Lesson 14 After Twenty Years

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

I. Author

II. The American West

a. General Introduction

b. the Rocky Mountain States

c. the Pacific Coast States

d. Frontier Spirit and Expansion Towards the West

e. Violence in the 19th Century

Background Background informationinformation

O. Henry (1862—1910) was the pen name of William Sydney Porter, an American short story writer. His short, simple stories are noted for their careful plotting, ironic coincidences, and surprise endings.

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

I.I. Author Author

To be continued on the next page.

O. Henry was born William Sydney Porter in Greensboro, North Carolina. He went to Texas in 1882 and worked at various jobs—as teller in an Austin bank (1891—1894) and as a newspaperman for the Houston Post.

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

I.I. Author Author

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In 1898 an unexplained shortage in the Austin bank was charged to him. Although many people believed him innocent, he fled to the Honduras but returned to be with his wife, who was fatally ill. He eventually served three years in prison, where he first started writing short stories.

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

I.I. Author Author

To be continued on the next page.

Upon his release he settled in New York. Although his stories have been criticized as shallow and contrived, O. Henry did catch the color and movement of the city and evidenced a genuine sympathy for ordinary people.

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

I.I. Author Author

To be continued on the next page.

O. Henry's humorous, energetic style shows the influence of Mark Twain and Ambrose Bierce.

His approximately 300 stories are

collected in Cabbages and Kings

(1904), The Four Million (1906),

The Voice of the City (1908),

Options (1909), and others.

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

I.I. Author Author

The end of Author.

Write what you like; there is no other rule.

--- O. Henry

The American West is generally

considered to include the eight Rocky

Mountain states and the three Pacific

Coast states. Historically, the West

has been mainly a sociopolitical or

even mythological concept rather

than a specific geographical area.

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

II.II. The American The American WestWest

The end of General Introduction.

General Introduction

The Rocky Mountain States: This region consists of eight states: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

II.II. The American The American WestWest

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Arizona

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II.II. The American The American WestWest

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Colorado

Idaho

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II.II. The American The American WestWest

To be continued on the next page.

Montana

Nevada

New Mexico

Utah

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II.II. The American The American WestWest

The end of the Rocky Mountain States.

Utah LakeWyoming

Yellow Stone

The Pacific Coast States: This division includes Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington — and, as its name suggests, they all have coastlines on the Pacific Ocean (and are the only states that border that ocean) according to the United States Census Bureau's definition of West Region.

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

II.II. The American The American WestWest

To be continued on the next page.

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

II.II. The American The American WestWest

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Alaska

Hawaii

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II.II. The American The American WestWest

The end of the Pacific Coast States.

California Oregon

Washington State

Frontier Spirit and Expansion towards the West

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II.II. The American The American WestWest

To be continued on the next page.

This spirit has shaped American history in a unique way. The frontier spirit that existed in the 19th century was born in part of a need to own land. And the government then encouraged the white to exploit the West. This mentality and historical experience is favored by most Americans today as adventurous, active, and enterprising.

.

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II.II. The American The American WestWest

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In 1803 President Thomas Jefferson sent a secret message to Congress calling for an expedition into the area west of the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. From then on the white Americans spared no effort to exploit the West; during this course, the West was developed but the native Americans suffered extremely especially in the 19th century.

Frontier Spirit and Expansion towards the West

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

II.II. The American The American WestWest

The end of this part.

The Americans were a competitive, ambitious, upwardly mobile people who had a strong sense of self-reliance. The conquering of an environment by an individual was a mark of success. Fear of unknown places was unacceptable and a hindrance to movement. These traits, first formulated in western expansion, persist today with the slightest modifications.

Frontier Spirit and Expansion towards the West

Violence in the 19th Century

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

II.II. The American The American WestWest

The end of the American West.

In the 19th century, the settlers in the west were most very tough and imprudent. The way they settled conflicts with each other was very violent as then there were no adequate system of law and governmental institutions to turn to. And gunfighters were common. To be able to handle guns seemed to be a basic survival skill under the circumstances.

Text Text AppreciatioAppreciationn

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

I. Text Analysis

II. Writing DevicesIronic Ending

Euphemism

III. Sentence Paraphrase

I.I. Text Text AnalysisAnalysisPlot of the story

Bob and Jim had obviously been

close friends twenty years ago

when they were young. Before

their separation, they made an

appointment to meet again at

exactly the same place and

the same hour twenty years later.

