TASKS for Chapters 3-6

1) asset - a useful or valuable quality, person, or thing; an advantage or resource. Syn. plus

a sumptuous supper – splendor of a great expense. Syn. lavish

extravagance - a thing on which too much money has been spent or which has used up too many resources. Syn. luxury

thrift - careful use of money so that it is not wasted. Syn. frugality

to remonstrate - to present and urge reasons in opposition. Syn. expostulate

equanimity - calm emotions when dealing with problems or pressure. Syn. aplomb

at a loose end - to have nothing to do

to jeopardize - to put in danger. Syn. to risk

alacrity - a quick and cheerful readiness to do something. Syn. amenability

susceptible to - easily influenced or affected. Syn. suggestible

obsequious - marked by or exhibiting a fawning attentiveness. Syn. cringing

a retainer - one that retains, as a device, frame, or groove that restrains or guides. Syn. worker

 2)"Neither a borrower nor a lender be," Polonius. I think, this quote characterizes one of Michael's qualities – his thrift. It was his principle. I think it's right, as, firstly, all loans spoil relations. Secondly, there is no certainty that the debt will be returned.

"I could not love thee, dear, so much, loved I not honour more," Richard Lovelace (Tell Me Not, Sweet) - it shows Michael traits and values in life.

"Lord, what fools these mortals be,"  - This quotation shows Jimmie's anxiety about relationship between Michael and Julia.

3)This metaphor belongs to Michael and refers to actors, as the man was speaking about his attitude to marriage with an actress just in the beginning of her career. The man thought an actor should marry only when both of them became staid, made a fortune. Otherwise she became a burden to him.

 4)"He was too modest to resent an unfavourable criticism." 

Michael was too modest to resent it though he realized that he is still an actor only because of his appearance.

"... after all he was born a gentleman." 

This phrase refers to Michael because his parents thought that a career of an actor is not good for his son. They preferred him to become a military man.

"He is going to be a flop."

The phrase refers to Michael who was going to America as an actor. Jimmie supposed him to be an ordinary actor without a great talent that’s why he thought Michael to get a failure.

 "'I suppose it's beastly of me,' she thought, 'but thank God, thank God.'" 

Julia said this phrase after she’d found out about Michael’s return from America. She was afraid that he forgot her and stopped loving and she was really glad that he was going to come back.

6) Epithets and emotional words - poor little thing, silly little fool, angel, brute, rotten old eunuch.

Inner speech monologues - "The blasted fool, why does he talk all that rot? Doesn't he know I'm crazy to marry him? Why doesn't he kiss me, kiss me, kiss me? I wonder if I dare tell him I'm absolutely sick with love for him.”

7)1. Who was Jimmie Langton and what role did he play in Julia's and Michael's lives?Jimmie Langton was the head of the troupe in the theatre at Middlepool. He helped Julia to develop her talent and to become a good actress. Also  Michael and Julia met each other in his theatre.

 2. When did Julia and Michael join the Middlepool Theatre Company? 3. How did Julia and Michael get to know each other?Michael played the boy and Julia played Regina. They heard one another their parts and after rehearsals lunched together to talk of them. Soon they were inseparable.

4. What did Julia like about Michael?

Michael was very handsome and had a good sense of humour. She liked him because he behaved like a gentleman.

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

The family status played greater importance for him than a man’s appearance.

6.How did Julia feel about her family?

She liked her family,she was proud of her father's profession.

7.What were Michael's views on marriage?

“I think an actor's a perfect fool to marry young. There are so many cases in which it absolutely ruins a chap's career. Especially if he marries an actress. He becomes a star and then she's a millstone round his neck”.

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

He read all the articles in order to find out the information about him. He didn't pay attention to Julia's reviews.

9.Who invited Julia to Michael's house for the Holy Week? – It was Michael’s mother, Mrs. Gosselyn.

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

Julia  found the Colonel not so alarming person than she had expected: he was civil, but reserved, generous. He was neither irritable nor oppressive. He read The Times, went to church on Sunday and accompanied his wife to tea-parties.According to Michael’s words his father was rather old-fashioned, and there were some things he couldn’t understand.

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

They liked Julia."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 steps did Julia take upon finding Michael was leaving for America?

She asked Jimmie not to let Michael go.

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

Michael was offered a lucrative contract in America, and Jimmie, the head of the troupe, facilitated it.

15.Was Michael a success in America?

He didn't find success there.

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

Yes,she wrote constantly  a lot of passionate letters to him,while he answered once a week, four pages exactly in a neat, precise hand.

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

 She decided to meet him and booked two rooms in a hotel.

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

Michael was deeply mortified and depressed. He wasn't satisfied by his work in America. 

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

He saved money in America and he dreamed to open the theater, where Julia would play.

8)Julia recollected her life. She remembered her first play in Jimmies troupe, her relationship with Michael and their feelings. Julia and Michael fell in love and she was invited by his mother to their house for the Holy Week, during this week Michael made a proposal. They got married. Soon Michael went to America, but he couldn’t find success there. He returned back home, there Julia was waiting for him. She met him at the station and booked two rooms in a luxurious hotel.