbol for the dehumanizing and destructive nature of colonial rule. Orwell's vivid and visceral descriptions of the elephant's suffering and the officer's own moral anguish create a profound sense of unease and discomfort in the reader, challenging us to confront the ethical implications of imperialism and the corrosive effects it can have on both the colonized and the colonizers. Beyond its political and historical context, 'Shooting an Elephant' also grapples with universal themes of individual agency, the corrupting influence of power, and the moral complexities of decision-making in the face of conflicting loyalties and responsibilities. Orwell's masterful storytelling and keen psychological insight make this essay a timeless and essential work of literature, one that continues to resonate with readers across generations and cultures.
7. Coming Home Again

Chang-rae Lee's essay 'Coming Home Again' is a poignant and deeply personal exploration of the complex and often fraught relationship between a son and his aging mother. Through his vivid and evocative recollections, Lee delves into the nuances of family dynamics, the weight of cultural traditions, and the profound emotional bonds that can both unite and divide us. At the heart of the essay is Lee's tender and bittersweet account of his return home to care for his mother, who is suffering from terminal cancer. The essay's intimate and introspective tone allows the reader to intimately witness the author's emotional journey as he navigates the shifting power dynamics, the unspoken expectations, and the deep-seated memories that shape his relationship with his mother. Lee's writing is marked by a keen attention to detail and a profound empathy that allows him to capture the subtleties of human experience. His descriptions of the sights, sounds, and smells of his childhood home, as well as the rituals and routines that define his mother's life, are both vividly rendered and deeply resonant. The essay's central metaphor of the preparation and sharing of a traditional Korean meal becomes a powerful symbol for the ways in which food, culture, and family are inextricably intertwined. Ultimately, 'Coming Home Again' is a poignant meditation on the universal themes of love, loss, and the enduring bonds of family. Lee's masterful storytelling and his willingness to confront the complexities and contradictions of his relationship with his mother make this essay a profoundly moving and insightful exploration of the human experience.
8. Walden

Henry David Thoreau's seminal work 'Walden' is a profound and enduring exploration of the human condition, offering a compelling vision of a life lived in harmony with nature and in pursuit of personal fulfillment. Through his detailed account of his two-year experiment in self-reliant living at Walden Pond, Thoreau presents a powerful critique of the materialism and conformity of 19th-century American society, while also articulating a deeply personal philosophy of simplicity, introspection, and the pursuit of essential truths. At the heart of 'Walden' is Thoreau's unwavering commitment to the idea of living deliberately, to consciously examining and shaping one's own existence in the face of the distractions and pressures of the modern world. His vivid descriptions of the natural world, his meticulous observations of the rhythms and cycles of life, and his profound meditations on the nature of human existence all serve to inspire the reader to question their own priorities and to seek a deeper connection with the natural and spiritual realms. Thoreau's writing is marked by a rare combination of poetic eloquence and philosophical rigor, as he seamlessly weaves together personal anecdotes, literary references, and profound insights into a cohesive and compelling narrative. His willingness to challenge societal norms and to embrace the unconventional has made 'Walden' a touchstone for generations of readers seeking to forge their own paths and to find meaning and fulfillment in their lives. Ultimately, 'Walden' stands as a timeless and essential work of American literature, one that continues to resonate with readers across cultures and generations. Thoreau's vision of a life lived in harmony with nature and in pursuit of self-discovery remains a powerful and inspiring counterpoint to the materialism and conformity of the modern world, and a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.

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