TASKS for Chapters 1-2
I. Explain in English or give definitions of
and find contextual synonyms for the following words and phrases:
Complacency
– satisfaction
three times
running – to work very hard
filthy - sordid
supercilious
- arrogant
military
bearing - soldierly smartness
natural
flamboyance – true verve
stupendous
- titanic
staggered -
dazed
natural
homage - inclination
entanglement
- embarrassment
concubinage
- extramarital relationship
languorous
- apathetic
flippant
rejoinder - feather-brained objection
to risk
smth – to go nap on
a quick
study - catch on
II. Search for the allusions in the text.
Define their type (literary, artistic, historical and others) and functions;
explain their meaning.
Literary - William
Shakespeare, a person who is famous for his plays. Our story is about theatre. William
should be noticed in шею
Artistic - John
Philip Kemble and Sarah Siddons are
actors. It is necessary to point out these people, because of the topic.
Historical –
George V was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor
of India.
His picture shows connection between members of the swell society.
Others - Jean-Marc Nattier, a French painter. Sir Thomas Lawrence was a leading
English portrait painter. Their role is to show the luxury life of the actors’
family.
III. Using direct and indirect evidence from
the text give character sketches of Julia Lambert and Michael Gosselyn. Follow
the plan:
Julia Lambert
1.
Appearance
A very
beautiful actress with shapeliness. Her nose is a bit thick. Her eyes are passionate
with a terrible look.
2. Social
position, occupation
An actress,
a wife and a mother.
3. The main
traits of the character
She is a
bit crafty. Let’s remember how she behaves with a young accountant. Besides she
is a hard working person. She really does her best in the sphere of acting. She
is a workaholic.
4. His/her
life's credo
Her life’s
credo – to achieve gold mountains.
5. His/her
attitude to other characters
She plays
with them, as they aren’t on the same level.
6. Their
manner of speaking
She has
great pronunciation. She speaks quite well, with a melodic tone.
7. The way
he/she acts, behaves, sees the things
She sees
everything under her own angle.
8. The
actions of the character worthy of approval and disapproval
To my mind,
she behaves badly and very arrogant with the young fellow. It doesn’t make her
bless. But at the same time, she gives him her picture, though it can be only a
trick – her promises.
Michael Gosselyn
1.
Appearance
Handsome, power-house
2. Social
position, occupation
An actor, a
husband and a father.
3. The main
traits of the character
Hard
working, calm man. With his own ideas about life.
4. His/her
life's credo
Her life’s
credo – use today what you earned yesterday.
5. His/her
attitude to other characters
He doesn’t
attract his attention to people at all.
6. Their
manner of speaking
Normal, but his tune of voice is a bit
high.
7. The way
he/she acts, behaves, sees the things
He sees
everything under her own angle.
8. The
actions of the character worthy of approval and disapproval
I can’t say
something like that about this man.
IV. Give a summary of the first two chapters.
The story
is about a family couple, Julia Lambert and Michael Gosselyn who used to be
famous actors. Though Julia is still playing her roles, Michael is not
interested anymore in the scene’s life. He is only a promoter of his wife. He
starts his career at the age of 20, being a very handsome guy. He is not fond
of army, though it should be his family credo. Under Lengdon’s leadership
Michael starts his early career as an actor. His appearance plays a great role
at the beginning of his “job”. Lengdon is a very powerful superior. He manages
to make perfect from leading actors. He supposes that Gosselyn’s appearance
helps the actor to hide his disadvantages. The chief finds Lambert when she
plays in a local theater secondary roles. He sees in her a great talent. Langdon
wants her to be a participant in his company.
