Mrtin Eden / Мартин Иден (в сокращении). Книга для чтения на английском языке

8. Explain and expand on the following.

1. Martin felt awkward when he entered his friend’s place.

2. Martin’s companion tried to assure him.

3. Martin was astonished looking at an oil-painting.

4. Martin’s soul strove for everything beautiful.

5. Ruth’s appearance excited him deeply.

6. Ruth was worried by Martin’s hands and scar.

7. Martin was glad that Mr. Morse was not in the dining-room.

8. Ruth behaved tactfully at dinner.

9. Ruth was startled.

9. Answer the following questions.

1. Why did Martin feel awkward when he went in?

2. What impression did an oil-painting produce on Martin?

3. Why did he not pay attention to Ruth having entered the room?

4. Whom did Martin compare Ruth with? Why?

5. What did Ruth notice?

6. What did Ruth ask Martin to tell her about?

7. What was Martin thinking about while talking to Ruth?

8. Was Martin glad that Mr. Morse was not there? Why?

9. Why was Martin quiet during the first part of the dinner?

10. Why was Ruth startled?

10. Correct the statements.

1. Martin was accustomed to such places as Arthur’s home.

2. Martin was a habitué of the art galleries.

3. Martin was not fond of reading, especially poetry.

4. Ruth did not impress Martin a bit.

5. They spoke about Ruth.

6. Martin was not going to get acquainted in this new world.

7. Martin was very vivacious during the first part of the dinner.

8. He understood and liked the music Ruth was playing though he was not susceptible to music.

11. Develop the following statement.

1. Arthur gave Martin an opportunity to recover himself.

2. An oil-painting caught and held Martin.

3. Martin looked at books as a starving man would look at food.

4. Martin was thrilling to the new impression.

5. Martin felt a shock looking at Ruth.

6. Martin felt himself angry for the boast.

7. During the first part of the dinner Martin was very quiet.

8. Martin was a brave man.

9. Ruth was glancing at Martin across her shoulder.

12. Retell the chapter for the persons of Martin Eden, Ruth, Mrs. Morse, Arthur.

Chapter II

Martin awoke next morning from rosy scenes of dream to a steamy atmosphere that smelled of soapsuds and dirty clothes. As he came out of his room he heard the splash of water, a sharp exclamation, and a resounding smack as his sister Gertrude visited her irritation upon one of her numerous progeny. The squall of the child went through him like a knife. He was aware that the whole thing, the very air he breathed, was repulsive and mean. How different, he thought, from the atmosphere of beauty and repose of the house wherein Ruth dwelt.

“Come here, Alfred,” he called to the crying child, at the same time thrusting his hand into his trousers pocket. He put a quarter in the youngster’s hand, and held him in his arms a moment, soothing his sobs. “Now run along and get some candy, and don’t forget to give some to your brothers and sisters.”

His sister lifted a flushed face from the wash-tub and looked at him.

“A nickel would have been enough,” she said. “It’s just like you, no idea of the value of money. The child’ll eat himself sick.”

“That’s all right, Sis,” he answered jovially. “My money will take care of itself. If you weren’t so busy I’d kiss you.”

He wanted to be affectionate to this sister, who was good, and who, in her way, he knew loved him. But the hard work, the many children, and the nagging of her husband had changed her.

“Go along an’ get your breakfast,” she said roughly, though secretly pleased. He had always been her favourite.

Martin had his breakfast in the kitchen, then went downstairs and out into the street, breathing great breaths of air.