馬丁·伊登（英文版）

He had been miserable since childhood. I feel sorry for him. And for myself. I even lothe myself somehow now.

Martin Eden is a tragic yet thought-provoking tale that lingers in the mind long after reading. The story follows Martin, a working-class sailor who chases literary fame and love to enter the upper class, only to end his life by jumping into the sea once his dreams come true. What strikes me most is Martin’s devastating disillusionment. He falls for Rose, idealizing their love as a ticket to a better life, but later realizes her affection is tied to his social status—cold when he is poor, eager when he is famous. Worse, the upper-class world he once admired reveals itself as a nest of hypocrisy: people who mocked his ambition now fawn over him, and art and morality are reduced to tools for gain. Martin’s suicide is not just an act of despair, but a protest against a society that crushes idealism. His story serves as a sharp reminder: chasing success without a true sense of purpose can leave one hollow, even when all external goals are achieved. It makes me pause to think about what truly gives life meaning—beyond fame, wealth, or the approval of others.