1、 The Open Window H.H.MunroLearningLearning ObjectivesObjectivesLiterary Elements Critical Thinking Reading StrategiesIntercultural Competence Literary Elements Reading Strategies Genre(romance,Gothic tale)Foreshadowing Story within storyLearningLearning ObjectivesObjectives Learn about the genre of
2、the text Examine the narrative structure of the story Examine the technique of storytelling Critical Thinking LearningLearning ObjectivesObjectives Develop intellectual curiosity about other cultures Compare and analyze literary representations of the uncanny in different cultures Recognize and anal
3、yze specific cultural references in moviesDraw inferences about the characters personality and their previous life experiencesAnalyze the psychology of the charactersExplain the genre of the story by applying the relevant background knowledge Intercultural CompetenceLead inLead in Fear is a powerful
4、 feeling.The objects of fear can be various.One well-known quote is“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”Fear can make people weak but can also make people imaginative and productive.Fear can also be disruptive to theLead inLead innorm or standard.The uncanny,as the opposite of the familia
5、r and often the companion of fear,leads you to ideas or senses that are beyond the normal or expected,which may in turn make you look at the familiar from a new perspective.The stories in this unit will give you a taste of the thrilling and fascinating storytelling of the romantic and Gothic traditi
6、on in Western literature.Keep the following questions in mind when you read them:Who is telling the story?To whom is the story being told?Is there another story within the story?What are the main events in the story and what tone does the author use in describing them?Does the story have a moral as
7、many stories do?Hector Hugh Munro(18 December 1870 14 November 1916),better known by the pen name Saki,and also frequently as H.H.Munro,was a British writer whose witty,mischievous and sometimes macabre stories satirize Edwardian society and culture.The name“Saki”is Farsi for“cup-bearer”,and is thou
8、ght to be taken from either the ancient Persian poem The Rubayat of Omar Khayyam or possibly from the New World Saki monkey Pitheciidae,both being referred to in his acerbically witty and sometimes macabre stories.Background KnowledgeBackground Knowledge1.About the AuthorMunro had a penchant for moc
9、king the popular customs and manners of Edwardian England.He often did so by depicting characters in a setting and manner that would contrast their behavior with that of the natural world;often demonstrating that the simple and straightforward rules of nature would always trump the vanities of men.T
10、his is demonstrated gently in The Toys of Peace where parents from Edwardian England are taught a lesson that is still familiar to modern parents.And it is demonstrated with striking clarity in the highly recommended story The Interlopers.The Open Window is a fine example of his more humorous work i
11、s a highly recommended read.Background KnowledgeBackground KnowledgeReaders that would like to explore the short stories of H.H.Munro(Saki)should consider starting with the following works:The InterlopersEsmeSredni VashtarGabriel-ErnestToberymoyThe Schartz-Metterklume MethodBackground KnowledgeBackg
12、round Knowledge2.Characteristics of Edwardian England Background KnowledgeBackground Knowledge(Edwardian houses in Sutton,Greater London,England)Edwardian England refers to the period of time early in the 20th century when King Edward VII ruled England.During this time,England was at the peak of its
13、 colonial power and Its people enjoyed wealth and confidence because of their nations status in the world.Background KnowledgeBackground KnowledgeTypical country house style:Lighter colors were used;the use of gas and later electric lights caused designers to be less concerned about the need to disg
14、uise soot buildup on walls compared to Victorian era architecture.“Decorative patterns were less complex;both wallpaper and curtain designs were more plain.”“There was less clutter than in the Victorian era.Ornaments were perhaps grouped rather than everywhere.”Background KnowledgeBackground Knowled
15、geLife-style and leisurely pursuits:Country squires commonly enjoy tea parties and hunting.The scenes in Downton Abbey is typical of post-Edwardian life-style.It originated in England in the second half of the 18th century and had much success in the 19th,as witnessed by Mary Shelleys Frankenstein a
16、nd the works of Edgar Allan Poe.The name Gothic refers to the(pseudo)-medieval buildings,emulating Gothic architecture,in which many of these stories take place.This extreme form of romanticism was very popular in England and Germany.Background KnowledgeBackground KnowledgePart Para(s)Main idea I1-4
17、Framton Nuttel goes to visit Mrs.Sappleton with his sisters letter of introduction.II 5-14 While Framton is waiting for Mrs.Sappleton to come down,her fifteen-year-old niece tells him why the French window is kept open.III15-21Framton tries to distract Mrs.Sappletons attention from the window by tal
