文学英语赏析-7.doc

文学英语赏析-7 单元内容提要　　Drama 　　Plays share many elements with prose, fiction and poetry. Like a poem, a play makes extensive use of the resources of language. Like an essay, it is capable of being used to explore issues and propose ideas. And like fiction, a play is concerned with a plot and character and develops a theme. But the major difference is that a play is designed to be acted out on a stage. In a play the story is told mostly through dialogue and action.　　Unit objectives　　~To introduce the different types of dramatic texts in English: comedy, tragedy, the theatre of the absurd, etc.　　~To use extracts from some major plays to show how language is used to achieve dramatic effect, especially through the use of dialogue. 《认真的重要性》选段解读　　Seek opportunities to listen to the plays.　　~Try to hear the tones of voice.　　~Try to imagine the pace and tempo of the dialogue.　　The Importance of Being Earnest　　Oscar Wilde satirized the upper class. He expressed a satirical and bitter attitude towards the upper class people by revealing their corruption, their snobbery and their hypocrisy. Extract 1　　Lady Bracknell: Mr. Worthing! Rise, sir, from this semi-recumbent posture. It is most indecorous.　　Gwendolen: Mamma! (He tries to rise: she restrains him) I must beg you to retire. This is no place for you. Besides, Mr. Worthing has not quite finished yet.　　Lady Bracknell: Finished what, may I ask?　　　　Gwendolen: I am engaged to Mr. Worthing. Mamma. (They rise together.)　　Lady Bracknell: Pardon me, you are not engaged to anyone. When you do become engaged to someone, I, or your father, should his health permit him, will inform you of the fact. An engagement should come on a young girl as a surprise, pleasant or unpleasant, as the case may be. It is hardly a matter that she could be allowed to arrange for herself… And now I have a few questions to put to you, Mr. Worthing. While I am making these inquiries, you, Gwendolen, will wait