Theatre Part I

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.