The end of Plot.

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

I.I. Text AnalysisText Analysis

The end of Setting.

Setting of the story

On a business avenue of New York:

The same hour: ten o’clock at night

Referring to Paras. 1, 11

The same place:

‘Big Joe’ Brady’s restaurant 20 years ago—in the doorway of a hardware store now

Referring to Paras. 3, 4, 5

and 7

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

I.I. Text AnalysisText Analysis

When they met again twenty years later, they should find themselves on opposite sides of the law—one was the man wanted by the police and the other turned out to be the police officer instructed to watch out for the runaway criminal. But no matter how much Jim had cherished their friendship, he would not let a personal relationship stand in the way of discharging his duty.

Drama of the story

The end of Drama.

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

I.I. Text AnalysisText Analysis

Theme of the story

The end of Theme.

Loyalty to friend

VS. Devotion to duty

Part 1 (paras. 1—17) about:

Part 2 (paras.18—33) about:

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

I.I. Text AnalysisText Analysis

Structure of the text

The end of Structure.

The policeman (Jimmy) met with Bob and had a conversation.

Bob was arrested by a plain clothes man without his awareness until he found that the policeman was his expected friend Jimmy.

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

I.I. Text AnalysisText AnalysisProtagonists of the story

To be continued on the next page.

Bob Jimmy smart restless ambitious ready to try in every

way to reach his goal He had made his

fortune, though. He had many fights.

He had broken the law.

average height a bit slow strongly built not so adventurous honest, truthful,

responsible and devoted He was obviously a good

police officer.

Para. 6: His tiepin was a large diamond, oddly set.

Protagonists of the story

I. I. Text Text AnalysisAnalysis

Para. 10: He pulled out a handsome watch, the lids of it set with small diamonds.

Para. 31: He was wanted by the police.

Bob:

To be continued on the next page.

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

I.I. Text AnalysisText Analysis

Protagonists of the story

Para. 6: the light showed a pale, square-jawed face with keen eyes, and little white scar near his right eyebrow.

Para. 9: “The West is a pretty big place, and I kept running around over it pretty lively.”

Para. 13: “I’ve had to compete with some of the sharpest brains going to get my money. It takes the West to make a man really keen.”

Bob:

To be continued on the next page.

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

I.I. Text AnalysisText Analysis

Protagonists of the story

The end of Text Analysis.

Para. 2: the officer, with his strongly built form and slight air of superiority, made a fine picture of a guardian of the peace.

Jimmy:

Para.9: … “for he always was the truest, best old friend in the world.”Para. 13: “He was a kind of slow man, though, good fellow as he was.”

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

II.II. Writing Writing DevicesDevices

To be continued on the next page.

We don’t know what happened twenty

years ago that made them so special to

each other. But it was clear that Jim was

a good honest man and always true to his

friends and Bob admired and trusted him.

Slipping along this way, we would expect

a very touching story. But the ending is

very dramatic and surprising.

Ironic ending

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

II.II. Writing Writing DevicesDevices

The end of Ironic Ending.

O. Henry’s most famous stories, such as “The Gift of the Magi,” “The Furnished Room,” and “The Ransom of Red Chief”, make simple yet effective use of paradoxical coincidences to produce ironic endings. For example, in “The Gift of the Magi” a husband sells his watch to buy his wife a Christmas present of a pair of hair combs; unbeknownst to him, she cuts and sells her long hair to buy him a Christmas present of a new chain for his watch. His style of storytelling became a model not only for short fiction, but also for American motion pictures and television programs.

Ironic ending

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

II.II. Writing Writing DevicesDevices

To be continued on the next page.

Euphemism

A euphemism is a word or phrase used to mask a rude or offensive concept. This figure of speech provides a technique to avoid taboos by being polite. Many euphemisms are so common, that we don't even recognize them as such.

Examples

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

II.II. Writing Writing DevicesDevices

The end of Euphemism.

