英语优秀经典的美文赏析 篇一
The Power of Words: A Tale of Inspiration and Transformation
Words possess a remarkable power. They have the ability to inspire, to comfort, and to transform lives. In the world of literature, there are numerous examples of English classics that beautifully exemplify the power of words. One such example is the renowned novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee.
Set in the 1930s in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, "To Kill a Mockingbird" explores themes of racial injustice, morality, and the loss of innocence. Through the eyes of the young protagonist, Scout Finch, the novel presents a powerful narrative that challenges societal norms and prejudices.
One of the most memorable and impactful scenes in the book occurs when Scout's father, Atticus Finch, shares a valuable life lesson with his children. He tells them, "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view...until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." These words of empathy and understanding resonate deeply with readers, reminding us of the importance of compassion and the need to challenge our own biases.
Another classic example of the power of words can be found in William Shakespeare's play, "Hamlet." In Act III, Scene I, Hamlet delivers his famous soliloquy, beginning with the words, "To be, or not to be: that is the question." Through this introspective monologue, Hamlet contemplates the nature of life and death, grappling with existential questions that have plagued humanity for centuries.
Shakespeare's poetic language and thought-provoking words have a profound impact on readers and audiences alike. They invite us to reflect on our own existence and the choices we make, reminding us of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of seizing the present moment.
In conclusion, these examples from "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "Hamlet" demonstrate the power of words to inspire, provoke thought, and transform lives. Whether through novels, plays, or poetry, English classics have the ability to touch our hearts and minds, leaving a lasting impact. They remind us of the beauty and potential of language, encouraging us to use our words wisely and with purpose.
英语优秀经典的美文赏析 篇二
Finding Beauty in the Ordinary: Appreciating the Subtle Moments in Life
In our fast-paced and often chaotic world, it is easy to overlook the beauty that surrounds us in our everyday lives. However, there are English classics that remind us of the importance of appreciating the ordinary moments that make up our existence. One such example is the timeless novel, "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen.
Set in the early 19th century in rural England, "Pride and Prejudice" tells the story of the Bennet sisters and their quest for love and happiness. Through Austen's exquisite prose and keen observations of human nature, the novel highlights the beauty found in the mundane interactions and social dynamics of the time.
Austen's attention to detail and her ability to capture the subtleties of human emotions are evident in the character of Elizabeth Bennet. As she navigates the complexities of courtship and societal expectations, Elizabeth discovers the importance of looking beyond first impressions and embracing the ordinary moments that hold deeper meaning.
Another English classic that celebrates the beauty of the ordinary is "Walden" by Henry David Thoreau. This memoir, based on Thoreau's experience of living in solitude in a cabin by Walden Pond, reflects on the simplicity and tranquility of nature. Thoreau encourages readers to find solace in the small pleasures of life and to connect with the natural world around them.
Through his lyrical descriptions of the changing seasons and his contemplative musings on the meaning of existence, Thoreau invites readers to slow down and appreciate the beauty that can be found in the simple act of observing a sunrise or listening to the rustle of leaves in the wind.
In conclusion, "Pride and Prejudice" and "Walden" remind us of the importance of finding beauty in the ordinary moments of life. These English classics serve as a gentle reminder to pause, reflect, and appreciate the subtle details that often go unnoticed. By doing so, we can cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and learn to find joy in the simplicity of our everyday experiences.
英语优秀经典的美文赏析 篇三
Time is running out for my friend. While we are sitting at lunch she casually mentions she and her husband are thinking of starting a family. "We're taking a survey, “she says, half-joking. "Do you think I should have a baby?"
时光任苒,朋友已经老大不小了。我们坐在一起吃饭的时候,她漫不经心地提到她和她的丈夫正考虑要小孩。“我们正在做一项调查,”她半开玩笑地说。“你觉得我应该要个小孩吗?”
"It will change your life," I say, carefully keeping my tone neutral. "I know," she says, "no more sleeping in on weekends, no more spontaneous holidays..."
“他将改变你的生活。”我小心翼翼地说道,尽量使语气保持客观。“这我知道。”她答道,“周末睡不成懒觉,再也不能随心所欲休假了……”
But that's not what I mean at all. I look at my friend, trying to decide what to tell her. I want her to know what she will never learn in childbirth classes. I want to tell her that the physical wounds of child bearing will heal, but becoming a mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw that she will be vulnerable forever.
但我说的绝非这些。我注视着朋友,试图整理一下自己的思绪。我想让她知道她永远不可能在分娩课上学到的东西。我想让她知道:分娩的有形伤疤可以愈合,但是做母亲的情感伤痕却永远如新,她会因此变得十分脆弱。
I consider warning her that she will never again read a newspaper without thinking: "What if that had been MY child?" That every plane crash, every house fire will haunt her. That when she sees pictures of starving children, she will wonder if anything could be worse than watching your child die. I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish suit and think that no matter how sophisticated she is, becoming a mother will reduce her to the primitive level of a bear protecting her cub.
我想告诫她:做了母亲后,每当她看报纸时就会情不自禁地联想:“如果那件事情发生在我的孩子身上将会怎样啊!”每一次飞机失事、每一场住宅火灾都会让她提心吊胆。看到那些忍饥挨饿的孩子们的照片时,她会思索:世界上还有什么比眼睁睁地看着自己的孩子饿死更惨的事情呢?我打量着她精修细剪的指甲和时尚前卫的衣服,心里想到:不管她打扮多么考究,做了母亲后,她会变得像护崽的母熊那样原始而不修边幅。
I feel I should warn her that no matter how many years she has invested in her career, she will be professionally derailed by motherhood. She might arrange for child care, but one day she will be going into an important business meeting, and she will think her baby's sweet smell. She will have to use every ounce of discipline to keep from running home, just to make sure her child is all right.
