英语文学阅读与鉴赏B7_Unit 2_The Dear Departed (Part Two).docVIP

Unit Two Get Started ▇ Read the following background notes before class and be prepared for classroom activities. 1. Plot twist (情节转折): A plot twist is a change in the direction or expected outcome of the plot of a play or a story. It is a common literary technique to keep the interest of the reader or the audience. When a plot twist happens near the end of a play or story, especially if it changes one’s view of the preceding events, it is known as a twist ending or a surprise ending. Sometimes plot twists are foreshowed (预示) by certain clues and can thus be predicted by experienced readers or spectators; sometimes, a writer creates the plot so skilfully that the plot twist comes as a complete shock. A plot twist takes place in the The Dear Departed, where we are told that Abel Merryweather is NOT dead. This sudden change in the plotline not only builds up further suspense but also gives us a surprise ending. 2. Suspense (悬念): Suspense is a feeling of uncertainty and anxiety about the outcome of certain actions. This emotion arises when we are waiting for something to happen or when we are uncertain about what is going to happen. Thus, suspense is a combination of anticipation and uncertainty. In a play or a story, suspense is often considered as the dynamic aspect of the plot. Playwrights and story-tellers always try to keep the audience or the reader in suspense by withholding (保留) the most crucial information. In this sense, suspense can be considered as a literary technique, which writers use to engage their readers or audiences. 3. Suggestions for reading a play: Drama is written to be performed. Reading a play is, of course, not exactly the same as watching it performed onstage. In reading a play, you can only visualize what is meant to be performed onstage. Therefore, when reading a play, you must pay special attention to the following points: Look at the title. What do you think the title says about the play? Read the stage directions carefully. What i