文章大意:这是一篇记叙文。文章节选自简·奥斯汀的《理智与情感》(1811),主要记叙了Marianne终于在一次聚会上遇到了她深爱的男人Willoughby先生,聚会上Willoughby先生对Marianne很冷淡,伤心的Marianne回家了,写了封信给Willoughby先生,看信后Marianne更加伤心了,姐姐Elinor前来安慰妹妹Marianne,Marianne把信给Elinor看。
I. Lead-in
Sense and Sensibility (1811) by Jane Austen follows the challenges faced by the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, as they navigate love and societal expectations after their father’s death. Elinor, practical and reserved, hides her emotions, while Marianne, passionate and sensibility-driven, openly expresses her feelings. Set in the Georgian era, the novel explores themes of love, class and women’s roles, offering insightful social commentary. Austen’s work provides timeless reflections on the complexities of early 19th-century life.
II. Reading
In this excerpt, Marianne finally encounters Willoughby, a man for whom she holds deep affection, at a party. However, his indifferent attitude toward her deeply saddens her. Her elder sister, Elinor, is disgusted (使厌恶) by Willoughby’s conduct.
“Good heavens!” Marianne cried. “He is there! Oh, why does he not look at me? Why cannot I speak to him?”
“I beg you, be calm,” said Elinor. “Try to hide your feelings.”
But this was impossible for Marianne. She sat there, her anxiety and impatience written clearly on her face.
At last Willoughby turned round and looked at them both. Marianne jumped up and held out her hand affectionately (深情地) to him. He came closer, and spoke to Elinor rather than her sister, asking in a hurried manner after Mrs Dashwood.
Marianne blushed (脸红) deeply and cried, “What is the meaning of this, Willoughby? Will you not shake hands with me?”
He could not avoid it then, but he held her hand only for a moment. “I did myself the honour of calling on you last week, when you were unfortunately not at home.”
“But have you not received my letters?” cried Marianne in the wildest anxiety. “There must be some terrible mistake. Tell me, Willoughby, I beg you, what is the matter?”
He looked ashamed, but, on catching the eye of the young lady with whom he had been talking, his expression seemed to harden. “Yes,” he said, “I had the pleasure of receiving information of your arrival in town, which you were so good as to send me,” and turned away to join his friend.
Marianne, looking horribly white, was unable to stand, and Elinor helped her to a chair. Soon Willoughby was seen to leave the party, and as Marianne was clearly unwell, Elinor asked Lady Middleton to take them home. Nothing was said between the sisters, as Marianne was suffering too much to speak. Elinor now realized that for Willoughby the attachment (喜欢) was over, and she felt extreme distaste for his manner of ending it.
Neither sister slept much that night, and it was still dark when Elinor was woken by the sound of agitated (激动的) sobbing. She saw Marianne, only half dressed, writing as fast as a constant flow of tears would permit her.
“Marianne, may I ask — ?” said Elinor gently.
“No, Elinor, ask nothing, you will soon know all.”
This was said with a sort of desperate calmness, which lasted only as long as she spoke. It seemed probable that she was writing for the last time to Willoughby.
The letter was given to a servant, to be delivered by hand, and the sisters went down to breakfast. Soon afterwards, a letter arrived for Marianne, who went deathly pale, and instantly ran out of the room. Mrs Jennings laughed comfortably.
“Is that a love letter from Willoughby? Well, well, I never saw a young woman so passionately in love in my life. I hope he won’t keep her waiting much longer!”
Eager to know what Willoughby had written, Elinor hurried to their room. Marianne was lying on her bed, sobbing violently. Elinor took her sister’s hand, kissed her affectionately several times, and burst into tears herself. Marianne, although unable to speak, seemed to feel her sister’s loving sympathy, and silently gave her Willoughby’s letter to read.
16. Why did Willoughby turn away from Marianne and speak to Elinor instead?
A.He felt a stronger connection with Elinor. |
B.He was embarrassed about the situation. |
C.He was trying to test Marianne’s feelings for him. |
D.He considered Marianne rude and impolite. |
17. What did Elinor think of Willoughby’s behavior?
A.She disapproved of his manner. | B.She found his actions justified. |
C.She didn’t care about his actions. | D.She was puzzled by his sudden change. |
18. How did Marianne react to Willoughby’s letter?
A.She turned to her sister for advice. | B.She decided to ignore it and move on. |
C.She wrote a letter to him immediately. | D.She cried and felt shocked. |
19. Which of the following best describes the personality of Marianne?
A.Sensitive and impatient. | B.Passionate and emotional. |
C.Straightforward and easy-going. | D.Practical and thoughtful. |