我觉得自己应该提醒她,不管她在工作上投入了多少年,一旦做了母亲,工作就会脱离常规。她自然可以安排他人照顾孩子,但说不定哪天她要去参加一个非常重要的商务会议,却忍不住想起宝宝身上散发的甜甜乳香。她不得不拼命克制自己,才不至于为了看看孩子是否安然无样而中途回家。
I want my friend to know that every decision will no longer be routine. That a five-year-old boy's desire to go to the men's room rather than the women's at a restaurant will become a major dilemma. The issues of independence and gender identity will be weighed against the prospect that a child molester may be lurking in the lavatory. However decisive she may be at the office, she will second-guess herself constan
tly as a mother.
我想告诉朋友,有了孩子后,她将再也不能按照惯例做出决定。在餐馆,5岁的儿子想进男厕而不愿进女厕将成为摆在她眼前的一大难题:她将在两个选择之间权衡一番:尊重孩子的独立和性别意识,还是让他进男厕所冒险被潜在的儿童性骚扰者侵害?任凭她在办公室多么果断,作为母亲,她仍经常事后后悔自己当时的决定。
Looking at my attractive friend, I want to assure her that eventually she will shed the added weight of pregnancy, but she will never feel the same about herself. That her own life, now so important, will be of less value to her once she has a child. She would give it up in a moment to save her offspring, but will also begin to hope for more years—not to accomplish her own dreams—but to watch her children accomplish theirs.
注视着我的这位漂亮的朋友,我想让她明确地知道,她最终会恢复到怀孕前的体重,但是她对自己的感觉已然不同。她现在视为如此重要的生命将随着孩子的诞生而变得不那么宝贵。为了救自己的孩子,她时刻愿意献出自己的生命。但她也开始希望多活一些年头,不是为了实现自己的梦想,而是为了看着孩子们美梦成真。
I want to describe to my friend the exhilaration of seeing your child learn to hit a ball. I want to capture for her the belly laugh of a baby who is touching the soft fur of a dog for the first time. I want her to taste the joy that is so real it hurts.
我想向朋友形容自己看到孩子学会击球时的喜悦之情。我想让她留意宝宝第一次触摸狗的绒毛时的捧腹大笑。我想让她品尝快乐,尽管这快乐真实得令人心痛。
My friend's look makes me realize that tears have formed in my eyes. "You'll never regret it," I say finally. Then, squeezing my friend's hand, I offer a prayer for her and me and all of the mere mortal women who stumble their way into this holiest of callings.
朋友的表情让我意识到自己已经是热泪盈眶。“你永远不会后悔,”我最后说。然后紧紧地握住朋友的手,为她、为自己、也为每一位艰难跋涉、准备响应母亲职业神圣的召唤的平凡女性献上自己的祈祷.
英语优秀经典的美文赏析 篇四
A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.
从前,有位年轻人即将大学生毕业。数月来,他一直渴望得到某汽车商产品陈列室中的一辆跑车。他知道,他那富有的父亲肯定买得起这辆车,于是,他便跟父亲说他很想得到那辆漂亮的跑车。
As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box. Curious, but somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embossed in gold. Angrily, he raised his voice to his father and said, "With all your money you give me a Bible?" He then stormed out of the house, leaving the Bible.
在毕业典礼即将来临的日子里,年轻人等待着父亲买下跑车的消息。终于,在毕业典礼那天上午,父亲将他叫到自己的书房,并告诉他,有他这么出色的儿子自己感到非常自豪而且非常爱他这个儿子。接着,父亲递给儿子一个包装精美的礼品盒。年轻人感到好奇,但带着些许失望地打开礼品盒,却发现里面是一本精美的精装本《圣经》,上面以金子凸印着年轻人的名字。看罢,年轻人怒气冲冲地向父亲大喊道:“你有那么多钱,却只给我一本《圣经》?”说完,便丢下《圣经》,愤怒地冲出房子。
Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and a wonderful family, but realizing his father was very old, he thought perhaps he should go to see him. He had not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make the arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things.
多年以后,年轻人已事业有成。他拥有一所漂亮的房子,一个温馨的家庭。但当得知父亲年事已高,他想,或许应该去看看他。自从毕业那天起他就一直不见父亲。就在起程时,他收到一封电报——父亲已逝世,并已立下遗嘱将其所有财产转给儿子。他要立即回父亲家处理后事。
When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. As he was reading, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words... "PAID IN FULL".
在父亲的房子里,他突然内心感到一阵悲伤与懊悔。他开始仔细搜寻父亲的重要文件,突然发现了那本《圣经》——还跟几年前一样崭新。他噙着泪水打开《圣经》并一页一页地阅读着。忽然,从书的背面掉出一把钥匙。钥匙上挂着一个标签,上面写着一个汽车经销商的名字——正是他曾渴望的那辆跑车的经销商。标签上还有他的毕业日期及“款已付清”的字样。
How many times do we miss blessings because they are not packaged as we expected? Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; but remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.
我们多少次地与祝福擦肩而过,仅仅因为他们没有按我们想象中的样子包装好?不要在渴望得到没有的东西时损坏你已经拥有的东西,但要记住一点:你现在所拥有的恰恰正是你曾经一心渴望得到的。
Sometimes we don't realize the good fortune we have or we could have because we expect "the packaging" to be different. What may appear as bad fortune may in fact be the door that is just waiting to be opened.
有时,我们并没有意识到我们已经拥有或本该拥有的好运,仅仅因为它的外表与我们想象中的有所不同。其实,表面上看起来像是坏运气的东西或许正是等待开启的幸运之门。