1、 Unit 4 The Uncanny and Fear Unit 4 The Uncanny and Fear The Open Window H. H. Munro The Open WindowLearning ObjectivesLiterary Elements Critical ThinkingReading StrategiesIntercultural CompetenceLearning ObjectivesLiterary ElLiterary ElementsReading Strategies Genre (romance, Gothic tale)Foreshadow

2、ingStory within storyLearning ObjectivesLearn about the genre of the textExamine the narrative structure of the storyExamine the technique of storytellingLiterary ElementsGenre (romancCritical Thinking Learning ObjectivesDevelop intellectual curiosity about other cultures Compare and analyze literar

3、y representations of the uncanny in different cultures Recognize and analyze 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 backg

4、round knowledgeIntercultural CompetenceCritical Thinking Learning ObjLead in Fear is a powerful 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 ca

5、n also be disruptive to theLead in Fear is a powerfulLead innorm or standard. The uncanny, as the opposite of the familiar 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

6、 stories in this unit will give you a taste of the thrilling and fascinating storytelling of the romantic and Gothic tradition 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

7、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 many stories do?Lead innorm or standard. The uHector Hugh Munro (18 December 1870 14 November 1916), better known by the pen name Saki, and also frequently as H. H. Munro

8、, 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 thought to be taken from either the ancient Persian poem The Rubayat of Omar Khayyam or possibly from the New World Saki monkey Pith

9、eciidae, both being referred to in his acerbically witty and sometimes macabre stories.Background Knowledge1. About the AuthorHector Hugh Munro (18 DecemberMunro had a penchant for mocking the popular customs and manners of Edwardian England. He often did so by depicting characters in a setting and

10、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. This is demonstrated gently in The Toys of Peace where parents from Edwardian England are taught a lesson that is

11、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 is a highly recommended read.Background KnowledgeMunro had a penchant for mockiReaders that would like to explor

12、e the short stories of H.H. Munro (Saki) should consider starting with the following works:The InterlopersEsmeSredni VashtarGabriel-ErnestToberymoyThe Schartz-Metterklume MethodBackground KnowledgeReaders that would like to exp2. Characteristics of Edwardian England Background Knowledge(Edwardian ho

13、uses in Sutton, Greater London, England) 2. Characteristics of EdwardiaEdwardian 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 colonial power and Its people enjoyed wealth and confidence because of

14、their nations status in the world. Background KnowledgeEdwardian England refers to thTypical 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 disguise soot buildup on walls compared to Victorian era archit

15、ecture. “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 KnowledgeTypical country house style: BLife-style and leisurely pursuits:Country s

16、quires 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 and the works of Edgar Allan Poe. The name

17、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 KnowledgeLife-style and leisurely pursu Part Para(s) Main idea I1-4Framton Nuttel goes to v

18、isit 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 talking about his heal

19、th.IV22-29Framton runs off at seeing Mrs. Sappletons husband and brothers, leaving the Sappletons puzzled except the niece.1. Text StructureText AnalysisDetailed AnalysisRhetoric and styleText Structure Part Para(s) 1. What did Vera mean when she said to Framton “you must try and put up with me” at

20、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 IV1. What did Vera mean when she2. Did Framton feel awkward to be alone in the company of Mrs. Sappletons niece? (Para. 2) Part I Part IIPa

21、rt IIIDetailed Analysis Yes, 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 IV2. Did Framton feel awkward to3. How did Mr. Nuttel take his sisters advice? (Para. 2) P

22、art I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis He doubted whether it would 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 IV3. How did Mr. Nutte

23、l take his1. self-possessed (Para. 1, line 1)adjective calm, confident, and in control of your feelings, even in difficult or unexpected situations, used to show approval （在苦難或意外情況下）鎮(zhèn)定沉著的e.g. Shes a confident self-possessed public speaker.Derivation:self-possession noun Part I Word StudyPart I Part

24、IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis Part IV1. self-possessed (Para. 1, liPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis 2. put up with (Para. 1, line 2)to accept 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 IIIDetail

25、edPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis 3. duly (Para. 2, line 1)adverb (1) in the proper or expected way （方式）恰當(dāng)?shù)?e.g. Here are your travel documents, all duly signed.(2) at the proper time or as expected（時(shí)間）恰當(dāng)?shù)?e.g. The Queen duly appeared on the balcony to wave to the crowds.Antonym: unduly: mor

26、e than is normal or reasonablee.g. unduly worried/concerned/anxious etc. Part IVPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed4. a succession of (Para. 2, line 4) a number of people or things of the same kind, following, coming, or happening one after the other連續(xù)不斷的人/物 Synonym: streame.g. A succession of visitors c

27、ame to the door. e.g. If the prince dies, the succession passes to his son.Derivation: successive adjective 連續(xù)的，相繼的successor noun 繼任者，接班人succession noun 繼任Collocation：succession toe.g. the queens succession to the throne Part I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis Part IV4. a succession of (Para. 2, l5.

