Theatre by W.S. Maugham

Chapters 1-2

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

Complacency - a feeling of satisfaction, especially extreme self-satisfaction (smugness)

three times running - taking place three times

filthy - very dirty (muddy)

supercilious – displaying arrogant pride, scorn, or indifference (contemptuous)

military bearing - the high level of military professionalism (carriage)

natural flamboyance - natural brightness

stupendous – amazingly large or great (immense)

staggered - to astound or overwhelm, as with shock (embarrass)

natural homage – special honor or respect shown or expressed publicly and accepted as one's due (natural respect)

entanglement – state of confusion (involvement)

concubinage - cohabitation of a man and woman without legal or formal marriage (cohabitation)

languorous – lacking spirit or liveliness (impassive)

flippant rejoinder – frivolous answer (frivolous answer)

to risk smth –  to expose to a chance of loss (run the venture)

a quick study - to learn smth by heart very quickly

II. Search for the allusions in the text. Define their type (literary, artistic, historical and others) and functions; explain their meaning.

Literary allusions:

William Shakespeare (26 April 1564 – 23 April 1616) was an English poet, playwright and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon". His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.

Artistic allusions:

Sir Thomas Lawrence (13 April 1769 – 7 January 1830) was a leading English portrait painter and president of the Royal Academy. The most outstanding work: Satan summoning his legions. Here he illustrated lines from John Milton's Paradise Lost. The portraitist was mentioned to emphasize the lightness, tenderness, and feminity of the main character.

Sarah Siddons (5 July 1755 – 8 June 1831) was a Welsh actress, the best-known tragedienne of the 18th century. She was most famous for her portrayal of the Shakespearean character, Lady Macbeth, a character she made her own, and for famously fainting at the sight of the Elgin Marbles in London. The Sarah Siddons Society continues to present the Sarah Siddons Award in Chicago every year to a prominent actress.

John Philip Kemble (1 February 1757 – 26 February 1823) was an English actor. He was born into a theatrical family as the eldest son of Roger Kemble, actor-manager of a touring troupe. His elder sister Sarah Siddons achieved fame with him on the stage of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. His other siblings Charles Kemble, Stephen Kemble, Ann Hatton and Elizabeth Whitlock also enjoyed success on the stage.

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."

Sarah Bernhardt (23 October 1844 – 26 March 1923) was a French stage and early film actress, and was referred to as "the most famous actress the world has ever known."Bernhardt made her fame on the stages of France in the 1870s, at the beginning of the Belle Epoque period, and was soon in demand in Europe and the Americas. She developed a reputation as a serious dramatic actress, earning the nickname "The Divine Sarah."

Mounet-Sully (February 28, 1841 – 1916), a French actor, was born at Bergerac. His birth name was Jean-Sully Mounet: "Mounet-Sully" (without the "Jean") was a stage name.

Jean-Marc Nattier (March 17, 1685 – November 7, 1766), French painter, was born in Paris, He is noted for his portraits of the ladies of King Louis XV's court in classical mythological attire.

Charles John Kean (18 January 1811 - 22 January 1868), was born at Waterford, Ireland, the son of the actor Edmund Kean. Charles Kean had early opportunities to play Shakespearian leads in London: Romeo (1829), Richard III (1830), Iago (1833) to his father's Othello, Othello and Hamlet (both 1838).

Historical allusions:

Sir Francis Robert Benson (4 November 1858 – 31 December 1939), commonly known as Frank Benson or F. R. Benson, was a British actor-manager. He founded his own company in 1883 and produced all but two of Shakespeare's plays.

To my mind their main function is to make the reader to be closer to the theatre and art.

III. Using direct and indirect evidence from the text give character sketches of Julia Lambert and Michael Gosselyn.

Julia Lambert was the best actress of her time in England. She was 46 years old. Julia had big brown eyes, her smile was warm and ready. She was a woman with a lovely figure. She was tall, she had long legs. “Her nose was slightly thick, but he had managed by his lighting to make it look very delicate, not a wrinkle marred the smoothness of her skin, and there was a melting look in her fine eyes.” “Her voice, her rather low rich voice, with that effective hoarseness, which wrung your heart in an emotional passage or gave so much humour to a comedy line, seemed to sound all wrong when she spoke it. And then her articulation; it was so distinct that, without raising her voice, she could make you hear her every word in the last row of the gallery; they said it made verse sound like prose.” Julia loved beautiful dresses and she had a lot of them. She had her clothes made in Paris. Julia earned enough to be an independent woman. This woman was hard-working. She wanted to be a good actress very much.  

