Theatre Part V

TASKS for Chapter 14

I. Find in the text the following words and phrases and translate them into Russian:

on one excuse and another – одно за другим оправдания

to confess to oneself – признаваться кому либо

that was all to the good – это было к лучшему

shrewd - проницательный

vanity - тщеславие

to have an affair with sb. - иметь дело с кем-либо

sallow - ива

to feel compassion for sb. - чувствовать сострадание к кому-либо

eminent persons - видные деятели

to lay no claims on sb. - не иметь никаких претензий к кому-либо

to use all her arts of cajolery – использовать всё искусство льстить

stale food - несвежая пища

to overcome one's scruples - преодолеть чьи-либо угрызения совести

to find someone a trifle dull – считать кого-то мелким

to have no inclination – не иметь расположения

a man of the world - человек мира

she was modest about herself – она была скромной по отношению к себе

a smack in the face - прямо в лицо

sulkily - надувшись

Julia's heart was wrung - сердце Джулии сжалось

chivalrous courtesy – любезно по рыцарски

a vile disposition - подлый нрав

alacrity - готовность

wistful - задумчивый

to act with great naturalness - играть с большой естественностью

to make a scene – закатывать сцену

she was in a black rage – она была в чёрной ярости

she'd get even with him - она поквиталась с ним

to rack one's brains – ломать чью-либо голову

II. Answer the following questions:

1. Was Julia really in love with Tom Fennell?

She was in that position, when you really don’t know whether your feelings are right or wrong. But sometimes later she thought that she had a pure love to Tom.

And he?

He was not in love with the woman. He was fully interested in her, but he didn’t love her at all. He enjoyed his status as a lover.

2. How old was Tom?

Tom was 26 years old.

What did he do?

He was an economist in the office. His hobby was economy.

Why was he a success with women?

Because he was young and clever.

3. How can you characterize Roger?

Roger, a son of Julia and Michael, was a very young boy, with that age interests such as golf, parties and young girls. He was opposed to his parents. I can’t feel so emotions through his appearance, like Julia and Michael produced for me.

Where was he educated?

He was educated in Eaton.

What were his relations like with his parents?

Their relations were inappropriate for me. He didn’t ask them any question about their lives, the same did they.

Did he know what he wanted to be?

He didn’t know yet.

Did he want to go on the stage?

He would never do it.

4. How did Tom and Roger get on together?

They got on very friendly. They became friends.

5. Was Julia as successful in the movies as in the theatre?

No she was not. She could give such emotions like in the theatre. The screen didn’t help her in her business.

Did she envy the film-stars?

No she didn’t even think about them. She supposed herself the best one.

6. Describe in detail how Julia managed to play different characters on the stage.

She had talent.

What thrilled her?

Nothing thrilled her, except the first appearance.

Why did she sometimes fell like God?

Because she could find anyone equal for her.

7. How did Julia revenge herself on Tom?

She sent him back money for his living.

III. Make up a list of words and phrases describing Tom Fennell. Comment on the repetition of "a young man" in the text.

This repetition serves in the text to emphasize that he was much younger then the actress.

First "he was a blushing young man" for Julia. Did her attitude change when she was better acquainted with him?

She changed her attitude towards him – she started loving him.

Prove it by giving examples from the text.

IV. Find in the text epithets and similes which characterize Julia and Michael and say what effect the author achieves by using them.

V. What stylistic device did Maugham employ at large to characterize Julia? Illustrate your answer with the examples from the text. Comment on the lexicon used by Julia. To what stylistic layer of the vocabulary does it belong?

It belongs to colloquial layer of the vocabulary, because of her past life.

How does it characterize Julia?

It characterized her as a person of low background.

VI. Give a summary of chapter 14. (in written form)

Julia wanted to organize a small party for Tom. Actually her son, Roger, had a holiday too. He decided to visit his parents. He was studying at Eaton Colleague that time. He was a young man, a bit younger that Tom. But it didn’t make barriers between them. Two young men became true friends. They started to spend time together each day. It was out of Julia’s plan. Her aim was to do her best to be near Tom, but she could influence him anyway, as it may attract smb’s attention to them. Tom was renting a house in Michael’s apartments. At the end of holidays Julia decided to get even with Tom. She was sure that his point was money. She sent him some of them for housekeepers. Her deed was because of Tom’s wasting the time with Roger, playing golf, tennis. But the boiling point for her was their visit to night dancing party.

