THEATRE by W. S. Maugham

THEATRE by W. S. Maugham

 (Chapters 1-2)

I. Explain in English or give definitions of and find contextual synonyms for the following words and phrases:

Complacency - a feeling of satisfaction, esp extreme self-satisfaction; smugness

three times running  - taking place three times

filthy - very dirty or obscene; muddy

supercilious - displaying arrogant pride, scorn, or indifference; contemptuous

military bearing -  the high level of military professionalism;

natural flamboyance natural brightness

stupendous –extremely large, great; astounding

staggered - to astound or overwhelm, as with shock; embarrass

natural homage – special respect; esteem

entanglement – state of confusion; involvement

concubinage - cohabitation without legal marriage; cohabitation

languorous - lacking spirit or liveliness; torment

flippant rejoinde frivolous answer

to risk smth - the possibility of incurring misfortune or loss; hazard

 a quick study – to learn smth by heart very quickly

II. Search for the allusions in the text. Define their type (literary, artistic, historical and others) and functions; explain their meaning.

Artistic allusions:

Sir Thomas Lawrence (13 April 1769 – 7 January 1830) was a leading English portrait painter and president of the Royal Academy. The most outstanding work: Satan summoning his legions. Here he illustrated lines from John Milton's Paradise Lost. The portraitist was mentioned to emphasize the lightness, tenderness, and feminity of the main character.

Jean-Marc Nattier (March 17, 1685 – November 7, 1766) was a French painter. He is noted for his portraits of the ladies of King Louis XV's court in classical mythological attire. He subsequently revived the genre of the allegorical portrait, in which a living person is depicted as a Greco-Roman goddess or other mythological figure. Nattier's graceful and charming portraits of court ladies in this mode were very fashionable
To my mind the author used this name in the chapter to show lightness and all the beauty of Julia Lambert.

Sarah Siddons (1755 – 1831) was a Welsh actress, the best-known tragedienne of the 18th century. She was most famous for her portrayal of the Shakespearean character, Lady Macbeth, a character she made her own, and for famously fainting at the sight of the Elgin Marbles in London. 

This allusion occurs in the text because Sarah Siddons was an idol in the world of theatre, she was the most famous and conciderate actress, moreover, Julia had a dream to play one of the Shakespearean character.

John Philip Kemble (1757 – 1823)  was an English actor. His elder sister Sarah Siddons achieved fame with him on the stage of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. He played a huge number of parts, including a large number of Shakespearean characters.

Benoît-Constant Coquelin ( 1841 – 1909), known as Coquelin aîné ("Coquelin the Eldest"), was a French actor, "one of the greatest theatrical figures of the age."

Sarah Bernhardt (1844 – 1923) was a French stage and early film actress, and was referred to as "the most famous actress the world has ever known." Bernhardt made her fame on the stages of France in the 1870s, at the beginning of the Belle Epoque period, and was soon in demand in Europe and the Americas. She developed a reputation as a serious dramatic actress, earning the nickname "The Divine Sarah."

This actress was very tallented and had all opportunities to be the great actress, so did Julia.

Charles John Kean (1811-1868) was born at Waterford, Ireland, the son of the actor Edmund Kean. Plump of figure, facially expressionless, and vocally nasal, Charles Kean was not well endowed to enter the profession in which he was bound to be compared—unfavourably—with his father. Nevertheless, despite or because of the family name, Charles Kean had early opportunities to play Shakespearian leads in London: Romeo (1829), Richard III (1830), Iago (1833) to his father's Othello, Othello and Hamlet (both 1838); in addition to which he undertook engagements in the provinces and America. Charles Kean's Shakespeare performances were criticized for ‘clap-trap effects’, misplaced emphases and unceasing—but pointless—locomotion.

All these allusions were used in the first to chapters to make the reader closer to the world of theatre, to appreciate all the beauty of it.

Literary allusions:

William Shakespeare was an English poet, playwright and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon". His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.

