Theatre Part VII

Tasks for Chapters 19-21

  I. Give Russian equivalents of the following words and phrases:

 

an understudy - дублер

perfidy -измена

wanton temperament – своенравный темперамент

to cut the date – отменить встречу

an American conjurer – американский иллюзионист

to make a stab at acting in America – попытаться сделать актерскую карьеру в Америке

off the nail – быть навеселе

the R.A.D.A. – Королевская академия драмы

in point of fact – в действительности

insipid - безвкусный

hard as nails – в форме

for toffee – ни за что

be a sport – будь человеком

to beat about the bush – ходить вокруг да около

to feel all in – чувствовать себя в порядке

to give the air – не принять во внимание

to put one's foot down – занять твердую позицию

 

IV. Answer the questions:

 

1. Under what circumstances did Roger get acquainted with Joan Denver? What kind of favour did he ask of Julie?

Tom Fennel acquainted Roger with Joan Denver. After the show boys invited Jill and Joan to Tom`s flat and spent the night together. As we can see, Joan Denver wanted to take part at new play of Siddons theatre, so she asked Roger to put in a good word for her in front of Julia Lambert.

2. Why did Julie feel she had lost Roger?

Julia’s life had always been so full and so exciting that she had never had the time to busy herself much with Roger. She got in a state, when he had whooping-cough or measles, but he was for the most part in robust health, and then he occupied a pleasant place in the background of her consciousness. However she had always felt that he was there to be attended to when she was inclined and she had often thought it would be nice when he was old enough really to share her interests. It came to her as a shock now to realize that she had lost him.

3. How did Tom react to Julie's plans to take her play to New York?

He thought it would be a great chance for her to make an effort in America.

4. What kind of new acquaintances and connections did Tom make through Julie?

It had spread around among Julia's grander friends that Tom was very clever at helping one with one's income-tax returns. The Dennorants had asked him down to the country for a week-end, so he had met a number of persons who were glad to take advantage of his technical knowledge. He began to get invitations from people whom Julia didn’t know.

5. How did Julie receive Joan Denver?

Julia received Joan Denver at the moment when she had taken her last call. Julia could in the twinkling of an eye leap from her part into private life, but now she continued to play the imperious, stately and well-bred woman of the play.

6. How did Michael hear about Avice Crichton?

Michael heared about Avice Crichton from Tom.

7. Why does Maugham describe Julie's appearance at the Sunday night show as "beautifully timed?"

Maugham described Julie's appearance at the Sunday night show as "beautifully timed" to show how Julia was famous.

8. What impression did Avice Crichton and her acting produce on Julie?

Avice Crichton was very pretty, with lovely golden hair, fine blue eyes and a little straight nose. Julia watched her performance for a few minutes. At first she watched intently, then she leant back in her stall with a little sigh.

9. Why did it irk Tom to have to come back with Julie after the Sunday night show?

Tom wanted to be at the party with Avice.

10. What kind of relationship did Tom and Avice have?

As for Tom, he loved her, but Avice only used him.