Theatre Part IV

TASKS for Chapters 11-13

I. Find the following words and phrases in the text and translate them into Russian:

a profound contempt - глубокое презрение

to have first nights – провести первые ночи

to be exemplary – быть образцовым

a pattern of conjugal fidelity - образец супружеской верности

to separate - отделить

be ingenuous - быть простодушным

to cry almost at will – плакать по желанию

common sense - здравый смысл

to elope with sb. - бежать с кем-то

preposterous - нелепый

curtain calls – вызов актёра

prudish - ханжеский

in for a penny – за пенни

in for a pound – за футы

this was all a put-up job – всё это было подстроено

indecent - неприличный

in a flash - в один миг

to take liberties with sb. – вольно обращаться с кем-либо

a matinee – дневной спектакль

amiably - дружески

well-chosen words - хорошо подобранные слова

to have no sequel - не иметь продолжение

to erase the episode from her memory - стереть этот эпизод из её памяти

pleasant reveries sauntered through her mind – приятные грёзы в ёё сознании

hectic flush - лихорадочный румянец

to see in the flesh – увидеть воплоти

to hurt one's pride - болеть самолюбием

to have an inkling - иметь подозрение

to pawn – отдавать в залог

II. Answer the following questions:

1. How did Julia and Lord Tamerly get acquainted?

They got acquainted in a train on their way to Paris.

Was Julia his mistress?

Definitely she was, for a couple of hours.

What did Julia owe to Charles Tamerly?

She owed to him to visit his home.

2. Describe Julia's acting when Lord Tamerly declared his love to her.

She behaved as usual, she had hectic flush on her face. She hurt herself pride.

How can you prove that it was only make-believe?

Her thoughts proved this fact.

3. Why do you think Julia agreed to have tea with the young man?

She wanted to feel something new for her.

What was his name?

His name was Tom.

Did Julia know it or not?

She didn’t know it.

4. Was the young man as shy as he seemed to be?

Yes, he was, but at the same time his demands are high.

5. How did he show his admiration for Julia?

He felt a great passion.

6. What feelings did Julia experience after the date with the young man?

She couldn’t believe in herself, that she may feel so.

How did she act after that?

She was in a corner.

How old was Julia at that time?

She was about 45 years old.

What's your opinion of Julia's behavior?

From my point of view she aimed to find interesting ways to spend her free time. She needed a fresh air in her life.

7. Describe the episode of Julia's adventure on the train to Cannes.

Julia was on her way to France, Cannes. Her neighbor was an old man. She was nice from his point of view. He stayed for a night with the woman.

What was Julia's attitude towards this accident?

She didn’t feel herself blamed.

What do you think of this adventure?

I think this episode was like a scene in a play.

8. When did Julia see Tom Fennell again?

She saw him again in a hotel.

Under what circumstances?

There was an assembly.

9. What do you think attracted Julia to Tom?

His youth attracted her.

How old was he?

He was about 25 years old.

10. Why do you think Tom was interested in grand people?

They were his hobbies.

11. Do you approve or disapprove of Julia's love affair with Tom Fennell?

I am not her father/mother, I can’t judge her.

III. Make up a list of words and phrases which the author uses to show Julia's attitude towards Tom Fennell. Comment on their semantics and stylistic value.

He opened pleasant reveries sauntered through her mind.

She absolutely forgot about a pattern of conjugal fidelity.

Tom doesn’t take liberties with Julia.

All these and other phrases are stylistically neutral.

IV. The author uses a number of theatrical allusions. Find them in the text and say what you know about them. (Consult the Oxford Guide to British and American Culture or any other culture dictionary).

Johann Zoffany - was a German neoclassical painter, active mainly in England. (artistic)

Samuel De Wilde (1751–1832), born and died in London, was a portrait painter and etcher of Dutch descent famous for his theatrical paintings. (artistic)

Sarah Siddons (5 July 1755 – 8 June 1831) was a Welsh actress, the best-known tragedienne of the 18th century. (artistic)

Benoît-Constant Coquelin (23 January 1841 – 27 January 1909), known as Coquelin aîné ("Coquelin the Eldest"), was a French actor, "one of the greatest theatrical figures of the age." (artistic)

The Comédie-Française or Théâtre-Français  is one of the few state theatres in France. It is the only state theatre to have its own troupe of actors. (artistic)

William Shakespeare was an English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. (artistic)

Sarah Bernhardt was a French stage and early film actress, and has been referred to as "the most famous actress the world has ever known". (artistic)

Henrik Johan Ibsen was a major 19th-century Norwegian playwright, theatre director, and poet.