Michael Gosselyn had at fifty‑two a very good figure. “As a young man, with a great mass of curling chestnut hair, with a wonderful skin and large deep blue eyes, a straight nose and small ears, he had been the best‑looking actor on the English stage. The only thing that slightly spoiled him was the thinness of his mouth. He was just six foot tall and he had a gallant bearing. It was his obvious beauty that had engaged him to go on the stage rather than to become a soldier like his father. Now his chestnut hair was very grey, and he wore it much shorter; his face had broadened and was a good deal lined; his skin no longer had the soft bloom of a peach and his colour was high. But with his splendid eyes and his fine figure he was still a very handsome man. Since his five years at the war he had adopted a military bearing.” “He boasted that his weight had not changed since he was twenty, and for years, wet or fine, he had got up every morning at eight to put on shorts and a sweater and have a run round Regent's Park.”

IV. Give a summary of the first two chapters.

One day young handsome man came to famous couple. Michael invited him to work as an accountant. Julia paid attention on him. He was very shy and it only amused Julia. This woman gave him a photo of her own. Looking through the photos she remembered her springtime. When Julia was 16 she entered the Royal academy of the dramatics, but only met Jimmie Langton she became a real actress.

Film Review (A Farewell to Arms)

The film I’ve recently watched is “A Farewell to Arms”. It is a 1957 American drama film, based in part on a 1930 play by Laurence Stallings, the second feature film adaptation of Ernest Hemingway's 1929 semi-autobiographical novel of the same name. The director of this film is Charles Vidor. The film stars are Rock Hudson, Jennifer Jones, Elaine Stritch. 

This film is based on the World War I experiences of the writer Ernest Hemingway. Let me pass on to the plot of the film. A young American Frederic Henry joins the Italian army as an ambulance driver. On the front, he is seriously wounded and sent to a hospital in Milan. Coming back, Henry falls in love with the nurse Catherine Barkley. Some time later Catherine reveals that she is pregnant but refuses to marry Frederic, fearing that she will be sent back to England. So Henry deserts from the army and they flee to Switzerland in a boat. They lead a quiet life in the mountains waiting the birth of their child. Finally both Catherine and the child die. 

Speaking about the actors, I should say that the cast of this film is perfect. The actors who were invited to take part in this film did their best to make this film successful. As for the main characters, Rock Hudson and Jennifer Jones were excellent in their roles. They could create the atmosphere of real love. I believed their feelings. Especially Jennifer Jones was excellent at portraying a devoted nurse.

In my topic I can’t but mention that success of the film depends on the director. I think, Charles Vidor made a good job. He could transferred the feelings and emotions which the author wanted to show. 

As for me, I liked this film. It impressed me greatly. In spite of the fact this film have much in common with the book 'A Farewell to Arms' I hoped the end of the film would be different from the novel. To my mind this film is worth watching.

Film Review (In Love and War)

The film I’ve recently watched is "In Love and War". It  is a 1996 romance drama film based on the book, Hemingway in Love and War by Henry S. Villard and James Nagel. The director of this film is Richard Attenborough. The film stars are Mackenzie Astin, Chris O'Donnell, Sandra Bullock and others.

This film is based on the World War I experiences of the writer Ernest Hemingway. Let me pass on to the plot of the film. The main character was a young soldier who was wounded and sent to military hospital. There he was nursed by Agnes von Kurowsky. They fell in love with each other but very soon they separated. 

Speaking about the actors, I should say that the cast of this film is perfect. The actors who were invited to take part in this film did their best to make this film successful. As for the main characters, Chris O'Donnell and Sandra Bullock were excellent in their roles. They could create the atmosphere of real love. I believed their feelings.

In my topic I can’t but mention that success of the film depends on the director. I think, Richard Attenborough made a good job. He touched upon very serious problem - the problem of war and how the war destroyed love of the main characters. As we know, Ernest Hemingway wrote a lot of stories based on this theme. To my mind Richard Attenborough could transferred the feelings and emotions which the author wanted to show. He demonstrated a lot of grey, dirty colors to make the viewer feel sorrow. In general Richard Attenborough could create the atmosphere of war.

As for me, I liked this film. It impressed me greatly. In spite of the fact this film doesn’t have much in common with the book 'A Farewell to Arms' I think it is worth watching. "In Love and War" is closely connected with the personal life of one of the most successful American writers.  

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

(Higher Education in Britain and the USA)

1. American students who want to study at a college or university have to take a standardized test ( SAT or ACT). Each college has its own application form and every student has to send an official list of all the subjects which he had studied and the  letters of reference.

2. Three types of schools in higher education are universities, teacher-training colleges and polytechnics.

3. In Britain:

A first degree, which is usually an honours degree, generally takes three years. Most courses end with exams called finals. Results are given as classes (= grades): a first is the highest class, seconds are often split between upper second and lower second, and below that is a third. Graduates may add the letters BA (Bachelor of Arts) or BSc (Bachelor of Science) after their name. Some graduates go on to study for a further degree, often a master’s degree or a doctorate.
In the USA: Students are given grades at the end of each course. The highest grade is A; the lowest is F, which means that the student has failed the course and will not get credit for taking it. To check a student’s overall progress, the university calculates a grade point average (GPA). Students who finish their degree with a high GPA may be awarded Latin honours, of which the highest is summa cum laude.