Historical allusions:

Sir Francis Robert Benson –  was a British actor-manager. He founded his own company in 1883 and produced all but two of Shakespeare's plays. From the first he devoted himself largely to the production of Shakespeare's plays.

III. Using direct and indirect evidence from the text give character sketches of Julia Lambert and Michael Gosselyn.

Julia Lambert is the main character of Maugham’s novel “Theatre”. She is 46 year old woman with big brown eyes and very nice delightful "warm, ready" smile."She wasn’t a brilliant conversationalist, but her eyes were so bright, her manner so intelligent" She is an independent woman, in whom the sense of humor, the ability to judge people and to understand the circumstances are combined with being an adventurer.She was really a born actress and the fate gave her a great opportunity to develop her talent. Her clothes, made only in Paris, were very luxury. All Julia’s life was an acting. Jane Taitbout gave Julia her first lessons. She taught her all the arts that she had herself learnt at the Conservatoire and she talked to her of Reichenberg who had played ingenues till she was seventy, of Sarah Bernhardt and her golden voice, of Mounet-Sully and his majesty, and of Coquelin the greatest actor of them all. She recited to her the great tirades of Corneilly and Racine as she had learned to say them at the Francaise and taught her to say them in the same way. Jane Taitbout must always have been a very stagy actress, but she taught Julia to articulate with extreme distinctness, she taught her not to be afraid of her own voice, and she made deliberate that wonderful sense of timing which Julia had by instinct and which afterwards was one of her greatest gifts. When Julia was sixteen and went to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in Gower Street she knew already much that they could teach her there. She won every prize that was open to her, and when she was finished with the school her good French got her almost immediately a small part in London as a French maid. It looked for a while as though her knowledge of French would specialize her in parts needing a foreign accent, for after this she was engaged to play an Austrian waitress.

Michael Gosselyn is the main character of Maugham’s novel “Theatre”.He is 52 years old. He had a very good figure, a great mass of curling chestnut hair and large deep blue eyes, a straight nose and small ears. The only thing that slightly spoiled him was the thinness of his mouth.He was the best- looking actor on the English stage. He was six foot tall and he had a military bearing. He was extremely handsome, so he had decided to go to the stage, rather than to connect his life with military career. He boasted that his weight had not changed since he was twenty, and for years, wet or fine, he had got up every morning at eight to put on shorts and a sweater and have a run round Regent's Park. Michael had started with Shakespeare. He had played Romeo at Cambridge.
Michael was a pedant, stern, and meticulously thorough in fulfilling all the formal requirements. The man adored his wife, Julia, her skills and ability to play on stage. When he was young his playing was poor, though he grew popular with the company. The man was good-humoured and kindly; he would take any amount of trouble to do anyone a service. However, Michael didn’t like spending money; neither had he ever given on credit.

IV. Summary 

Having come to her husband Julia, one of the best English actresses, noticed an odd man. He was the new account of the theatre and was employed by her husband, Michael Gosselyn. The couple diceded to invite a fellow for  lunch, which was an immense event in the account's life. He was keen of Julia's playing, and saw plays with her acting 3 times! Besides, Julia gave him a photo of her own. Looking through the photos she recollected their past. She was born in Jersey. Her Aunt, who was a former actress, gave her the first lessons of actor's skill. At sixteen she entered the Royal academy of the dramatics, but only Jimmie Langton made a real actress of her.

Review: Farewell to Arms

Review: Farewell to Arms

The title of the film under consideration is A Farewell to Arms. It is a 1957 American drama film directed by Charles Vidor. The screenplay by Ben Hecht, based in part on a 1930 play by Laurence Stallings, was the second feature film adaptation of Ernest Hemingway's 1929 semi-autobiographical novel of the same name. The previous one dates back to 1932.  It is distinguished by its hand-picked cast - Rock Hudson as Frederick Henry, Jennifer Jones as Catherine Barkley.