George Bernard Shaw (26 July 1856 – 2 November 1950) was an Irish playwright and a co-founder of the London School of Economics.

John Galsworthy was an English novelist and playwright. Notable works include The Forsyte Saga (1906–1921) and its sequels, A Modern Comedy and End of the Chapter. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1932.

The Doll's House is a 1922 short story by Katherine Mansfield.

Man and Superman is a four-act drama, written by George Bernard Shaw in 1903.

Candida, a comedy by playwright George Bernard Shaw, was written in 1894 and first published in 1898, as part of his Plays Pleasant.

V. In chapter 11 you can find the following phrase: "... like Venus rising from the waves." What is the source of this allusion?

This allusion serves here to emphasize Julia’s appearances and her mood towards the world.

Comment on it and its stylistic effect.

That’s why we see such a stylistic effect.

VI. Give a summary of chapters 11-13. (in written form)

On her way to France the woman met an old man after 50. His name was Lord Tamerly, the neighbor in a train. They had first nights together. Julia believed it had been only passion. After Cannes she returned home where the actress started to go dating with Tom, her secret beloved. She stayed at his apartment and the man often visited her too. It was a relax for the woman to have such a young friend. Charlie didn’t have any suspicious about this fact. At the same time, Julia didn’t feel anything towards her husband, neither love or passion nor shame. Tome managed to make her happy, but at the same time she realized that he was not whom she may stay. The young fellow found a common language with Julia’s son and this fact made him a friend of a family.  

Theatre Part III

TASKS for Chapters 7-10

I. Find the following words and phrases in the text and translate them into Russian:

Placidity – спокойствие - calm

to make frantic scenes - довести до белого каления сцену – to bugger up scenes

to give sb. a look of scorn – бросить на кого либо презрительный взгляд – to quell sb with a look

lavishness – щедрость - generosity

to know how to pull strings adroitly – знать как повлиять на дело легко – to be a jack-of-all-trades

to fall out of love – разлюбить – to be off someone

close-cropped hair - коротко остриженные волосы - short-medium hair

to resist an inclination – противостоять намеренью – to set one's face against

weather-beaten skin – обветренная кожа - weather skin

coltish grace – жеребячья грация - vivacity

to be on active service – быть на боевой службе – to be in a department

confinement – тюремное заключение - imprisonment

to run a theatre – руководить театром – to hold a theater in smb’s hands

effusive – несдержанный - unrestrained

virile air – мужской воздух

to set one's mind to smth. – поставить перед кем то какую то цель – to reach a goal

disconcerting - приводящий в замешательство - puzzling

it's a knock out - это соглашение между участниками аукциона о покупке вещей по низким ценам - an agreement between the participants of the auction for buying things at low prices

amiability – благожелательность - benevolence

affable manner – вежливые нравы - polite manners

to exercise great ingenuity in (doing) smth – проявлять большую изобретательность делая что-то - be more creative doing something

to be unperturbed – быть невозмутимым – to be immovable

shrewdness – проницательность - penetration

to grizzle – седеть – to go gray

it's a mere commonplace – это избитое – it’s hackneyed

exorbitant – непомерный - unreasonable

to be conciliatory – быть умиротворяющий - be calming

to foster one's career – сделать чью-то карьеру - to make a career

prosiness – прозаичность - prosaicism

acumen – проницательность - insight

to have one's face lifted – иметь внешнее обновление – to make external update

it's no good crying over spilt milk – нечего горевать над убежавшим молоком - м

to have little flirtations – немного флиртовать - gallivant

masseuse - проститутка, работающая в massage parlor - prostitute

gossip column - отдел светской хроники - ddepartment of gossip

the world of make-believe – мир притворства - world of pretense

II. Answer the following questions:

1. What did Michael and Julia do when the war broke out?

When the war broke out they started to develop their business, playing roles and acting of the scene.