4. The student’s work is given a mark. “A” is the highest mark and “F” is the lowest one. A bachelor's degree in most areas can require between 124 to 128 college credits particular to a specific program of study. Every student can earn it in four years.

5. SAT can be taken two or three times (in the 11th and 12th grades), generally proceeded by PSAT (preliminary), a test to give students a warm-up exercise for the SAT and indicate their probable SAT scoring range.  ACT (the American College Testing program) is similar to SAT but scores social studies and natural studies. The ACT is taken when required by certain colleges or universities.

Both tests are widely used in the admission process of US colleges and universities. Their results are sent to the colleges or universities to which the students have applied. ACT is meant to be taken only once.

6.  Students in Britain formerly had their tuition fees paid by the state and received a government grant to help pay their living expenses. Now, they receive only a loan towards their expenses, and from 1999 most will also have to pay £1 000 a year towards tuition fees.

7. Grade Point Average (GPA) is  an average academic score for a student in a US high school, college or university. The highest grade A receives 4 points, В is 3, С is 2, D is 1 and F is 0.

8. School counselors help students in the areas of academic achievement, personal and social development, career development.

10. A public university is a university that is predominantly funded by public means through a national or subnational government. Private universities are universities not operated by governments, although many receive tax breaks, public student loans, and grants.

11. Undergraduate is a student who is doing a university course for a Bachelor's degree.

Graduate is a person who has completed a university degree course.

12. Speaking about the best way to examine a student, in my opinion, it’s rather difficult to say what is better. I think oral examinations are not always the best way to check the knowledge, because sometimes students may simply forget everything they know due to their anxiety. To my mind written exams are more objective.

13. As for our university, the oral exams are more popular. In spite of the fact that this procedure is more nervous for students, it’s a good way to check his knowledge.

14. I think it would be unreasonable to give up such an opportunity to study abroad. As for students who have graduated from a high school in a country where English is not the official language they must take a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).  

15. I think it will be great to allow students to choose a list of major subjects, which are more interesting for them.

 

Laboratory Works

Laboratory Work 5.1

1.

Speaker	Problem	Signs of the Problem	Your Solution to the Problem
1	examination	to assess the ability to learn: this type of exam or learning license would be more useful for students, employers and society in general. It shows which candidates are good at, engineering, but it also shows actually which can think as an engineer.	To my mind the traditional ways of assessment will be more effective. It includes theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
2	preparation for exam	tired face, sleepless nights etc.	Parents should support their children, help them with the choice.
3	exhaustion during the preparation for entrance exams	He lost his weight; he has big black rings under his eyes. He sleeps for 3 or 4 hours a day. He didn’t sleep at all during the last 3 or 4 days.	This period is the hardest and most nervous and children should remember about their health. So they need to sleep 7-8 hours, to eat fresh food and to spend some time outdoors.
4	the lack of confidence while writing the exam	He never thought of himself like a highflyer, he never excepted such high results.	Many students are not sure in their knowledge. It’s very important to be ready for any results.
5	modern technology as a test checker	The results would be able to get much faster, 40% of all exams will be conducting electronically in a couple of years, online tests and registration will follow.	I think, modern technology is very useful. It helps people to save a lot of time, while checking test.

2. Of course, I have some problems while studying. The main problem is my nervousness. It’s very difficult for me to cope with it, but step by step I try not to take everything to heart.

3. The contemporary university students face a lot of difficulties. One of the most serious problems is the lack of time for preparing exams. Usually they have only 3 or 4 day to understand and to learn by heart all information. To my mind these problems occur not only on the first year of studying, they appear from time to time during the whole students' high education. So students are always nervous and they are on the edge of their abilities. Sometimes their psyche can’t stand this strain and it affects their health. It’s very important for parents to notice it and support their children. 

Laboratory Work 5.2

1. The standard grading system in the USA is a standard letter system of A, B, C, D and F.

2. The special grades are 'satisfactory' - (S) and 'unsatisfactory' (U).

3.  In Russia we have a 5-grade system: 5 - excellent, 4 - good, 3 - satisfactory, 2 – unsatisfactory.

4.  In the British and in the USA colleges have credits, when during the semester students have to collect scores.

5. 

Ukraine

There is a 12-step grading system: 12-10 – excellent, 10-7 – good, 7-2 – satisfactory and 1 - bad.

Japan

There are grades on a scale from 0–100:  90-100 - Excellent (AA, or T); 80-89 – A; 70-79 – B; 60-69 – C; 0-59 - Fail (E or F).