First of all, let me give you the brief reconstruction of the events. Frederick Henry is an American serving as an ambulance driver for the Italian Army during World War I. He fell in love with a nurse - Catherine Barkley. During the retreat of the Italian Army Henry deserted, and he and pregnant Catherine make their way to neutral Switzerland. For some months they live happily, but in the spring Catherine gives a birth to a still-born child, and dies shortly afterward.

The main thing, I‘d like to mention is the play of the actors who managed to feel their characters, their souls, mood and the way of thinking even. I am amazed by the way they took the message of the writer. However, sometimes the development of the love affair did not seem natural, they overacted.

Further, I’d like to concentrate exactly on this overacting. In my opinion, the director shifted the accents a lot. This film lacks that all-important awareness of the inescapable presence and pressure of war. It focuses on the love affair of 2 characters. The essential excitement of a violent love is strangely missing here. Mr. Hudson is most noticeably unbending, as if he was cautious and shy, but Miss Jones plays the famous Catherine Barkley with bewildering nervous moves and grimaces. The show of devotion between two people is intensely acted, not realized, but, as I’ve already mentioned, it was a peculiar feature for me in their acting.

To conclude, the film helped me to imagine the main heroes, the events described in the book. I really enjoyed watching the film because I watch such “old” films rarely but always admire the work and skillfulness of the actors.

 

In Love and War

The drama film “ In Love and War”, which is based on the novel , “Hemingway in Love and War” by Henry S. Villard and James Nagel. The film was directed by Richard Attenborough and  released in 1996. It stars Chris O'Donnell as Himingway , Sandra Bullock as his beloved Agnes von Kurowsky.

Let me pass on to the plot of the film. Ernest Hemingway is an 18 year old writer who wants to be in the thick of the war in Italy. He goes to Italy and finds himself in the trenches of the war. When he and the men are hit with an explosive he carries one of the Italian soldiers to medical help but gets shot in the leg in the process.
When in the hospital he meets Agnes von Kurosky, a Red Cross aide who nurses him back to health. He falls in love with Agnes, but she is concerned about their age difference. They admit their feelings, but Agnes decides to marry an Italian doctor. When she realizes her mistake it's too late. Ernest has already grown into a bitter and cynical man.

Besides, I would like to single out the theme. Examining the problem of the impact of war on human nature  in the film , the viewers draw a conclusion that war damages people not only physically but  also spiritually. The main character, Ernest Hemingway is depicted as a very enthusiastic, ambitious and optimistic young man at the very beginning of the film. This American ambulance driver, who serves in Italy,  is in search of adventures  and heroic deeds. His moral values are bravery, love and devotion. However, as soon as his faces his hardship of war his attitude to it starts to change as he himself. Death, pain and loss make it impossible for him to see the world as happily as he used to do. To crown it all, the betrayal of his beloved suppresses his romantic love and he starts to conceal his sufferings under the mask of hatred and fury. Therefore, we can say that war leaves a scar on the person’s soul and  causes  bitter disappointment in his values and ideals.

I would like to mention the title. The first thing that catches the viewer’s eye is the  title of the film. It introduces the themes of war and love, besides, it is significant for its idiomatic value. The title immediately evokes the reader’s association with the idiom “ All's fair in love and war”. Thus, it prepares the viewer for some indecent behavior from the main characters.

To sum up the film “ In Love and War” depicts Ernest as a young man and gives the viewers clear understanding how both love and war influenced the writer’s mind and feelings, which has found reflection in his creative work. Apart from that, the film teaches me to appreciate peacetime and love as it is a precious gift that gives the feeling of fullness of life and happiness.

