Theatre. Chapters 3 - 6.

Task I

·         asset - [USUALLY PLURAL] something such as money or property that a person or company owns; a major benefit

·         a sumptuous supper – an expensive supper

·         extravagance - [UNCOUNTABLE] the practice of spending a lot of money, especially more than you should; [UNCOUNTABLE] the extreme, unusual, or unreasonable quality of something

·         thrift - [UNCOUNTABLE] the practice of spending money carefully so that you do not waste any

·         to remonstrate - to argue with, complain to, or criticize someone about something

·         equanimity - a calm mental state when you deal with a difficult situation

·         be at a loose end - be in an uncertain or confused condition; be without any particular plans; be in unsettled position; be without any specific occupation

·         to jeopardize - to risk damaging or destroying something important

·         alacrity – enthusiasm

·         susceptible to - easily influenced or affected by something

·         obsequious - too keen to please someone, in a way that does not seem sincere

·         a retainer - a payment made to someone such as a lawyer so that they will be available to do work for you when you want them; a reduced rent that you pay to keep your house, flat etc .when you are not living in it, so that you can live in it when you return; OLD-FASHIONED a servant, especially one who has worked for someone from a high social class for a long time

Task II

·         "I could not love thee, dear, so much, loved I not honour more” (TO LUCASTA, GOING TO THE WARS by R. Lovelace) – Michael quoted it for Julia to underline that he was an honest man, who wasn’t going to misuse her love.

·         "Lord, what fools these mortals be" (“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by W. Shakespeare) – Jimmie said it about Julia, who loved Michael, the man, who didn’t suit her. So this quotation underlines that people are not able to control their feelings.

Task III

The metaphor “she's a millstone round his neck” means that a wife, especially an actress, becomes a burden for a young actor’s career. This phrase belongs to Michael, who said it in general while talking to Julia, not meaning somebody in particular.

Task IV

·         “He was too modest to resent an unfavourable criticism”.  This phrase was written about Michael, who was able to stand any criticism in his address.

·         “…after all he was born a gentleman." – it was said about Michael, whose parents didn’t approve his occupation as an actor.

·         “He's going to be a flop." – it was said about Michael, who was an awful actor and was going to fail in  America.

·         "I suppose it's beastly of me," she thought, "but thank God, thank God." – Julia thought that it was bad of her to be glad that Michael failed, but she wanted him to do it, because she loved him and wanted him to be nearby.

Task VI

The author uses the so-called “stream of consciousness” when the reader understands Julia’s thoughts.

Task VII

1. Who was Jimmie Langton and what role did he play in Julia's and Michael's lives? A man called James Langton was running a repertory theatre at Middlepool that was attracting a good deal of attention. Due to him, Julia and Michael got acquainted and Julia became a brilliant actress.

2. When did Julia and Michael join the Middlepool Theatre Company? Michael had been with Benson for three years and then asked Langton to employ him. Julia joined his theatre company  after playing second roles, when he noticed her great talent.

3. How did Julia and Michael get to know each other? They played in the same play and began to walk together and meet to discuss their roles.

4. What did Julia like about Michael?  She liked that he was beautiful, careful and thrifty.

5. What did Michael think of good looks and decent families? He thought that it was more important to have a decent family than a good look.

6. How did Julia feel about her family? She was a bit ashamed, because her father was a vet.

7. What were Michael's views on marriage?  He considered that it was silly of a young actor to get married.

8. Why did Michael find Julia extravagant?  Because she spent a lot of money.

9. What did Michael read newspaper reviews for? Did Julia share his views? He read these reviews to know critics’ opinions about him. Julia didn’t share his views, she thought that he was a bad actor, though very beautiful.

10. Who invited Julia to Michael's house for the Holy Week?  Michael’s mother.

11. Did Michael's father meet Julia's expectations?  No, she expected him to be more stern.

12. What impression did Julia produce on Michael's parents? They liked her very much.

13. Was the proposal expected by Michael's parents?  Yes, it was.

14. What professional offer did Michael receive and who facilitated this? He was invited to America due to Jimmie Langton.

15. What steps did Julia take upon finding Michael was leaving for America?  She asked Jimmie to help her.

16. Was Michael a success in America?  No, he wasn’t.

17. Did Julia keep in touch with him while he was away? Yes. She wrote him lots of letters.

18. Was Julia eager to meet Michael straight at the station? Yes, she was.

19. What were Michael's impressions after staying and working in America? He wasn’t disappointed very much, because he saved dome money for their marriage.

20. What was Michael going to do in England and what were his prospects? He was going to marry Julia and open their own theatre.

Task VIII

Julia remembered how she fell in love with Michael and tried to make him marry her. He asked his mother to invite her to visit them then he popped the question. After that he was invited to work in America, Julia was very disappointed and tried to prevent it. Eventually he worked there for one season and saved some money for their marriage.