Lesson Two

1. Lesson Two Going Home Pete Hamill

3. Translation • East or west, home is best. • There is no place like home. • Home is home, be it ever so homely. • All happy families resemble one another; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. • —Leo Tolstoy • 行遍天下路，还是在家好。 • 在家千日好，出外一时难／金窝银窝，不如自家草窝。 • 家就是家，不论它如何普通。 • 所有幸福的家庭彼此都很相似，而每个不幸的家庭却各有各的不幸。 • ——列夫•托尔斯泰

4. Random Notes of a Returned Native Do you know the Chinese version for this poem? • I left my place of birth, when very young. • Without accent, I speak my native tongue. • Meanwhile, I have long passed my middle age. • Hair on temples—thin—the color of sage. • See my kids, I don’t know who they are. • Neither do they recognize me, their pa. • “These parts have never seen the likes of you. • Tell us, sir, which place you hail from, please do.” • —By Xu Zhongjie

5. Here is offered a different translation of the same Chinese poem. Please make a comparative study of the two English versions. Coming Home • I left home young and not till old do I come back, • My accent is unchanged, my hair no longer black. • The children don’t know me, whom I meet on the way, • “Where’d you come from, reverend sir?” they smiled and say. • —By Xu Yuanchong

6. 回乡偶书贺知章 • 少小离家老大回， • 乡音未改鬓毛衰。 • 儿童相见不相识， • 笑问客从何处来？

7. What does home usually associate your mind with? • What are the pictures of home in your mind?

8. Do you miss your home? • Is this the first time you left your home? • Can you describe what kind of feeling it • is when you are homesick? • What attracts you most as you think of • home? • Why do people usually have a • sentimental attachment to home? • “East or west, home is best”, do you • agree?

9. Author Pete Hamillwas born in Brooklyn, N. Y. in 1935. He attended Mexico City College in 1956—1957, studying painting and writing. He has been a columnist for the New York Post, the Daily News, and New York Newsday, and has won many journalistic awards.

10. Florida: the "Sunshine State" (FL) Florida was named by the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León in 1513. He called the region "La Florida", roughly translated as Land of the Flowers. He probably chose this name because he was impressed by the many colorful flowers. Statehood for Florida came in 1845 (27th state). Florida is one of the leading tourist states in the United States. Great stretches of sandy beaches and a warm, sunny climate make Florida a year-round vacationland. Major attractions include Disney World, Miami Beach, the Everglades National Park and the Florida Keys. Tourists may also visit historic sites that date back to the Spanish explorers.

11. New Jersey : the "Garden State" (NJ) One of the original 13 states, New Jersey was named after the island of Jersey in the English Channel. New Jersey is a state of industrial cities and towns, but also of glistening beaches and popular summer resorts. It is one of the great coastal playgrounds of the United States. Atlantic City is one of the most well-known resorts. New Jersey is located between New York City and Philadelphia, making it a convenient location for tourists to the area.

12. New York: the "Empire State" (NY ) The Dutch were the first settlers in New York. After the English took it over in the 1660s, the colony was renamed New York, after the Duke of York. It is one of the original 13 states to join the Union (it joined in 1788). The state includes everything from skyscrapers in Manhattan to rivers, mountains, and lakes in upstate New York. Niagara Falls is one of the chief attractions. New York is the leading center of banking, finance and communication in the United States. Much of the state's greatness lies in exciting New York City, the largest city in the United States and the fourth largest city in the world; its many theaters, museums, and musical organizations make it one of the cultural centers of the Western Hemisphere.

13. V.Georgia:the "Empire State of the South" (GA) Georgia, founded in 1732, is one of the original 13 states. It was named in honor of England's King George II. Georgia is the largest state east of the Mississippi; the state's large size and thriving industries have given it one of its nicknames, the Empire State of the South. During the Civil War, the fall of Atlanta was a crucial turning point in the defeat of the South. Today, Atlanta, which became Georgia's capital in 1868, is a thriving city with major national corporations, and it is considered the economic and cultural center of the Southeast. The natural beauty and famous seaside resorts of Georgia are a major attraction for tourists. Many beautiful monuments and parks, including reminders of important Civil War battles and heroes, dot the Georgia countryside.

14. Howard Johnson’s • The world of 28 flavors... • Someone you know wherever you go... • Landmark for hungry Americans

15. Howard Johnson’s The first turnpike restaurant in the United States was opened in 1940 by Howard Johnson's on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The company soon became the leading toll road operator in the country.

