[One Thousand Characters a Day] ‘Udolposeong-ui Bimil’ Written by Anne Radcliffe

Editor's NoteAnn Radcliffe is regarded as a pioneer of British Gothic novels who introduced a method of rationally explaining events that appear to be supernatural phenomena. The sentence introduced today is a scene just before Emily Saint-Aubert experiences one of the many mysterious events she encounters in his representative work, The Mysteries of Udolpho (1794). Walks often become moments to taste blessings like Eden, escaping everyday life, but sometimes they easily lead one to step into fearful and supernatural places like an exploration. Word count: 1031 characters.

At first, Emily enjoyed wandering in nature. What gave her the greatest pleasure was not the bright and gentle scenery. She preferred the wild forest path at the foot of the mountain. Even better was the secluded refuge deep in the mountains. Being there evoked a sacred awe that made her praise the gods of the sky and the earth. She often lingered alone in this refuge, captivated by the charm of melancholy until the last ray of light disappeared in the western sky, until the evening silence was pierced by the sound of bells calling the sheep and the distant barking of guard dogs. Then the forest darkened, leaves occasionally rustled in the breeze, bats flew into the twilight, and the cabin lights flickered. In such an environment, her mind became lively and her passion for poetry was revived.

Her favorite walking path was the trail leading to the small fishing lodge owned by Saint-Aubert. The lodge was located in a forest clearing by the river in a valley descending into the Pyrenees, where the water rippled among the stones before quietly disappearing into the shadows of the mountain range. Walking along the path before reaching this clearing, the proud peaks of the Pyrenees rose high above the forest. Sometimes, weather-beaten rocks covered with wild shrubs and a shepherd’s hut perched on the edge of a cliff could be seen. Occasionally, smoke rose from the chimney of the hut beneath the dark cypress trees. As one ventured deeper into the forest along the path, the landscape stretched far into the distance. The fertile pastures and vineyards of Gascony sloped toward the plains. Along the winding banks of the Garonne River were shrubs, villages, and villas. From afar, their soft outlines blended into a harmonious and rich single color.

This place was Saint-Aubert’s most beloved retreat. He too often came here with a book, escaping the midday heat with his wife and daughter. Or he would come at the sweet hour of evening to greet the tranquil twilight or listen to the nightingale’s song. Sometimes he brought his own instrument, and the soft sound of the oboe echoed through the forest. And often, when Emily’s trembling singing voice spread over the river, even the sound of the waves seemed sweet.

- The Pleasures of Walking, edited by Suzy Cripps, translated by Yoon Gyo-chan and Jo Aeri, Influential Publishing, 16,800 KRW