Higher Education in Britain and the USA

1. What are the admission requirements to the colleges and universities in the USA/Britain?

Britain: Applicants to U.K. colleges write “personal statements,” but these focus on academic interests, not general passion; otherwise, admissions decisions are reached based on test scores and, at some universities, performance at academic interviews, where professors pose open-ended questions designed to gauge candidates’ potential for intellectual engagement. (When I applied to Oxford in 2009 to study anthropology, I was asked questions like whether human nature exists; when I applied to American colleges, my interviewers were more interested in what I do for fun and what vegetable I identify with.)Entrance to British universities is via a strict selection process based on an interview. After the interview a potential student is offered a place on the basis of exam results. If the student does not get the grades specified in the offer, a place cannot be taken up. Some universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge, have an entrance exam before the interview stage.

The US: American high school students who want to study at a college or university have to take a standardized test, e.g. the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or the ACT (American College Test). Each college or university decides on the minimum score it will accept, though test scores are never the only factor taken into account. Students apply direct to between three and six colleges in their last year of high school. Each college has its own application form and most include a question for which the student must write an essay. The student also has to send a transcript (= an official list of all the subjects studied and the grades received) and letters of reference.

The usual debates rage, too, about whether certain qualities—like race, legacy and athletic ability—should factor into college admissions. And yet, few Americans question whether “character” should count. We take it for granted that, say, being president of the chess club and volunteering with the elderly should matter to admissions officers, as should overly edited essays and enthusiastic endorsements from our favorite teachers. But it's time we reconsider, if not overthrow, these assumptions—and we need only look across the pond, to Britain, for a better model.

2. What are the three types of schools in higher education?

Upon completion of high school, individuals have the opportunity to further their education through vocational or technical schools, universities, both public and private, for-profit schools, and community colleges. The following will examine the types of educational institutions established within the realm of higher education. The educational philosophy guiding the principles of the institution and structure will be discussed, as well as, how the institutional structure impacts various elements of the institution

3. What degrees are offered by schools of higher learning in the USA/Britain? What are the requirements for these degrees?

The Associate degree is the first academic or professional degree that can be awarded in U.S. postsecondary education. Programmes of study for this degree are usually designed to take 2 years of full-time study, but some take longer to complete. be awarded in the liberal arts and general studies as an academic qualification or it may be awarded in a professional occupational field.

The Bachelor's degree is the second academic degree that can be awarded in U.S. postsecondary education, and is one of two undergraduate (first) degrees that qualify a student to apply to programmes of advanced (graduate) study (the other such degree is the first-professional degree).. These generally require the completion of additional requirements such as preparation of an undergraduate thesis, honours paper or project, advanced coursework, or special examinations. Advanced certificates requiring a year or less of study following (and sometimes accompanying) completion of a Bachelor's are sometimes awarded to signify a concentration in a sub-specialization or completion of a related set of competences.

The Master's degree represents the second stage of higher education and is the first advanced (graduate) degree. U.S.Most Master's degrees are designed to take 2 years of full-time study, although the time may vary depending upon the subject, the preparation achieved by the student at the undergraduate level, the structure of the programme, and whether the degree is pursued on a full- or a part-time basis

The Research Doctorate represents the third and highest stage of higher education in the United States and may be awarded in academic disciplines and some professional fields of study. This degree is not awarded by examination or coursework only, but requires demonstrated mastery of the chosen subject and the ability to conduct independent, original research. Doctoral programmes require intensive study and research in at least one subfield and professional level competence in several others.

4. What is a credit in the US system of higher education? How many credits must an undergraduate student earn to receive a bachelor’s degree? How can they be earned?During each semester, you will take a variety of courses, each of which is awarded a number of 'credits.' A credit is a unit of study. Most courses carry 3 credits, although varying amount of credit can be awarded for lectures, independent project work, laboratory time and internships. Universities usually expect students to complete:

• 120-130 credit hours for an undergraduate degree
• 30-64 credit hours for a Master's degree

As an international student in the USA, you are required to maintain a full course load of at least 12 credits per semester in order to maintain your visa status.
5. What steps do students have to take to enroll in a college/university for admission? Speak about the exams they take – PSAT, SAT, ACT.

