'THEATRE' TASKS for Chapters 3-6

TASKS for Chapters 3-6

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

Asset - a useful and desirable thing or quality

a sumptuous supper - splendor suggesting great expense – lavish

extravagance - excessive or unnecessary expenditure or outlay of money

thrift - wise economy in the management of money and other resources – frugality

to remonstrate - to say or plead in protest, objection, or disapproval

at a loose end - in an uncertain or unsettled situation 

to jeopardize - to put in risk - to run chances

alacrity - cheerful willingness; eagerness

susceptible to - admitting or capable of some specified treatment

obsequious - servilely compliant or deferential

a retainer - a servant or attendant who has served a family for many years

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

"Lord, what fools these mortals be," Shakespeare (A Midsummer Night's Dream). This quotation was used by Jimmy. Julia met Michael from New York and Jimmy didn’t understand why he attracted her attention. In spite of his handsome face, he was undistinguished. Jimmy was sure that he was not worthy of her. That’s why he said so.

"Neither a borrower nor a lender be," Polonius. This quotation was used by Michael. And it was his credo that referred his attitude to money. He was thrifty and preferred not to lend his earned money.

"I could not love thee, dear, so much, loved I not honour more," Richard Lovelace (Tell Me Not, Sweet) – This quotation was used by Michael. It showed his attitude to life, love, marriage, wedding and Julia herself.

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

This metaphor belongs to the main character Michael. It refers to men who decide to marry young actresses. He believed that both actor and actress should marry only after the formation of a successful career because it’s impossible to be prominent in the marriage. According to Michael’s words, if one of the married couple (actress) doesn’t achieve anything, she will become a millstone for him. Such a union is doomed to misfortune.

IV. Comment on the context of the following phrases

- "He was too modest to resent an unfavourable criticism." (Ch.3)

I think Michael understood that he was in the theatre only because of his beauty, his appearance. He was talented but I order to be a prominent actor he had to work more and more. That’s why he of course couldn’t  resent an unfavourable criticism.

- "... after all he was born a gentleman." (Ch.4)

Michael’s mother Mrs. Gosselyn believed that all actors were dishonest and vulgar men. But her son was not the sort of man. I think she was afraid of his reputation as in order to be famous he was able to do everything. Therefore, she was not tired to repeat again and again that her son was born a gentleman.

- "He is going to be a flop." (Ch.5)

This Jimmie’s phrase proves again that Michael was only a handsome man with low theatre potential. And he was not able to be a world-wild, outstanding actor.  

- "'I suppose it's beastly of me,' she thought, 'but thank God, thank God.'" (Ch.6)

My feelings are contradictory. On the one hand, Julia loved Michael and wanted him to return home. On the other hand, any actor or actress are selfish and crazy in their profession, and maybe she was glade to be more successful and more famous than her beloved man. It’s difficult for me to say with the confidence.

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

Through description, dialogues, metaphors and her personal thoughts readers see the events. And these events are revealed with the help of Julia.

Through Julia's eyes we see and feel her negative and positive emotions. E.G. filthy pig, beast, devil, brute, rotten old eunuch; poor lamb, poor little thing, silly little fool, angel, sweet.

The author uses so called direct communication with the reader. Julia’s thoughts and feelings, expressed by her monologues, help me, as the reader, to see the surroundings through Julia’s eyes, through her emotions, through her attitude to the events. It’s rather important for readers.

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 the director of the troupe where Julia and Michael played. He was the first who discovered their talent and helped out.

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

Julia had been playing in a small theatre. Michael had been playing in the theatre for three year. Both of them were noticed by Jimmie Langton, who offered a deserved salary in his theatre, the Middlepool Theatre Company.

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

They played in the same theatre, in the same play. After some time they became good friends.

4. What did Julia like about Michael?

Julia noted that Michael was a handsome, attractive man.

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

His family was on the first place. If the family is decent, good looks are unimportant.

5. How did Julia feel about her family?

Julia loved her parents. Especially she was proud of her father. But at the same time she was ready to lie about his profession. In order to be pleased by Michael’s parents, she told that her father was a doctor (he was a vet). It astonished me deeply.

6. What were Michael's views on marriage?

He believed that both actor and actress should marry only after the formation of a successful career because it’s impossible to be prominent in the marriage. According to Michael’s words, if one of the married couple (actress) doesn’t achieve anything, she will become a millstone for him. Such a union is doomed to misfortune.

7. Why did Michael find Julia extravagant?

Maybe he believed that any actress was extravagant and Julia was no exception.

8. What did Michael read newspaper reviews for? Did Julia share his views?

He liked to read reviews about his playing and about himself as the actor. Julia wanted him to read about her.

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

Mrs. Gosselyn, Michael’s mother invited Julia to their house for the Holy Week.

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

She had expected to meet a serious, rude man. But he was kind and noble-minded.

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

His parents had expected to meet a vulgar, extravagant woman. They thought that all actresses were the same. But indeed, they liked Julia because of her modesty and openness. I’d like to quote ."You've made a tremendous success with my people. They've taken an enormous fancy to you. Father told me you were very ladylike, and not a bit like an actress, and mother says you're so sensible."

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

Yes, it was.

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

He was offered to go to America for two years. It was the contract with the American theatre. Jimmie facilitated this.

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

She tried not to let him to go to America.

15. Was Michael a success in America?

No, he wasn’t.

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

Yes, he wrote letters about his career.

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

Yes, she was. She missed Michael and wanted to see him.

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

He believed that his roles were awful. He was disappointed by his experience in
America.

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

He was going to open his own theatre. He suggested it to Julia and they decided to make a realty of it in 2-3 years.

VIII. Summarize the events of chapters 3-6.

Skipping through her photos, Julia began to recollect her personal life. She remembered her first plays in the theatre of Jimmie Langton. She made the acquaintance of Michael there. In some time, he proposed marriage to Julia. Besides, at the same time, he was offered to go to America for two years. Having returned back, Julia was waiting for him at the station.