Spy · Bed Lamp. 4: English Learning Reader

Author: Wang Ruoping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-12-01
Features: The story is set in early 20th-century London and revolves around anarchist sabotage activities orchestrated by foreign forces, presenting a dramatic and gripping depiction of social and political struggles. First introduced is Woolock, who runs a small shop with his wife, Winnie, primarily selling pornographic pictures and publications. They also live with Woolock's mother-in-law and younger brother, Steve. The family survives on this income, though financially strained, it remains warm and cozy. As the story unfolds, we learn that Woolock is actually a multi-job spy: a small leader of an anarchist underground organization, a spy for a foreign embassy, and an informant for Prosecutor Hitler. One of the members of the organization, Woolock's so-called friend, is a group of anarchistic extremists who spend their days claiming to change society through terrorist activities: the elderly Karl Vunt, despite being toothless, bald, and frail, still seems capable of carrying out one last murder; Michael Rice, who had spent fifteen years in prison, not only failed to reform but had instead written books about his thoughts and experiences in prison; Osborne, with his typical criminal face, only knows how to chase women. Woolock's relatively peaceful life becomes shrouded in darkness due to the arrival of a man named Latin. This man is an ambassador from a foreign embassy and, for political reasons, orders Woolock to blow up the Greenwich Observatory. It is precisely because of this that Woolock becomes melancholic and unable to sleep. At this time, his somewhat mentally impaired younger brother, Steve, enters his sight. Steve is a young man who easily becomes indignant over social injustice and feels sorrow for the suffering of others. He respects and trusts his sister-in-law. Woolock decides to exploit Steve's tendency to take up causes, his mental impairment, and his trust in him. He buys a new type of bomb from the "Professor." The "Professor," in his own words, is a ruthless person who practices anarchism in action. He considers creating bombs his ultimate life goal. However, the bomb explodes prematurely, Steve is blown to pieces, and Woolock is also targeted by the police and the prosecutor after they find a torn piece of cloth with their home address on Steve's body. Upon learning that her beloved younger brother was killed by the husband she had always trusted, Winnie is devastated and despairing. In a fit of anger, she stabs Woolock to death with a knife. However, the fear of the hangman's noose compels her to commit suicide by throwing herself into the Thames River. As she shakily walks down the street, she encounters Osborne, who is walking toward her. Osborne learns from the "Professor" that Woolock has been blown up and rushes to Woolock's home first to try and the money he left behind. Only after seeing Woolock's body lying at home does he realize the truth. To secure the money while protecting himself, he deceives Winnie, promising to take her abroad. After obtaining the money from her, he jumps off the train they are taking to leave the country and returns to London. However, before he has a chance to enjoy the money, he learns from the newspaper that Winnie has committed suicide by drowning. Thus, he too is driven mad.