SAT and ACT tests are primarily used for college admission purposes or financial aid. If your child is college bound, these tests are important. Even if your home school child is not currently thinking about attending college, you may still want to consider having your child take either the SAT or ACT (primarily used for east coast schools). Your child's post high school plans may change one day, and having an SAT or ACT score on file will facilitate the college entrance process.

6. What financial assistance are applicants eligible for? What is college scholarship, grants, loan? Explain and bring out the essence of student financial aid.

For all British citizens a place at university brings with it a grant from their Local Education authority. The grants cover tuition fees and some of the living expenses. The amount depends on the parents’ income. If the parents do not earn much money, their children will receive a full grant which will cover all their expenses.

7. What is a GPA (Grade Point Average)?

GPA – an average academic score for a student in a US high school, college or university. The highest grade A receives 4 points, В is 3, С is 2, D is 1 and F is 0. Points received during an academic period of weeks or months are added together and the average calculated. A high GPA helps a high school student to get into a good college or university. High points received at a college or university can result in a student being named on the dean's list and other honors. Students with low GPAs can be dismissed.

8. What is the role of a student’s counselor? Specify the function of career development and job placement within a university.

I think, student counselors provide vital services to all students who want to make the most of their time in college. When visiting Counseling Services, students will receive caring, knowledgeable assistance. 

10. What are the sources of funding for universities and colleges (both public and private)?

Universities that provide four-year study courses are either privately funded foundations or are state or city foundations that depend heavily on the government for financial support. Private universities and colleges depend largely on tuition charges levied on students. The individual state governments fund the nation’s highly developed system of state universities, which ensure the provision of higher education for the vast majority of those willing and academically qualified to receive such education.

11. What is an undergraduate student? A graduate student?

An undergraduate student is one who is pursing either an associate's or bachelor's degree.

A graduate student (also, grad student or grad in American English, or postgraduate student in British English) is an individual who has completed a bachelor's degree (B.A., B.S./B.Sc., or another flavor) and is pursuing further higher education, with the goal of achieving a master's degree (M.A., M.S./M.Sc., M.Ed., etc.) or doctorate (Ph.D., Ed.D., D.A., D.Sc., D.M.A., Th.D., etc.).

12. Are you for written or oral examinations? Which ones are more objective?

The oral exam is a long held tradition in many schools and disciplines, which poses questions to students in spoken form. Students must then answer questions as appropriate, from material they have studied in preparation for the exam. Demonstrating sufficient knowledge in the subject results in passing the exam or an actual grade.

There are many instances in college and career studies where oral exams are used. As part of graduation from a program at the undergraduate or graduate levels, students might need to prove knowledge of material and demonstrate sufficient understanding of a subject area. Many science majors finish bachelors’ studies with oral exams, or a particular program may require oral and written exams that show how a student has taken in all material studied in a four-year period. Usually study guides or a syllabus is available for these exams so prepared students tend not to be surprised by the questions they’re asked.

13. What examinations (oral or written) are more popular with Russian students? Describe the psychological types of students of your group.

In the past, every Russian graduate wrote an essay on a literary topic, an exam on mathematics and three exams on elective subjects, which could be conducted in oral or written form. On top of that, when applying to universities, every applicant wrote additional preliminary exams as set by the institutes of higher education they applied to.

14 Would you like to study in the USA or Great Britain? Why? Why not? What are the requirements for foreign students to study in the USA or Great Britain?

Yes, I would like to study in the USA. First thing you should do is decide what are you going to study, where, and in which university/school?When choosing the school you must make sure that it is on the SEVP (student and exchange visitor program) approved list of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

15. What aspects of American or British higher education system would you like to introduce into our system?

U.S. colleges and universities offer a vide variety of programs ranging from highly academic courses to very practical ones. Students can be educated not only for academic professions, but also for technical professions, such as mechanics, nursing, medical technology, computer technology and book-keeping.