TASKS for Chapters 7-10

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

Placidity – спокойствие

to make frantic scenes – создавать безумные сцены

to give sb. a look of scorn – бросить взгляд полный презрения на кого-либо

lavishness- щедрость

 to know how to pull strings adroitly – искусно пускать в ход связи

 to fall out of love - разлюбить

close-cropped hair – коротко стриженные волосы

to resist an inclination – еле удержаться

weather-beaten skin – обветренная кожа

coltish grace -  щенячья грация

to be on active service – быть в действующей армии

confinement -  лишение свободы

to run a theatre – руководить театром

effusive - несдержанный

virile air – неуверенный в себе

to set one's mind to smth. – сосредоточиться на чем-либо

disconcerting - замешательство

it's a knock out – выдающийся человек

amiability -  дружелюбие

affable manner- мягкая дружелюбная манера

to exercise great ingenuity in (doing) smth.- проявлять большую избирательность делая что -  либо

to be unperturbed – быть невозмутимым

shrewdness - проницательность

to grizzle – возмущаться, ворчать

it's a mere commonplace – это просто банально

exorbitant - безмерный

to be conciliatory – быть примирительным

to foster one's career – способствовать продвижению чьей-либо карьеры

acumen - сообразительность

to have one's face lifted – подтянуть кожу лица

it's no good crying over spilt milk – уже нет смысла горевать

to have little flirtations – легко флиртовать

masseuse -  массажистка

gossip column – колонка светской хроники

the world of make-believe – мир фантазий

II. Answer the following questions:

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

Michael went to war with the help of his father, one of whose old brother officers was an important personage at the War Office, he very soon got a commission. Julia wanted to be near him in France and to become a nurse but Michael made her stay and she went on acting.  

2. Why do you think Michael enjoyed the war?

Michael enjoyed the war because everyone likes him despite the was an actor and he was popular among soldiers.

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

Undoubtedly, love is very important but it is not the most important part of family life.

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

She realized that he no longer smelt like a youth, he smelt like a man

5. How did Michael manage to find the money to rent a theatre? What was the theatre called? Who was in the partnership with him?

Finally the money was found by a rich woman who was interested in Julia. It was called the Siddons Theatre. His partner was Dolly.

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

Julia was against her husband’s taking up directing because she doubted in his success: Michael had no fantasy and his ideas were commonplace. 

7. What kind of director was Michael?

Michael ran the the-atre with the method and thrift with which he ran his home and made every possible penny out of their successes.

 8. What irritated Julia in Michael more and more? How did he change in Julia's eyes?

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

Julia was against her husband’s taking up directing because she doubted in his success: Michael had no fantasy and his ideas were commonplace. 

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

It made Julia a little sad to think how much she had loved him. Because her love had died she felt that life had cheated her.

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

When Julia fell out of love with Michael, she no longer made any demands on him. Moreover, the man thought with satisfaction that the birth of the baby had calmed his wife down; she was much easier to get on with, she never made scenes any more. At the same time, Michael was happier when he founded his own theatre, where plays were crowned with success.

11. Julia's dresser and maid was a Cockney, wasn't she? Please prove it using the examples from the text.

“It'd only fidget me to 'ave a lot of elephant's tusks in me mouth."

“I'm young enough to dress 'er. And maid 'er”.

 12. Who was the unknown man who sent flowers to Julia? Why did she write him a thank you note?

It was Mr. Thomas Fennell. She was naturally polite and it was, besides, a principle with her to answer all fan letters. That was how she kept in touch with her public.

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

·        He had a very good figure

·        He was the best- looking actor on the English stage

·        the thinness of his mouth

·        he had a gallant bearing

·        He had an easy manner and he talked like a gentleman

·        He was good-looking and kindly

·        His voice was a trifle thin

·        He was easy enough in ordinary dialogue

·        Very simple-minded in some ways

·        He had no fantasy and his ideas were commonplace

·        He devoted anxious care to his figure

·        He was prudent and all he wanted was admiration

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.

Julia and Michael were successful and rich enough to give his son the best education.

Eton College, often informally referred to as Eton, is a British independent boarding school located in Eton, near Windsor in England. It educates over 1,300 pupils, aged between 13 and 18 years and was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI. Eton is one of nine English independent schools, commonly referred to as "public schools", included in the original Public Schools Act 1868. Following the public school tradition, Eton is a full boarding school, which means all pupils live at the school, and is one of four such remaining single-sex boys' public schools in the United Kingdom (the others being Winchester College, Harrow School and Radley College) to continue this practice. It has educated nineteen British Prime Ministers and generations of aristocracy, and has been referred to as the chief nurse of England's statesmen.

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

Julia and Michael got married and everything was quite and calmly. Once the war broke out and the man enlisted with the help of his father while Julia stayed in America and went on acting. She wanted to be near him in France and to become a nurse but Michael made her not to go. Julia waited for him but then suddenly realized that she did not love him anymore. Julia gave birth to a baby-boy and left the stage for a few months. Michael decided to open his own theatre and made it with the help of Dolly de Frieze who was very rich and was interested in Julia. Michael was a good manager and director and so the couple earned a lot of money and sent his child to Eaton.