Unit 10研究生英语 教学 教程 课件.ppt

Introducing the Topic Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) (P. 259) The idea was to stay away from the rush and bustle of the materialistic-oriented American life. Introducing the Topic He saw nature as a genuine restorative, healthy influence on man’s spiritual well-being, and spiritual richness as real wealth. Walden: This book is a faithful reflection of his two-year simple and self-sufficient life in Walden Pond. The Gist of the Article ① The text, which is excerpted and adapted from Thoreau’s masterpiece Walden, can be read on more than one level. But first and foremost, it is a beautiful description of the natural world. When we read of the rustle of leaves, the peeping of frogs, the chirp of birds, and even the darkest night, we can see his fascination and ecstasy when launching himself in the natural world. The Gist of the Article ② In this text, Thoreau also uses images and figurative language to express his innermost thoughts and beliefs. According to him, only by sinking himself in the atmosphere of nature can man find truth. Such belief is revealed by the fact that he was so happy to launch himself into the night and feel his way through the woods to his cabin in dark stormy nights. According to him, losing one’s way is a valuable experience, because only after we are lost can we begin to find ourselves, a paradox to express his theme that man can be regenerated. The Gist of the Article ③ On another level, we can also see Thoreau’s despite and pity for the villagers’ spiritual slumbers, suggesting that their spirit should be awakened and improved. At the same level, Thoreau expresses his hatred for the unjust laws of society by refusing to pay a poll-tax. He was detained for a night in jail. Lead-in Questions --1 Materialistic-oriented life: mechanization, automation, capital, competition, industrialization, high-rise apartment building, skyscraper, merchandise, commercialization, unemployment, hire-purchase, highway, nightclub Lead-in Questions