EuphemismExamples:

We are experiencing heavy casualties. (many soldiers are being killed)

There is a logjam in the river. (constipation)

Downsizing, rightsizing or laying off. (getting rid of

employees)

Praying to the porcelain altar. (vomiting into the toilet)

If something happens to me. (if I die)

Sanitation Worker. (trash collector)

Unplanned landing. (plane crash)

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

III.III. Sentence Sentence Paraphrase 1Paraphrase 1

beat: the area of the town or city that a police officer regularly walks around; his route, which he patrols

The policeman on the beat moved up the avenue impressively. (para. 1)

on the beat:

checking the area he is assigned to

go to 2

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

III.III. Sentence Sentence Paraphrase 2Paraphrase 2

The impressiveness was… not for show, for spectators were few. (para. 1)

This policeman was impressive in a natural way. He was not trying to look important, because it didn‘t make sense—there were few people in the street to see him.

This description shows that Jim has become an excellent police officer.

go to 3

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

III.III. Sentence Sentence Paraphrase 3 Paraphrase 3

Trying doors as he went… a guardian of the peace. (para. 2)

This sentence showed Jim’s strong sense of responsibility.

His clever swinging of the club showed his confidence and competence as a cop. His air of superiority showed his pride and sense of dignity as a law-enforcing officer.

go to 4

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

III.III. Sentence Sentence Paraphrase 4Paraphrase 4

In the doorway of a darkened hardware store a man leaned, with an unlighted cigar in his mouth. (para. 3)

It had to be a darkened store and Bob’s cigar had to be unlighted, otherwise Jim would see that it was the man wanted by the police in Chicago.

Careful description of the details

go to 5

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

III.III. Sentence Sentence Paraphrase 5Paraphrase 5

… to make certain it’s all straight. (para. 4)

Here means true, accurate. It also means honest, frank.

to make sure that it’s all true

I’ll be straight with you. You will lose this job if you don’t work hard.

Yes or no? Can’t you give me a straight answer?

go to 6

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III.III. Sentence Sentence Paraphrase 6Paraphrase 6

The light showed a pale, square-jawed face… oddly set. (para. 6)

go to 7

The match light showed a face which must have fitted the description of the wanted man.

the diamond placed in a strange or unusual way showing the owner’s lack of taste

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III.III. Sentence Sentence Paraphrase 7Paraphrase 7

We figure that in twenty years each of us ought to have our fate worked out… whatever they were going to be. (para. 7)

We guessed that by that time we should have already decided what to do with our lives, or we should have already found our places in society.

to calculate; to

find outgo to 8

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

III.III. Sentence Sentence Paraphrase 8Paraphrase 8

More examples

Haven’t you heard from your friend since you left? (para. 8)

General questions in the negative are often used to show surprise or doubt.

Mary’s back. Didn't you know?

Are you not coming? It is really a wonderful game.

go to 9

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III.III. Sentence Sentence Paraphrase 9Paraphrase 9

A man gets stuck in New York. It takes the West to make a man really keen. (para. 13)

A man is unable to go very far or to be very successful in New York. He can’t escape the boring life. He has to go to the West to become an eager and exciting person.

go to 10

Culture Notes

To be continued on the next page.

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

III.III. Sentence Sentence Paraphrase Paraphrase

In the early 20th century, this also suggested that because New York city was “civilized”, it had too many laws, and so getting rich quickly was less likely. In the West, however, one could bypass the rules and through being tougher and smarter one could become rich very fast.

back to 9

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

III.III. Sentence Sentence Paraphrase 10Paraphrase 10

I’ ll be on my way. Hope your friend comes around all right. (para. 15)

I have to go now.

All right here means without any problem.

Jim wanted to make sure that Bob wouldn't escape while he was away.

Are you going to leave immediately? (15)

go to 11

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

III.III. Sentence Sentence ParaphraseParaphrase

I hope you can understand the book all right.

I am feeling all right again.

The car turned over but the driver was all right.

all right can also means fairly healthy, well ; safe, uninjured

back to 10

More examples

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

III.III. Sentence Sentence Paraphrase 11Paraphrase 11

“Bless my heart!” exclaimed the new arrival, … (para. 22)

(= bless my soul) used to express surprise This expression is rather old-fashioned.

Here it refers to the man who has newly arrived.

go to 12

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

III.III. Sentence Sentence Paraphrase 12Paraphrase 12

Moderately, I have a position in one of the city departments. (para. 26)

so-so; not too well, not too badly either

understatement

I have a job in one of the departments of the city government.

