The Gorgon's Head

Nathaniel Hawthorne 지음

문학일독 2025년 02월 07일 출간

작품소개

책소개

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Gorgon's Head is a retelling of a classic Greek myth adapted for young readers. It is part of A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys, a collection of myths rewritten in an engaging and accessible style. This work aligns with the mid-19th-century literary movement that sought to simplify ancient myths for children, making them both entertaining and educational.
At the heart of the story is the hero Perseus, who embarks on a quest to obtain the head of the Gorgon Medusa. The tale explores themes of courage, intelligence, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Perseus is ordered by the wicked King Polydectes to retrieve Medusa’s head as a wedding gift for the king’s future bride. With the guidance of Hermes—referred to as Quicksilver in the story—and the advice of his sister, Perseus acquires magical items, including winged sandals and an invisibility helmet, which help him navigate the dangerous journey.
In the story’s climax, Perseus successfully beheads Medusa while avoiding her petrifying gaze. Upon his return, he uses Medusa’s head to turn King Polydectes and his followers into stone. The story highlights the importance of bravery, cleverness, and the power of mythical heroism, all while captivating young readers' curiosity and imagination.

목차

THE GORGON’S HEAD
TANGLEWOOD PORCH
INTRODUCTORY TO “THE GORGON’S HEAD.”
THE GORGON’S HEAD.
TANGLEWOOD PORCH.
AFTER THE STORY.

작가정보

저자(글) Nathaniel Hawthorne

Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804–1864) was an American novelist and short story writer renowned for his deep exploration of moral and psychological themes. Born in Salem, Massachusetts, his works often reflect the Puritan legacy of his hometown, delving into subjects like sin, guilt, and the complexities of human nature. His most celebrated novel, The Scarlet Letter (1850), examines themes of shame, redemption, and societal judgment, solidifying its place as a monumental work in American literature. Other significant works include The House of the Seven Gables (1851), "Young Goodman Brown," and "Rappaccini's Daughter," all of which showcase his mastery of dark romanticism. Hawthorne was contemporaries with transcendentalists such as Emerson and Thoreau, though he often critiqued their idealism in his writings. His tenure in the U.S. government and his time spent in Europe enriched his worldview, influencing his later works. Through his nuanced portrayal of internal conflicts and moral dilemmas, Hawthorne remains a profound and contemplative figure in American literary history.