5. Comment on the paragraph in which the author says that a man’s work reveals him (chapter xlii); that each of us is alone in the world (Chapter xlii).

6. Enact a conversation between the narrator and Strickland about Blanche Stroeve’s death. Unit X

Chapters XLV-XLIX

1. Study the following words and word combinations, explain their meaning in English, give the context in which they are used:

1. to revive one’s interest in smb.

2. to be fond of gossip

3. to give smb. an ingratiating smile

4. to keep body and soul together

5. to look for trouble

6. to be in constant need of money

7. a man of consequence

8. to buy for a song

9. to be beyond one’s means

10. to collect oneself

11. to be taken aback

12. to make head or tail of something

13. to take a keen interest in smth.

2. Say whether the following statements are true or false:

1. Strickland achieved completely the realization of his dream in Tahiti.

2. The narrator became richer for his acquaintance with Captain Nichols.

3. The narrator prepared to regard Captain Nichols as a trustworthy witness.

4. Strickland made a great impression on the people who came in contact with him in Tahiti.

5. M. Cohen’s wife couldn’t hang up the picture, because she and her husband couldn’t make head or tail of it.

6. Mrs. Johnson was a rich woman, to know her was a priviledge.

7. Mrs. Johnson was the best cook on the island, and she adored good food.

8. Strickland could swear he had lived in Tahiti before.

9. Mrs. Johnson was not sorry for Strickland, because he never had any money and he couldn’t stick to anything.

3. Fill in prepositions:

1. No artist achieves completely the realization … the dream that obsesses him.

2. Beachcombers are easy … approach and affable … conversation.

3. The narrator tried to put some connexion … the various things Captain Nichols told him about Strickland.

4. Tough Bill was not the man to put … … with humiliation at the hands … a common sailor.

5. The narrator liked the picture … Strickland, starting … the age … forty-seven, when most men have already settled comfortably … a groove, … a new world.

6. The old Frenchman’s brother would not have given the cost … postage … the picture, he never thought Strickland had genius.

7. Strickland reached Tahiti … six months … he left Marseilles.

8. He had a few pounds … his pocket, … he had found work … Sydney, and he took a small room … a native house outside the town.

4. Discussion. Give the précis of the part. Answer the questions and motivate your answer:

1. What kind of island was Tahiti? Why does the author compare it with a lovely woman graciously prodigal of her charm and beauty?

2. Who was Tiaré Johnson and what part did she play in Strickland’s life?

3. What was Strickland’s attitude towards the people he came in contact with? What impression did he produce on them?

4. What created a change in public opinion of Strickland’s pictures in Tahiti?

5. What did the old trader and his wife think of the public before Strickland died and became renowned? Did they think much of the picture afterwards?

6. Do you think Strickland liked his life in Tahiti? Why could he swear that he had lived there before?