18、king about his health.IV22-29Framton runs off at seeing Mrs.Sappletons husband and brothers,leaving the Sappletons puzzled except the niece.1.Text StructureText AnalysisText AnalysisDetailed AnalysisRhetoric and styleText Structure1.What did Vera mean when she said to Framton“you must try and put up
19、 with me”at the beginning of the story?(Para.1)Part I Comprehension CheckPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis She meant to engage him in a conversation with her.Part IV2.Did Framton feel awkward to be alone in the company of Mrs.Sappletons niece?(Para.2)Part I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis Yes
20、,he did.(See Para.2“Framton endeavoured to say the correct something which should duly flatter the niece of the moment without unduly discounting the aunt that was to come.”)Part IV3.How did Mr.Nuttel take his sisters advice?(Para.2)Part I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis He doubted whether it would
21、 work.(See para.2“Privately he doubted more than ever whether these formal visits on a succession of total strangers would do much towards helping the nerve cure which he was supposed to be undergoing.”)Part IV1.self-possessed(Para.1,line 1)adjective calm,confident,and in control of your feelings,ev
22、en in difficult or unexpected situations,used to show approval（在苦难或意外情况下）镇定沉着的e.g.Shes a confident self-possessed public speaker.Derivation:self-possession noun Part I Word StudyPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis Part IVPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis 2.put up with(Para.1,line 2)to acce
23、pt an unpleasant situation or person without complaining 忍受，忍耐 e.g.She put up with his violent temper.Synonym:tolerate Part IVPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis 3.duly(Para.2,line 1)adverb (1)in the proper or expected way（方式）恰当地 e.g.Here are your travel documents,all duly signed.(2)at the prope
24、r time or as expected（时间）恰当地 e.g.The Queen duly appeared on the balcony to wave to the crowds.Antonym:unduly:more than is normal or reasonablee.g.unduly worried/concerned/anxious etc.Part IV4.a succession of(Para.2,line 4)a number of people or things of the same kind,following,coming,or happening on
25、e after the other连续不断的人/物 Synonym:streame.g.A succession of visitors came to the door.e.g.If the prince dies,the succession passes to his son.Derivation:successive adjective 连续的，相继的successor noun 继任者，接班人succession noun 继任Collocation：succession toe.g.the queens succession to the throne Part I Part II
26、Part IIIDetailed Analysis Part IV5.mope(Para.3,line 3)verbto feel sorry for yourself,without making any effort to do anything or be more happy顾影自怜，闷闷不乐 e.g.Dont lie there moping on a lovely morning like this!e.g.The week he died,we all sat around and moped.Collocation：mope around/about(something)Par
27、t I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis Part IV1.Framton Nuttel endeavoured to say the correct something which should duly flatter the niece of the moment without unduly discounting the aunt that was to come.(Para.2)Part I Sentence Analysis弗兰姆顿弗兰姆顿纳特尔努力想说点儿什么得体的话，既能纳特尔努力想说点儿什么得体的话，既能够讨眼前这个小姑娘欢心，又不至于怠慢她
28、那位待会够讨眼前这个小姑娘欢心，又不至于怠慢她那位待会儿要下来的姨妈。儿要下来的姨妈。Part I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis Part IVTranslate the sentence 2.Framton wondered whether Mrs.Sappleton,the lady to whom he was presenting one of the letters of introduction,came into the nice division.(Para.2)Framton wanted know if Mrs.Sappleton,the
29、 lady to whom he was presenting one of the letters of introduction by his sister,belonged to those of the villagers who were friendly to new comers in this rural retreat.Part I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis Part IVParaphrase the sentencePart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis Part IVIn polite soc
30、iety in 1910s,letters of introduction were a common means by which to make oneself known in a new place.Letters of this kind served to guarantee that a move to a new home did not isolate someone from the community.continued3.Privately he doubted more than ever whether these formal visits on a succes
31、sion of total strangers would do much towards helping the nerve cure which he was supposed to be undergoing.(Para.2)他自己非常怀疑，这样接二连三地正式访问陌生人，他自己非常怀疑，这样接二连三地正式访问陌生人，会对治疗自己神经衰弱的毛病有什么帮助，他目前需会对治疗自己神经衰弱的毛病有什么帮助，他目前需要的只是休养而已。要的只是休养而已。Part I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis Part IVTranslate the sentence1.Why
32、 did Framton show“a tone of distinct regret”about the visits he was supposed to pay?(Para.7)Part II Comprehension CheckPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis Part IVIn chatting with Vera,Framton showed“a tone of distinct regret”about the visits he was supposed to pay,because he felt embarrassed abo
33、ut the fact that he knew hardly anyone around the area.2.What was Mr.Nuttels impression of Mrs.Sappletonshouse?(Para.9)Part I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis Part IVHe wondered whether the host of this house was still alive,for the male traces were evident in the room.(See para.9“He was wondering w
34、hether Mrs.Sappleton was in the married or widowed state.An indefinable something about the room seemed to suggest masculine habitation.”)3.What is a French window like?Why is it somewhat unusualto have the window open in October?(Para.9)Part I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis Part IVFrench windows
