Appreciation of Famous English Works: Drama Volume

Author: Gu Zhengkun Liu Hao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: Drama is often used as a metaphor for life. The world within the play is vibrant and diverse, much like life itself, and its subtleties can only be appreciated through careful observation. To fully enjoy the aesthetic beauty and impact of dramatic works, it is essential to read the original text in detail. Since medieval English drama originated from church rituals, English dramatic works from different periods and styles each possess unique characteristics. Therefore, we have carefully selected over ten dramatic excerpts with compelling plots and rich language, drawn from the treasures of English, American, and Irish drama. These playwrights are largely familiar to Chinese readers. For instance, Shakespeare has enjoyed a vast readership in China for over a century since his introduction, and names like Shaw and Wilde are widely recognized. Some plots are not unfamiliar to us, such as Oedipus killing his father and marrying his mother, Faust selling his soul to the devil, or the flower girl transforming into a lady. Additionally, the works of some contemporary playwrights have sparked strong interest among Chinese audiences, such as Waiting for Godot, Death of a Salesman, and Desire Under the Elms. All these masterpieces are presented in their original English versions, allowing readers to learn authentic English while appreciating the artistic qualities and subtle nuances of the originals. To assist readers in their comprehension, we provide brief introductions to the authors and an "Analysis of the Work" before each excerpt, offering a more comprehensive understanding of these masterpieces. Notes are also included at the end to explain difficult passages, allusions, idioms, and proper nouns, helping readers gain a deeper insight into the original text. Approaching English drama from the cultural background and aesthetic habits of China will reveal many surprising parallels, similarities, differences, and complementary aspects.