16. Each restaurant is topped with a bright orange roof so the traveler could immediatelyrecognize the restaurant. This has become a beacon to travelers as Howard Johnson's is known for quality food at reasonable prices and with the added lure of ice cream in 28 flavors. Howard Johnson’s

17. Text Analysis This theme is best revealed by hundreds of yellow ribbons hung on the tree. Theme of the Story • 1.The ability to forgive and forget is important in all human relationships. • 2. Mutual care and affection among people, esp. among strangers are important, too.

18. Thematic Analysis mutual care and love strangers husband & wife based on sympathy and mutual trust based on forgiveness

19. Character Analysis Please find supporting details in the story.

20. Structure of the Text 1 2 3 Para. 10-2 The surprisingly big welcome Vingo received Para. 1-4 The introduction of the setting and the characters Para. 5-9 Vingo's story of going home and the young people's interest in it

21. The plot takes, from the very beginning, the mode of narrative. Plot Analysis • the beginning: (Paras. 1—4) • Vingo was sitting quietly on a bus. His silence and stillness posed a striking contrast to the liveliness and hilarity of the young people behind him. He became the center of our interest. This opening scene creates a mystery about the protagonist, making us look forward to something more.

22. The exposition of the essential matter is managed by flashbacks (the confession of the protagonist). • the middle: (Paras. 5—10) • One of the girls tried to draw Vingo out. Vingo began to relate his story. Who he was, where he was going and what this journey was for, all the mysteries about the protagonist were gradually revealed. As the plot evolves it arouses our expectations about what will happen to Vingo. Will he be forgiven or will he go on his journey? We readers are kept in suspense. Our interest is still held by the development of the plot.

23. Finally the mystery is solved and the suspense is removed. We should say the plot is successfully complete. • the end: (Paras. 11—12) • When the bus was approaching the expected great oak tree, Vingo was surprised to see hundreds of yellow ribbons blowing and billowing in the wind. He happily knew he was finally forgiven and welcomed home. The resolution, the outcome of the plot, turns out to be a pleasant surprise. We feel satisfied. The plot ends happily and the intended emotional effects are thus achieved.

24. Conflict Analysis • Plot usually deals with a conflict. What is the conflict of the story? • The conflict lies in the inner struggle of the protagonist. On the one hand, Vingo was anxious to go home, to see the old oak tree. But on the other hand, he was afraid to do so for fear that his wife wouldn't forgive him. That would be too much for him to bear if the case turned out to be so. That's why he was silent, nervous and "chewing the inside of his lip a lot".

25. Comparison and contrast are used here in portraying this conflict. • As the plot evolved, the conflict became all the more conspicuous and heart-gripping. The bus was first 20 miles from his home, then 10 miles, and then 5 miles… Vingo "stopped looking, tightening his face into the ex-con's mask, as if fortifying himself against still another disappointment". Vingo tried hard to appear calm, but what was rolling in his heart? Nervousness and uncertainty. He had already prepared himself for a disappointment. But the other six young people were all excitedly involved in it. We readers are also kept in suspense and wondering.

26. Here comes the climax of the story. The oak tree was approaching. The bus became quiet. But Vingo's heart was pounding wildly. "To go or to stay"，this long struggling and torturing question would find its answer now. Suddenly the young people burst into shouting and crying. But Vingo remained unmoved. He sat there stunned, looking at the oak tree covered with hundreds of yellow ribbons through his misty eyes. He felt relieved to know he was finally forgiven by his wife. So do our readers. The conflict ends in a pleasant surprise, bringing an immense emotional impact on us. With the settlement of the conflict, the story comes to its end.

27. Language study • They were dreaming of golden beaches and tides of the sea as the grey, cold spring of New York vanished behind them. (1) • Sentence paraphrase: It was a grey, cold day in the spring. As the bus left New York City, these young people were thinking about what they were going to enjoy in Florida—the beaches and the sea. • Dream of/about: to imagine and think about sth. that you would like to happen, e.g. The girl dreamed of becoming a movie star. Some thought it was the breakthrough scientists had dreamed of. He's got the sort of money that you and I can only dream about.