35、are a pair of glass doors which you go through into a garden or onto a balcony.It is unusual since the weather was always cool in October.Part I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis Part IVcontinued1.spot (Para.11,line 1)noun1)a particular place or area,especially a pleasant place where you spend time 地
36、方e.g.a nice quiet spot on the beachin a spot e.g.a small cottage in an idyllic spoton a spot e.g.Why do they want to build a house on this particular spot?Part I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis Part II Word Study Part IVPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis 2)a usually round area on a surface tha
37、t is a different color or is rougher,smoother etc.than the rest 区域 Synonym:patch e.g.a white cat with brown spots Collocation：spot of e.g.Two spots of color appeared in Jills cheeks.continued Part IVPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis 2.out of place(Para.11,line 2)1)not suitable for a particular
38、 situation or occasion He never seemed to feel out of place at social functions.不相称的，不适当的e.g.The paintings looked strangely out of place.2)not in the correct or usual position 不在适当的位置上e.g.The kitchen was spotlessly clean,with nothing out of place.Part IVPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis 3.engu
39、lf(Para.14,line 4)verb 1)if an unpleasant feeling engulfs you,you feel it very strongly despair so great 吞没，包围e.g.Fear engulfed him as he approached the microphone.2)to completely surround or cover something 包围，遮住e.g.The building was engulfed in flames.Part IVPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis
40、4.get on ones nerves (Para.14,line 14)informal if someone gets on your nerves,they annoy you,especially by doing something all the time 使人心烦e.g.Shes always moaning.It really gets on my nerves.Part IV1.“Do you know many of the people round here?”asked the niece,when she judged that they had had suffi
41、cient silent communion.(Para.5)Part II Sentence AnalysisPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis “Do you know some people in this area?”asked the niece,when she formed an opinion that they should strike up a conversation since they had had not spoken for a long time and it was enough.Part IVParaphras
42、e the sentence2.Here the childs voice lost its self-possessed note and became falteringly human.(Para.14)Part I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis 这时孩子的声音不再沉稳，变得结巴起来。这时孩子的声音不再沉稳，变得结巴起来。Part IVTranslate the sentence1.What can you gather about Mrs.Sappletons social class?Why was she so keen to talk abou
43、t hunting?What kind ofperson does she strike you as?Part III Comprehension CheckPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis Mrs.Sappleton should belong to the leisure class,for she owns a mansion with gravel drive and both her husband and her dont have to work.She was so keen to talk about hunting for i
44、ts an aristocratic tradition;besides,autumn and winter are good seasons for hunting(the story is set in October).Part IVPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis Part IVHunting is a popular sport among the English wealthy classes in the Edwardian Age.Mrs.Sappleton is self-centered or self-possessed,li
45、ke her niece,both of whom care little about true feelings of visitors.Saki does not specify when his story takes place,but it is obvious that the story is set in Edwardian England,the period of time early in the 20th century when King Edward VII ruled England.continuedPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed
46、Analysis Part IVDuring this time,England was at the peak of its colonial power and its people enjoyed wealth and confidence because of their nations status in the world.The wealthy leisure class was perhaps overly confident,not seeing that political trends in Europe,including military treaties betwe
47、en the various major powers,would lead to World War I and the resulting destruction of their comfortable way of life.It is this complacency that Saki often mocks in his stories.continued2.Why was Framton eager to tell Mrs.Sappleton about hishealth condition?(Para.20)Part I Part IIPart IIIDetailed An
48、alysis Framton was eager to tell Mrs.Sappleton about his healthcondition because Framton tried to turn the talk to a less ghastly topic.Part IV3.Why did Framton Nuttel move to the country?What can you infer about the life he had led before he moved to thecountry?(Para.20)Part I Part IIPart IIIDetail
49、ed Analysis He moved to the country because his doctors all agreed in ordering him complete rest and he moved to the country to seek absence of mental exercises and avoidance of any violent physical exercise.It can be inferred that he lived in the city before,and led an eventful life of both mental
50、and physical challenges.Part IV1.break off(Para.15,line 1)1)to suddenly stop talking 突然停止说话e.g.She started to speak,then broke off while a waitress served us coffee.e.g.He broke off in mid-sentence to shake hands with the new arrivals.2)to end a relationship 分手e.g.She broke off their engagement only