2. Why do you think Michael enjoyed the war?

His father was a military man. That’s why may be it was bred in the bone. The dress uniform suited him, his work was not hard, and he was honored.

3. Do you think love is important for a successful family life?

Definitely!

Would you share your point of view on this problem with your fellow students?

Why not? It will be an exchange of experience.

4. How did it happen that Julia fell out of love with Michael?

It happened during their rehearsals.

5. How did Michael manage to find the money to rent a theatre?

He met a necessary man. Moreover he was introduced to an old British actress, who was capable to lend them some money.

What was the theatre called?

The theater was called “Milltown”.

Who was in the partnership with him?

The old actress was in partnership with him.

6. Why was Julia against Michael's taking up directing?

Because she would be ruled by her own husband. Besides Mcahel had lack of talent in both acting and directing.

7. What kind of director was Michael?

He was talentless.

8. What irritated Julia in Michael more and more?

His calmness to the process of living.

How did he change in Julia's eyes?

He didn’t change. It was a change inside Julia’s mind.

9. Why was Julia sad when she thought of her married life?

It didn’t meet her expectations.

10. Why was Michael happier than he had been before?

He believed everything has been done in his life. His ultimate goal was only to open a theater where his wife could act.

11. Julia's dresser and maid was a Cockney, wasn't she?

Yes.

Please prove it using the examples from the text.

12. Who was the unknown man who sent flowers to Julia?

It was Thomas Fennel, an apprentice from the financial office.

Why did she write him a thank you note?

With Tom Julia forgot about her age.

III. Make up a list of words and phrases describing Michael's appearance and character. Say what you think of him.

Appearance	Character
Handsome A man of high growth A person with beautiful eyes A slim man	Calm Confident Trustful Optimistic

IV. Comment on the phrase from chapter 9: "Roger had been entered for Eton within a week of his birth." Comment on it. Give a short presentation on public schools in Britain.

The parents of Roger supposed that their son should be a student of Eaton. They wanted such a future for their child, because the education their was very prestigious and of a very good quality. It was necessary for people of such a status as Julia and Michael to put their children in schools of high rate.

VI. Give a summary of chapters 7-10. (in written form)

Julia wasn’t satisfied with her life with Michael, because of his placidity. Michael’s character didn’t change: he remained kind and polite, but Julia wanted love. After some period of time their calm life was disturbed by war. To Julia’s pride and anguish Michael went to war as an officer. His life in army wasn’t really hard, but during the war Michael aged. Julia noticed that, when her husband returned home, and fell out of love with him though he still was rather handsome. Everything that had attracted Julia to Michael, at that time annoyed her. At the same time their business went almost perfect and they managed to get enough money to open their theater. They also moved from a small flat to a modern house, because Julia was pregnant. Time passed, and their theater gave them a lot of money, but Michael’s character was becoming worse and worse, and Julia couldn’t understand, why some years before that she had been full of passion to this man. One evening she was given the flowers from Thomas Fennel. He invited her to have tea. Julia agreed to make happy the poor clerk by her visit. Suddenly, the young man began kissing her, and Julia was very pleased as she was the appropriate age to be his mother. But after this accident Julia felt twenty years younger. And suddenly she realized that she fell in love. But Tom was a real snob and she presented him expensive gifts and paid off his debts. With Tom Julia forgot about her age.

Theatre Part II

TASKS for Chapters 3-6

I. Explain in English or give definitions of and find contextual synonyms for the following words and phrases:

Asset - critical contribution

a sumptuous supper – luxuriant supper

extravagance – bluing

thrift – chariness

to remonstrate - object to

equanimity – immovability

at a loose end - out of square

to jeopardize – endanger

alacrity – eagerness

susceptible to - mentally alert

obsequious – menial

a retainer – a deal

II. Find quotations in the text. State their meaning and their function.

“Neither a borrower nor a lender be” – here is the meaning that you shouldn’t lent your money to anybody. Besides, it’s not a good idea to borrow some money too. The function of this quotation is to illustrate Michael’s character.

"I could not love thee, dear, so much, loved I not honor more," – it refers to Julia. In this case, Michael means that Julia is on the second place in his ranking of things, which are really important in life. The function is to show his attitude to her.

"Lord, what fools these mortals be," – it refers both to Michael and Julia. It is a position toward their relationship from the side of Jimmie Langton. The meaning here is that a wife and a husband can’t find understanding between each other, in Jimmy’s opinion. The main function is to show the director’s side in this question.