He didn't say straight that he had a position in the police department.

go to 13

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

III.III. Sentence Sentence Paraphrase 13Paraphrase 13

Chicago… wants to have a chat with you. (para. 31)

Here refers to Chicago police.

euphemism

Chicago police is trying to track you down, arrest you and take you to court.

go to 14

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

III.III. Sentence Sentence Paraphrase 14Paraphrase 14

Somehow I couldn't do it myself, so I went around and got a plain clothes man to do the job. (para. 33)

Jim had mixed feelings. He knew what his duty

was. But the memories of their friendship, the

expressions of Bob’s undying respect and

admiration for him and the fact that Bob had

come all the way from thousand miles away

just to keep the appointment made 20 years

ago must have deeply touched him.

Somehow I couldn't arrest you myself, so I…

The end of Sentence Paraphrase.

ExtensioExtension n

I. Oral Work

II. Quiz

III. Writing

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

I.I. Oral WorkOral Work Have you got a teacher who is dedicated to his/her

job? What teaching skills he/she is good at? When your friend has done something wrong, will

you point that out? In our Chinese traditional community, people

usually pay special attention to such relationship as friendship and “personal loyalty ( 义气 )” is very much valued. As the saying goes, “ At home we depend upon our relatives, while outside we rely on friends ( 在家靠亲戚，出门靠朋友 ).” Why do you think friendship is so important?

How do you think we can promote people’s conscientious performance on their job?

The end of Group Discussion.

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

I.I. Oral WorkOral Work

Topics for debating:

1. In order to please one’s best friend, it’s worthy to lose one’s job.

2. We should always share our pleasure with our best friend.

3. To serve our public job well, we must not let friendship affect our judgment.

The end of Debating.

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

II.II. Quiz Quiz

List

1. Quiz 1

2. Quiz 2

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

II.II. Quiz 1Quiz 1

avenuebarelyslight

air (of importance) keen (eyes)

keen (person)

lively (adv.) dismally position

(employment)

street almost/just a little appearance sharp active/having strong interest in energetically/actively cheerlessly/sadly job

To be continued on the next page.

Give a word or expression that has a meaning similar to the given words.

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

II.II. Quiz 1Quiz 1

to figure

though (adv) directly

to exclaim moderate

simultaneously nowadays

presents

to suppose/ to guess/ to think in spite of that straightforwardly to cry out average/passable at the same time now/at the present (time) gifts

To be continued on the next page.

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

II.II. Quiz 1Quiz 1

special genuinely

to wake to rely

queerto gleam

to cast (one’s eyes)

now and then in existence

extraordinary truly to awake to depend strangeto shine to throw/direct from time to time alive

To be continued on the next page.

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

II.II. Quiz 1Quiz 1

赴约 发大财

习惯早睡 走一两步 放慢脚步 点上雪茄 打开纸条

投去警觉的眼光 使街上空无一人

to fill an appointment

to make a large fortune

to keep early hours

to take a step or two

to slow one’s walk

to light a cigar

to unfold the paper

to cast a watchful eye

to empty the street

The end of Quiz 1.

Put theChinese phrases

into English.

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

My family are a funny lot. ________ my

father’s brother, Uncle George, for

example. He’s the black sheep of the

_____ and nobody ever mentions him

______ they are asked a direct ______

about him. He ran away to sea at the

______ of 15 and no one heard a _______

from him until he returned 20 years

_____.

II.II. Quiz 2Quiz 2

Take

family

unless question

age

word

later

To be continued on the next page.

Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

As far as I am _______, this makes them

all much _____ interesting than him and

I don’t think it’s right that they should

look ____ on their brother. He ____ be

the black sheep to them but to me

_______ all his years of excitement and

hardship at sea he seems a _____.

II.II. Quiz 2Quiz 2

The end of Quiz 2.

concerned

less

down

may

after

hero

Lesson 14 - After Twenty Years

III.III. Writing Writing

1. Imagine you are Jimmy Wells and describe your encounter with Bob in about 100 words.

2. Imagine you are Bob and describe your life adventure in the last twenty years in about 100 words.

The end of Writing.