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

1. absorbed in the game

2. to give smb. an extraordinary impression

3. to catch a gleam of recognition in one’s eyes

4. to force smb. to conversation

5. a faint smile of amusement

6. to suffer from dismay

7. a purely professional interest

8. to walk with one’s head among the stars

9. to give a word of honour

10. to make smb. start

11. to be in a high fever

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

1. Strickland didn’t recognize the narrator when they met in October at the café.

2. Strickland was distinguished from most Englishmen by his perfect indifference to comfort.

3. Strickland sold a lot of pictures and made a large sum of money.

4. Strickland’s pictures were accepted to the exhibition.

5. Strickland had never been in love since he came to Paris.

6. Blanche Stroeve gave the impression that she was concealing something.

7. Strickland never said exactly what he thought.

8. Dirk Stroeve was one of those unlucky persons whose most sincere emotions are ridiculous.

9. Stroeve quarreled with Strickland and didn’t want to see him when the painter fell seriously ill.

3. Fill in prepositions:

1. The narrator welcomed the opportunity to examine Strickland … his case.

2. Strickland glanced … the narrator once or twice reflectively, but seemed occupied … his own thoughts.

3. Strickland did not want arm-chair to sit …, he really felt more … his ease … a kitchen-chair.

4. Dirk Stroeve flattered himself … his skills … cooking Italian dishes.

5. The narrator meant to force Strickland … conversation.

6. But … his poor gift … expression Strickland gave but indications … what he had gone through.

7. For six months Strickland had lived … a loaf of bread and a bottle … milk a day.

8. There was something impressive … the manner … which he lived a life wholly … the spirit.

9. When … luck Strickland was able to make a tidy sum.

10. He was never satisfied … what he had done; it seemed to him … no consequence compared … the vision that obsessed his mind.

4. Discussion.

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

1. What changes did the narrator notice in Strickland and what did these changes suggest?

2. What distinguished Strickland from most Englishmen?

3. Why did Strickland paint with great difficulty?

4. Was Strickland indeed indifferent to fame?

5. Why was Strickland so cruel to his wife and children and never thought of them?

6. Was the narrator right in thinking that Strickland felt like a disembodied spirit, immaterial, like God?

7. What did Mrs. Stroeve feel to her husband?

Was her affection tender?

5. Comment on the paragraph where Strickland and the narrator speak about fame

(Chapter XXI)

Comment on the passage in which the picture-dealer says how he recognizes the real merit of an artist.

Unit VI

Chapters XXV-XXIX