TASKS for Chapters 15-18

I. Give Russian equivalents of the following words and phrases:

condescending letter – снисходительное письмо

pearl studs – жемчужные запонки,

peevish – возбужденный,

make head or tail of it – ничего непонимать,

fatuous irony – глупая ирония

to get back on sb – отделаться откого-то

song and dance – сцена, скандал, 

to spend a lot on green fees – тратиться на аренду поля для гольфа,

despicable – презренный,

to give sb a treat – доставить кому либо удовольствие ,

to wheedle sb into –впутывать кого-то во что-то,

prudishness – высокомерие

to take liberties with sb – вести себя развязно с кем-то,

to grudge sb – завидовать,

conspicuous – очевидный,

to take the rough with the smooth – стойко переносить превратности судьбы,

to have a joke up your sleeve – держать шутку наготове,

to mortify sb – усмирять, 

 disconcerted –смущенный.

II. Explain the following metaphors. Who do they refer to?

·                     It won't hurt him to discover that I'm not all milk and honey. – This statement refers to Julia while she is thinking about Tom and revenge on him. She wants to prove that she is not weak willed.

·                     I'm not the woman to desert a sinking ship. – This metaphor is used by Dolly de Vries, during her conversation with Michael about his wife, Julia, and how her love affairs with Tom which could effect her career in the negative way.

II. Give a character sketch of Dolly de Vries. Pay special attention to the description of hr appearance: "Dolly de Vries was now a woman of sixty. …and a slight cockney accent revealed itself." Dwell on her relationship with Michael and Julia. How did she feel about Tom?

Mrs. de Vries was a widow, brie was a short stout woman with a fine Jewish nose and fine Jewish eyes, a great deal of energy, a manner at once effusive and timid, and a somewhat virile air. She had a passion for the stage. When Julia and Michael had decided to try their luck in London Jimmie Langton, to whose rescue she had sometimes come when it looked as though he would be forced to close his repertory theatre, had written to her asking her to do what she could for them. She had seen Julia act in Middlepool. She gave parties so that the young actors might get to know managers, and asked them to stay at her grand house near Guildford, where they enjoyed a luxury they had never dreamt of. She did not much like Michael. Julia accepted the flowers with which Dolly de Vries filled her flat and her dressing-room, she was properly delighted with the presents she gave her, bags, vanity cases, brooches; but Dolly’s generosity was due to anything but admiration for her talent. When Michael went away to the war Dolly pressed her to come and live in her house in Montagu Square, but Julia, with protestations of extravagant gratitude, refused in such a way that Dolly, with a sigh and a tear, could only admire her the more. When Roger was born Julia asked her to be his godmother. She had a big fortune, more than that she knew a lot of famous people. And Michael and Julia understood that Dolly could be usefull for them.

IV. Speak on Julia's reputation and talent. Do you agree that no one expects an actress to be a pattern of propriety?

There is no doubt that she was very talented and she played so many roles and has become famous thanks for her will and hard work but not appearance as usual.

V. Answer the questions:

1. Why did Julia offer Tom the money for servants' tips? Do you think she made the right decision?

It was her revenge on Tom because he didn’t pay attention on her while they were in Taplow. She understood well enough that it was very painful for Tom such remaidance about money, attitude to him as a servant.  

2. Did Julia manage to induce Tom to see her again after that?

Yes, she did.

3. Did Dolly believe that Julia didn't have a lover? Why?

No, Dolly didn’t believe that Julia didn’t have a lover.

4. Whom did Dolly finally decide to talk to about Julia's cheating?

Michael

5. Why did Dolly not confess to Michael that she suspected Julia of having a love affair?

Dolly had no proof.

6. Why did Michael suggest buying Dolly's share out?

He thought the woman could suffer from Julia’s broken reputation.

7. What was the reason for Dolly's desperate jealousy?

. She felt, loneyl and  unhappy.

8. How did Dolly try to convince Julia that Tom was not very discreet?

9. Why couldn't Julia fall asleep after the lunch with Dolly?

Because so many gossipis about her and Tom and their possible love affairs.  

VI. Summarize the events of chapters 15-18.

Without showing her feelings to Tom, she tries to bind him to herself. The actress knows he is a snob, so she let's him enter the high society. Tom is realy poor, thats why she showeres him with expensive gifts and pays off debts.
Julia forgets about her age, but on vacation Tom so obviously and naturally prefers to spend his time with her son, Roger, that it really hurts her. Julia has an argument with Tom, but she is so afraid to lose him that finally she does everything to make it up.