28、 mope (Para. 3, line 3)verbto feel sorry for yourself, without making any effort to do anything or be more happy顧影自憐，悶悶不樂 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) Part I Part IIPart IIIDetai

29、led Analysis Part IV5. mope (Para. 3, line 3) Part1. Framton Nuttel endeavoured to say the correct something which should duly atter the niece of the moment without unduly discounting the aunt that was to come. (Para. 2)Part I Sentence Analysis弗蘭姆頓納特爾努力想說點(diǎn)兒什么得體的話，既能夠討眼前這個小姑娘歡心，又不至于怠慢她那位待會兒要下來的姨媽。Par

30、t I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis Part IVTranslate the sentence1. Framton Nuttel endeavoured 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 lady to w

31、hom 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 sentenceFramton wanted know if Mrs. SaPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis

32、 Part IVIn polite society 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.continuedPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed3. Privately he doubted

33、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. (Para. 2)他自己非常懷疑，這樣接二連三地正式訪問陌生人，會對治療自己神經(jīng)衰弱的毛病有什么幫助，他目前需要的只是休養(yǎng)而已。Part I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis Part IVTranslate the sentence3. P

34、rivately he doubted more t1. Why 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

35、 to pay, because he felt embarrassed about the fact that he knew hardly anyone around the area.1. Why did Framton show “a ton2. 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,

36、 for the male traces were evident in the room. (See para. 9 “He was wondering whether Mrs. Sappleton was in the married or widowed state. An indefinable something about the room seemed to suggest masculine habitation.”)2. What was Mr. Nuttels impre3. What is a French window like? Why is it somewhat

37、unusualto have the window open in October? (Para. 9)Part I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis Part IVFrench windows 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.3. What is a French window likPart I Part IIPar

38、t IIIDetailed Analysis Part IVcontinuedPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed1. spot (Para. 11, line 1) noun1) a particular place or area, especially a pleasant place where you spend time 地方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

39、 build a house on this particular spot?Part I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis Part II Word Study Part IV1. spot (Para. 11, line 1) Part I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis 2) a usually round area on a surface that is a different color or is rougher, smoother etc. than the rest 區(qū)域 Synonym: patch e.g.

40、 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 IIIDetailedPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis 2. out of place (Para. 11, line 2)1) not suitable for a particular situation or occasion He never seemed to feel o

41、ut of place at social functions. 不相稱的，不適當(dāng)?shù)膃.g. The paintings looked strangely out of place.2) not in the correct or usual position 不在適當(dāng)?shù)奈恢蒙蟚.g. The kitchen was spotlessly clean, with nothing out of place. Part IVPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailedPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis 3. engulf (Para. 1

42、4, line 4)verb 1) if an unpleasant feeling engulfs you, you feel it very strongly despair so great 吞沒，包圍e.g. Fear engulfed him as he approached the microphone.2) to completely surround or cover something 包圍，遮住e.g. The building was engulfed in flames. Part IVPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailedPart I Part

43、IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis 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 使人心煩e.g. Shes always moaning. It really gets on my nerves. Part IVPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed1. “Do you know many of the people

44、round here?” asked the niece, when she judged that they had had sufficient 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 t

45、hey had had not spoken for a long time and it was enough. Part IVParaphrase the sentence1. “Do you know many of the pe2. Here the childs voice lost its self-possessed note and became falteringly human. (Para. 14)Part I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis 這時(shí)孩子的聲音不再沉穩(wěn)，變得結(jié)巴起來。 Part IVTranslate the sentenc

46、e2. Here the childs voice lost1. What can you gather about Mrs. Sappletons social class?Why was she so keen to talk about 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

47、 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 its an aristocratic tradition; besides, autumn and winter are good seasons for hunting (the story is set in October). Part IV1. What can you gather about MPart I Part IIPart II

48、IDetailed Analysis Part IVHunting is a popular sport among the English wealthy classes in the Edwardian Age. Mrs. Sappleton is self-centered or self-possessed, like 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

49、 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 IIIDetailedPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis Part IVDuring this time, England was at the peak of its colonial power and its people enjoyed w

50、ealth 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 between the various major powers, would lead to World War I and the resulting destruction of their comfor

51、table way of life. It is this complacency that Saki often mocks in his stories.continuedPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed2. Why was Framton eager to tell Mrs. Sappleton about hishealth condition? (Para. 20)Part I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis Framton was eager to tell Mrs. Sappleton about his health

52、condition because Framton tried to turn the talk to a less ghastly topic. Part IV2. Why was Framton eager to te3. 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 IIIDetailed Analysis He moved to the

53、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 and physical challenges. P

54、art IV3. Why did Framton Nuttel move1. break off (Para. 15, line 1)1) to suddenly stop talking 突然停止說話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

55、 engagement only a few weeks before they were due to be married.e.g. The US has broken off diplomatic relations with the regime.Part III Word StudyPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis Part IV1. break off (Para. 15, line 1Part I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis 3) if something breaks off, or if yo

56、u break it off, it comes loose and is no longer attached to something else 分離，脫落e.g. One of the cars wing mirrors had broken off.e.g. He broke off a piece of bread.continued Part IVPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed2. shudder (Para. 15, line 1)verb1) to shake for a short time because you are afraid or c

57、old, or because you think something is very unpleasant 因恐懼，寒冷等顫抖e.g. Maria shuddered as she stepped outside.Collocation: shudder with e.g. I shudder with embarrassment whenever I think about it.Collocation: shudder ate.g. She shuddered at the thought that she could have been killed.Part I Part IIPar

58、t IIIDetailed Analysis Part IV2. shudder (Para. 15, line 1)PPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis 2) if a vehicle or machine shudders, it shakes violently （機(jī)器或者交通工具）劇烈抖動e.g. The car shuddered briefly as its engine died. e.g. The train shuddered to a halt.3 ) I shudder to think 不敢想；不愿想e.g. I shudde

59、r to think what theyll say when they see the mess the house is in.continued Part IVPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailedPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed Analysis 3. bustle (Para. 15, line 2)verbto move around quickly, looking very busy 忙碌，繁忙Collocation: bustle about/round etc. e.g. Madge bustled round the ro

60、om, putting things away. Part IVPart I Part IIPart IIIDetailed4. rattle (Para. 19, line 1)1) intransitive, transitive if you rattle something, or if it rattles, it shakes and makes a quick series of short sounds （使）咯咯作響 e.g. Dan banged on her door and rattled the handle. e.g. Bottles rattled as he s