28. vanish v. to disappear suddenly, esp. in a way that cannot easily be explained • I turned around again, the boy had vanished. • It is a bad idea to let Tom Cruise vanish for almost an hour in the middle of his picture. • Many species in South America have vanished completely. Cf: varnish tarnish furnish vanish from sight vanish into the void vanish into thin air vanish without trace/vanish off the face of the earth • 消失不见 • 化为乌有 • 从人间蒸发掉 • 消失得无影无踪

29. varnish: to cover with 给······涂清漆 • He varnished the wooden table. • After he fixed the shelf, he varnished the whole to a high shine. tarnish: (esp. of metal surfaces) to lose; cause the loss of brightness （尤指金属表面）使失去光泽 • The damp atmosphere has tarnished the gilt. • His reputation is tarnished. furnish: to supply or provide; put furniture in • The records furnished the information required. • The president’s office is tastefully furnished with modern furniture.

30. Question: What can we learn from the opening paragraph? Fictional elements • The opening paragraph serves to • introduce the characters of the story • (protagonist: Vingo, minor characters: three boys and three girls); • indicate the overall setting of the story • (time: spring; place: a bus from New York to Florida); • tell the event of the story • (Vingo was on the bus going somewhere); • set the tone of narration • (narrative of third person omniscient).

31. As the bus passed through…(2) • pass through: to go through a town, etc., perhaps stopping there for a short time, but not staying • Examples: • As they passed through the flooded areas, they felt bad. • We passed through the gates into a courtyard behind. • We were just passing through (= travelling through a place) and thought we'd drop in to see you. • pass (a place):to go past a place without entering • Examples: • On her way to work she passed a supermarket. • We passed a group of students outside the theatre. • I pass the sports centre on the way to work.

32. He sat in front of the young people, his dusty face masking his age, dressed in a plain brown suit that did not fit him. (2) • Sentence paraphrase: He sat in front of the young people. You could hardly tell how old he was because his complexion had a greyish color. • Dressed in a …this past participle phrase is used to tell the reader more about the subject of the sentence “he”. • To fit (sb.): to be the right size or shape for sb., e.g. • Cinderella’s sisters tried on the shoes, but they didn’t fit. • his dusty face masking his age: absolute construction, acting as an adverbial of accompanying circumstances

33. His fingers were stained from cigarettes… (2)sentence paraphrase: his fingers were yellow because he smoked a lot. • … and he chewed the inside of his lip a lot. (2) • Sentence paraphrase: … he repeatedly bit the inside of his lower lip, which showed his nervousness. • He sat in complete silence and seemed completely unaware of the existence of the others. (Para. 2) Sentence paraphrase: He sat without saying anything as if he did not know there were other people around. unaware of : not knowing or realizing that sth. is happening or that sth. exists • eg: He worked at his computer for hours, unaware of the noises outside.

34. Stain:v. a. to accidentally make a mark on sth. esp. one that cannot be removedb. to change the color of sth., especially sth. made of wood, by using a special liquid (Syn. dye) • Examples: • This tablecloth stains very easily. • Her fingers were stained yellow from years of smoking. • Stain the table before you varnish it. • stain sb.’s name/reputation/honor • stain with • leave a stain • blood/ink/wine stain • a stain on sb.’s character/reputation • remove/get rid of a stain • stubborn stains Collocations

35. Deep into the night, the bus pulled into a Howard Johnson’s …(3)Sentence paraphrase: Late at night the bus stopped at one of the Howard Johnson fast food chain restaurants. Every passenger on the bus got off to eat but Vingo didin’t. • Pull into: (of a vehicle) to arrive at (a station); move in towards • Examples: • They will pull into the station at 7 sharp. • The train pulled into the station on the stroke of 12. • Let’s pull into the parking lot and have a rest. • pull out • if a train pulls out, it leaves a station • Examples: • The three-thirty is pulling out of platform four. • We got there just as the train was pulling out.

36. The young people began to wonder about…(3) • wonder about/at: to feel curious about; be doubtful about • Examples: • John says he didn’t do it, but I am still wondering about that. • Sometimes I wonder about his behaviour. • He wondered at her ability never to reveal the slightest disquiet in front of her husband.

