5. Translate the sentences into Russian:

1. They were evidently people on a low, material plane of existence, and quite incapable of appreciating the symbolic value of sensuous phenomena.

2. He had gone downstairs to the great entrance-hall, feeling sure that there, at any rate, he would be quite unmolested, and was amusing himself by making satirical remarks on the large Saroni photographs of the United States Minister and his wife, which had now taken the place of the Canterville family pictures.

3. Mr. Otis consequently resumed his great work on the history of the Democratic Party, on which he had been engaged for some years; Mrs. Otis organized a wonderful clambake, which amazed the whole county; the boys took to lacrosse, euchre, poker, and other American national games; and Virginia rode about the lanes on her pony accompanied by the young Duke of Cheshire, who had come to spend the last week of his holidays at Canterville Chase.

4. Having sent off Washington and the two men to scour the district, he ran home, and despatched telegrams to all the police inspectors in the county, telling them to look out for a little girl who had been kidnapped by tramps or gypsies.

5. When Virginia touched it, it swung back on its heavy hinges, and they found themselves in a little low room, with a vaulted ceiling, and one tiny grated window.

6. Transcribe the following words and learn their pronunciation. Make up sentences of your own with these words.

marchioness

forlorn

immense

wicked

curiosity

kneel

agitated

gypsies

scour

haunt

forehead

awestruck

entreaty

smother

ewer

yew-tree

hearse

mourner

ruby

scruple

heirloom

gauds

Discussion points

1. What words and phrases does the author use describing the Ghost’s behaviour and his state of mind that make him look like a human being with his own feelings, sorrows, a sense of dignity and fears? Can you say that a certain type of personality is created by Oscar Wilde or is this impossible whatever means are employed? Would it be accurate to say that the Ghost and Sir Simon are different characters?

2. The Ghost considered the Otis family to be a “rude American family”, “people on a low, material plane of existence”. What is your attitude to the Otis family?

3. What qualities are revealed in Virginia through her conversation with the Ghost?

4. What can you say about the personality of the Duke of Cheshire?

5. How did the twins take the news of Virginia’s disappearance? Which of their qualities are revealed through their reaction?

6. Recall the episode when the Otis family entered the room where they found a skeleton chained to the wall. What feelings does the description evoke in you?

7. What indications are there to suggest that Mr. Otis was a decent man?

8. What in your opinion is the key-note of Lord Canterville’s personality?

9. Why do you think Virginia never told any one, even her husband Cecil, what had happened to her when she had been with the Ghost? Why did she say she owed Sir Simon a great deal?