II. Recall the situations in which you come across the following expressions and explain their meanings.

a) to be agog (p.5)

b) to be engrossed (in) smb (p.11)

c) to be done for (p.28)

d) to be debarred from (p.33)

e) to be hail-fellow-well-met (with) (p.23)

f) to be in the doldrums (p.38)

 

III. Read, translate and comment upon the following extract on pp. 3 – 5: “I think … and she knew it”.

 

IV. Speak on the following:

1. Introduce the heroine of the story. Speak about her background, appearance and character. What made her “exceptional”?

2. Speak about Ernestine’s first steps in the career of an actress. Do you think she suited to the profession? Give your reasons.

3. Characterize Varn Kinsey and dwell upon his relationship with Ernestine De Jongh. What brought these people together and what was the reason for their separation?

4. Describe the motion picture industry of that time, as given by the author. Expand on the author’s views on the representatives of that “world” and their way of life. Find sentences to illustrate your statements.

5. Speak about Ernestine’s life and work in the film industry. Why do you think she left theatrical stage for the work in that particular field with its newer and sharper conditions governing the rise of stars? Do you think Ernestine’s ambition in this direction was as justly grounded as her stage work?

6. Account for the author’s remark: “I was not only interested in but struck by a subtle undercurrent in her talk which seemed to suggest, if not blazon, a certain dissatisfaction with herself and the world in which she found herself. It was this, that – so hectic and yet in the main so shallow and vapid”. Why did Ernestine feel that way after an almost fantastic career?

7. Why do you think Ernestine committed suicide? Give your reasons.

8. How would you formulate the “leading motive” of the story? Which aspect of human life does the author mean to show the reader?

 

V. Summarize the story.

 

VI. Imagine Ernestine could have left a letter, what would she have written in it about?

 

W. Faulkner

“An Error in Chemistry” (pp. 40 – 68)

 

I. Transcribe and explain the meanings, give Russian equivalents of the words.

1. irascible, adj	6. acerbity, n
2. instigation, n	7. toddy, n
3. cussing, n	8. repudiate, v
4. effeminacy, n	9. ledger, n
5. pap, n	10.purgatory, n

 

II. Recall the situations in which you come across the following expressions and explain their meanings.

a) to draw the line against smb (p.40)

b) to be off and on (p.42)

c) to bridle one’s tongue (p.43)

d) to make bond (p.49)

e) to fish or cut bait (p.60)

f) to get shut of smth (p.61)

 

III. Read, translate and comment upon the following extract on pp. 61 – 63: “Spend it running down the man … blood which he had spilled”.

 

IV. Speak on the following:

1. Introduce the main characters of the story. Summarize the author’s method of presenting his characters. Pick out verbs and adjectives characterizing each of the personages. Take notice of their behaviour and manner of speech. What do we learn about the characters through their behaviour, through their actual and inner speech?

2. Reproduce the story of marriage of Joel Flint and Pritchel’s daughter. Speak about their relations and family life. What kind of union was it?

3. Describe in detail the events that followed after Joel Flint had confessed to killing his wife. What seemed strange to the sheriff and Uncle Gavin? How did they start the investigation?

4. Speak about Joel’s mysterious escape from the jail and say how it influenced the further course of events.

5. Dwell upon Old Pritchel’s behaviour after his daughter’s death. What actions of his provoked suspicion?

6. Describe in detail the final episode of unmasking the criminal. What mistake did he make that helped to seize and arrest him?

7. Make comments on the following statements from the Bible: “Who lives by the sword, so shall he die”; “Man, fear thyself, thine arrogance and vanity and pride”. Why do you think they are quoted in the story?

8. What is the main idea of the story at large and how is it conveyed to the reader?

 

V. Summarize the story.

 

VI. Reproduce the whole story from Joel Flint’s point of view.

 

S. Anderson

“The Teacher” (pp. 69 – 80)

“The Strength of God” (pp. 81 – 92)

 

I. Find some additional information about the author.

 

II. Transcribe and explain the meanings, give Russian equivalents of the words.

1. unpremeditated, adj	6. rapt, adj
2. blotch, n	7. carnal, adj
3. winsomeness, n	8. nip off, v
4. peddler, n	9. intercede, v
5. dejectedly, adv	10.fathom, v