37. …one of the girls became so curious that she decided to engage him in a conversation. (3) • Paraphrase: …one of the girls became very interested in Vingo, and she decided to get him to talk. • engage sb. In: to make sb. take part in sth. • Examples: • She tried to engage her roommate in a philosophical discussion. • They spoke little about life outside the organization despite my efforts to engage them in conversation about it. • They engaged him in a new project. • To engage sb. In conversation: to start talking to sb. And involve him in a conversation

38. Engagement • I called my wife to cancel our lunch ~. • Their relationship came to an end all of a sudden during the ~. • engaged: adj. • 1) having agreed to marry (to) • 2) busy, spending sometime on doing sth. (in/on) • 3) (of a telephone line) in use • Sorry! The line is engaged. (BrE) • engaging: charming

39. You going that far? (Para. 4) Want some wine? (Para. 4):elliptical sentences, common in conversation • Paraphrase: Are you going as far as Florida? • Do you want some wine?/Would you like to have some wine? • He smiled and took a swig from the bottle. (4) • Paraphrase: he smiled and drank a large mouthful of wine from the bottle. • He thanked her and retreated again into his silence. (4) • After thanking her for the wine, he again became silent.

40. retreat into/to: toyield; move back toSyn: retire, Antonym: advance • Examples: • The soldiers were ordered to retreat to safer positions. • At last we forced the enemy to retreat into the mountains from the town. • More and more she retreated into books. • retreat into oneself • retreat into one’s shell • retreat into fantasy 不与人交往 ，离群索居 变得缄默，不愿与人接 触 退避到梦幻世界

41. …as Vingo nodded in sleep. (4)…as Vingo fell asleep. • The preposition “in” is often used to show a state or condition. More examples: • He sat in complete silence. (2) • Then suddenly all of the young people were up out of their seats…shaking clenched fists in triumph and exaltation. (11) • Good God, I was in a daze. • Compare: “Into” is used to show a change in state. E.g. • He thanked her and retreated into his silence.(4) • Vingo stopped looking, tightening his face into the ex-con’s mask. (10)

42. The girl insisted that he join them. (Para. 5) • Insist: 1) declare firmly; place great importance on • e.g. He insisted on the accuracy of his account. • Our teacher insists on discipline in the classroom. • The suspect insisted that he was innocent. • 2) order or demand (sth./ sth. must happen or be done) • e.g. Our boss insists on punctuality. • He insists on driving her home. • Congress has insisted that the constitution (should) be amended. • He insists that she not accompany him.

43. insisted that he join them More examples subjunctivemood, "should" is dropped out After the verbs expressing a command, decision, suggestion, such asdecide, decree, demand, insist, move, order, prefer, propose, recommend, request, require, suggest, vote, advise, determine, desire, resolve, urge, etc, in that-clause we usu. use subjunctive mood “(should) do sth.”.

44. 1.It was recommended that passengers ____ smoke during the flight. • a. not b. need not • c. could not d. would not (TEM-4, 1994) • 2. Mike's uncle insists ____ in this hotel. • a. staying not • b. that he would not stay • c. not to stay • d. that he not stay (CET-4, 2001, 1) keys a, d

45. I understand if you can’t stay married to me. (7) • Paraphrase: if you want to divorce me, I ‘ll understand—you have every reason to do so. • Vingo used a euphemism—an indirect phrase “can’t stay married to me” to refer to the more embarrassing and unpleasant term “divorce me”.

46. Get a new guy—she’s a wonderful woman, really something—and forget about me. (7) Parenthesis For Vingo to give his opinion of his wife. Really something: (she is ) really a special woman.

47. forget about • a.to lose remembrance of; fail to keep in memory; fail to recall • b.to stop thinking or worrying about someone or something • c.not to care about or give attention to someone or something any longer • Examples: • She forgot all about their anniversary. • Once they have money, some people forget about all their old friends. • I'd completely forgotten about our bet until Bill reminded me.

48. I told her she didn’t have to write to me or anything, and she didn’t. Not in three-and-a-half years. (7) • Paraphrase: I told her didn’t have to write to me or keep in touch with me in any other way. And she didn’t. I didn’t hear from her or about her for three and a half years when I was I jail. • or anything: (spoken)or anything of as similar type.

49. When I was sure the parole was coming through I wrote her again. (9) • Paraphrase: when I knew for sure that I would be released on parole I again wrote her a letter. • Parole: permission for early release that is given to a prisoner before the end of his sentence on condition that he behaves well. • come through: to arrive as expected • Examples: • Has the train come through? • We're still waiting for our exam results to come through. • There is news just coming through of an explosion in a chemical factory. “come” phrases

50. Cf. • come about • come across • come down with • come off • come out • come through • come up with • come up to • Cf. • 发生，产生 • 偶然遇见，碰上 • 得，染上（病） • 发生，举行；结果；成功 • （书等）出版，发行 • 胜利，成功；经历······仍活着 • 提出，想出 • 等于，比得上，达到（标准等）