Laboratory Work 5.3

1.  They can drop the course within the first three week of the semester. First, they need to get the signature of the professor whose course they want to drop on the official drop card. Then they need to go to a student advisor on campus to get the signature of the adviser.

2. A student can’t drop the course within the first three week of the semester, but if a student stops attending a course without going through the official drop procedures, the course will remain on his schedule and he will receive a failing grade.

3. According to the recording, you will not have any problems if you follow the procedure.

4. Elective courses are obligatory. All students have to attend these courses and they can't drop them.

Laboratory Work 5.4

1. The speaker mentioned library, students' centre (bookstore, post office, a bank, a theatre, a coffee shop, a travel agency) and administration complex (offices of the university administrators, the students’ records office).

2. I can find some similar campus places in our institute. As for the places, which are worth mentioning, they are cafeteria (a place, where students eat), a concert hall (a hall for important performances and events), a hall of residence (a place, where students from other cities live) and parking (a place where people park their cars).

3. In our Institute, we have a big concert hall for important performances and events. A large library, equipped with computers plays a great role in the students’ life. There they can prepare their homework and to take interesting books. Also there are two halls of residence on the territory of campus for the students from other cities. In our institute we have a cafeteria which is very popular among all students.  

Film Review (Dangerous Minds)

The film I’ve recently watched is “Dangerous Minds”. It is a 1995 American drama film based on the autobiography "My Posse Don't Do Homework" by former U.S. Marine LouAnne Johnson. The director of this film is John N. Smith. The film stars are Michelle Pfeiffer, George Dzundza,  Courtney B. Vance and others.

This film is based on the true-life story of LouAnne Johnson, who was a teacher at Carlmont High School in Belmont, California, in 1989, where most of her students were African-American and Hispanic teenagers from East Palo Alto. Let me pass on to the plot of the film. LouAnne Johnson, retired U.S. Marine, wanted to be a teacher at Parkmont High School in California. She was given a class of problem teens. At first it was rather difficult for her to explain them anything. But step by step this woman could find a special approach to everyone. She tried to motivate them by giving them all an A grade from the beginning of the year, and arguing that the only thing required of them was that they maintain it. In order to introduce them to poetry, LouAnne used the lyrics of Bob Dylan to teach symbolism and metaphor. She rewarded the students, using candy bars, a trip to a park. When LouAnne understood that the life of one of her students was in danger she tried to protect him. At the end of the year, she announced to the class that she wouldn’t teach them in the future but the students refused to let her leave.

Speaking about the actors, I should say that the cast of this film is perfect. The actors who were invited to take part in this film did their best to make this film successful. As for the main actress, Michelle Pfeiffer was excellent in her role. Her character talked a lot about choices. She showed that everything we do is our choice.

In my topic I can’t but mention that success of the film depends on the director. I think, John N. Smith made a good job. He touched upon several educational problems in his film, created the realistic atmosphere of school.

As for me, I liked this film. It impressed me greatly. I can say that it is a fascinating story, telling about the school problems. This film teachers us that every child is unique and is worth of respect. So it is worth watching for all people.

Film Review (The Ron Clark Story)

The film I’ve recently watched is “The Ron Clark Story”. It is a 2006 television film based on the real educator Ron Clark. The director of this film is Randa Haines. The film stars are Matthew Perry, Brandon Mychal Smith, Hannah Hodson and others. As for the genre of the film, it is a drama. The setting of the film is Harlem, New York.  

This film is based on the true-life story of Ron Clark.  Let me pass on to the plot of the film. Ron Clark was a teacher who moved to New York. He got a job in Harlem public school, where he had to teach problem sixth-grade children. He tried to do best for the pupils, helped with their homework. It was really a battle between Clark and these children, but he always was sure in his actions. He found very creative ways to teach children he could cope with all obstacles.  In the end, this problem class got the highest average in the state and Ron Clark was regarded by his students as their best teacher.

 Speaking about the actors, I should say that the cast of this film is perfect. The actors who were invited to take part in this film did their best to make this film successful. As for the main actor, Matthew Perry was excellent in his role as Clark. I know him as a comedy actor for role as Chandler Bing on the popular television sitcom Friends. I think he also was perfect in this drama. He was full of determination to help these problem children. His character got a class with poor marks and a poor motivation. In my opinion, Ron Clark did everything as a teacher, tried to gain respect from both teachers and pupils. His main principles were: to be a family, respect each other, dream big and take risks.

In my topic I can’t but mention that success of the film depends on the director. I think, Randa Haines made a good job. She touched upon several educational problems in her film, created the realistic atmosphere of school.

As for me, I liked this film. It impressed me greatly. I can say that it is a fascinating story, telling about the school problems. The film shows the useful methods of teaching. So it is worth watching for all people.