III. Explain the metaphor "she is a millstone round his neck." Who does it refer to?

The meaning of this metaphor is that our main heroine, Julia seems to be burden for her husband. This doesn’t allow anything wrong from her point of view. It refers to the woman. All this situation is holding Michael under a huge pressure of feelings.

IV. Comment on the context of the following phrases:

- "He was too modest to resent an unfavorable criticism." (Ch.3) – it is a characterization of Michael. Modesty is one of the features of his character.

- "... after all he was born a gentleman." (Ch.4) – it is again about the man. He has a great life experience, overcomes lots of things. They made him a gentleman.

- "He is going to be a flop." (Ch.5) here is a sentence of the director, Jimmu Langton and his position towards Michael’s leave to America as an actor. This sentence predict his future in the foreign country.

- "'I suppose it's beastly of me,' she thought, 'but thank God, thank God.'" (Ch.6) – here are Julia’s words. She holds herself out as a very strong in spirit woman.

VI. What techniques are employed by the author to make the reader see the events through Julia's eyes?

It is the thirst person narration.

VII. Answer the questions:

1. Who was Jimmie Langton and what role did he play in Julia's and Michael's lives?

Jimmie Langton was a director and he possessed his own theater and a group of actors. He played a great role in lives of our characters. He applied them for a job as actors. They played leading roles in all his plays.

2. When did Julia and Michael join the Middlepool Theatre Company?

They joined this company at the beginning of their careen on the scene.

3. How did Julia and Michael get to know each other?

The got to know each other through a play, where they had to play side-by-side roles. They had rehearsals together.

4. What did Julia like about Michael?

He liked everything about him, especially his life’s position.

4. What did Michael think of good looks and decent families?

He thoughts, that both these things were important in life of any person.

5. How did Julia feel about her family?

She felt disappointed about her family, as there was nor harmony their.

6. What were Michael's views on marriage?

His view on marriage - it was a serious step in life of any person. People who have already got married should help each other. Besides a wife and a husband are to concentrate on family business.

7. Why did Michael find Julia extravagant?

He found her extravagant, because she could change her mood in a minute, what said about her great talent.

8. What did Michael read newspaper reviews for?

He read newspapers reviews for being in a date whether his roles were successful or not.

Did Julia share his views?

Julia didn’t share his views; she was an actress with other understanding of theater’s life itself.

9. Who invited Julia to Michael's house for the Holy Week?

Michael and his family, involving a mother and a father himself invited Julia to his house.

10. Did Michael's father meet Julia's expectations?

Michael’s father didn’t meet Julia’s expectations, but he full met her criteria.

11. What impression did Julia produce on Michael's parents?

She produced great impression of a very kind lady.

12. Was the proposal expected by Michael's parents?

Yes, it was. They both were very happy.

13. What professional offer did Michael receive and who facilitated this?

Michael received a role in a theater in America. Langton facilitated it.

14. What steps did Julia take upon finding Michael was leaving for America?

She was full emotional exhausted. She burnt into tears. She was totally disappointed.

15. Was Michael a success in America?

Michael wasn’t successful in this country.

16. Did Julia keep in touch with him while he was away?

They were in touch, having sent mails each other.

17. Was Julia eager to meet Michael straight at the station?

Yes, she was. It was Liverpool.

18. What were Michael's impressions after staying and working in America?

He was absolutely started to hate that society and the whole way of life.

19. What was Michael going to do in England and what were his prospects?

He was going to open his own theater where his wife would play leading roles, but firstly he had to find a sponsor for such a deal.

VIII. Summarize the events of chapters 3-6.

Both of the main characters have taken part in Langdon’s company. They start play side by side on the stage. Julia is a better actress than her husband. She is on public eye every time. Michael doesn’t jealous her, he loves her very much. They are going to open their own theatre one day. Michael has to go to army for several years after that he appears as a real gentleman. The man wants to introduce Julia to his parents. They are very fond of the girl. After such an awesome event he wants her to except his proposal. They get married one day. Michael is offered a contact in America. Following it, he is to stay their for a year. That’s why Julia can’t imagine her life without her husband. But Langdon is sure, that Michael will com у back soon, because he has lack of talent in his play on the stage.

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.