Bedside Lamp English Learning Reader Red and Black

Author: Mao Ronggui et al. (Editor-in-Chief)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features:
Famous figures and experts in the field of English discuss reading:
Dry and unengaging English sentences are not the way to go. Always putting the purpose of reading into improving English is wrong. Reading is primarily about absorbing knowledge, and in the process of absorbing knowledge, language is naturally absorbed. Thinking in English is a goal many English learners aspire to, as it is the foundation for expressing thoughts fluently in English. For Chinese students living in a non-English environment, achieving partial or full thinking in English is indeed challenging, but it is not out of reach. From my own experience in learning English, I have found that persistent extensive reading is one of the most effective ways to achieve this goal. For intermediate and advanced learners, I especially recommend English easy readers. The material should be easy to understand, with a strong narrative element, and the reading speed should be as fast as possible. The more you read, the better. This is a tried-and-true method for learning English. The works included in this series are all worth reading in your lifetime. Reading these works not only improves your English proficiency but also enhances your personal cultivation.
Natural and Fluent Language: All the books in this series are written by American authors in fluent modern English. They have a strong writing foundation, which is difficult for non-native English speakers to achieve.
Easy to Understand: The books are written using 3,300 commonly used English words, making them easy to read. Difficult words are annotated, and the format is in English-Chinese parallel. You can read smoothly without flipping through a dictionary while lying in bed.
High-Quality Audio Cassette Provided: This allows you to practice listening after reading. Please note that reading requires a large amount of input, and listening requires even more. Abundant audio input is the source of in-depth English conversations. This series is designed for you to read after class or work hours in your free time. Its advantage is to help you integrate English learning into your daily life, making English a part of your life. This is the true essence of English success, and more importantly, the essence of success in any challenging endeavor.
Plot Summary:
The novel describes the personal struggle and ultimate failure of the protagonist, Julien. It particularly focuses on his two romantic experiences. Virey is a beautiful city in the Franche-Comté region of France. The story begins here. Julien, an ambitious man, is the son of a local farmer. Although he admires Napoleon in his heart, in the context of the restored monarchy, he believes that serving in the clergy is the only path to success for commoners. Therefore, he resolves to enter the church. He studies diligently, despite his father, Mr. Sorel, doing everything in his power to obstruct and torment him. With his inflated ambition and exceptional memory, he gains profound knowledge and extraordinary talent. The mayor of Virey, Monsieur de Rênal, learns of his intellect and hires him as a tutor for his children. During this time, he falls in love with the mayor's wife, Madame de Rênal, and uses her innocence and ignorance to seduce her. As the two become consumed by their passionate love, a jealous maid reveals the secret, and the news spreads throughout the city. Julien is forced to continue his studies at the seminary in Besan?on. He excels there and earns the favor of Father Pirard, the seminary director. Later, thanks to his strong recommendation, he is appointed as the private secretary to the prominent political figure, the Marquis de La Mole. The Marquis highly appreciates Julien's talent and places great trust in him, sending him to Paris to handle a very important matter. The Marquis's daughter, Mathilde, who is proud and self-esteem, is deeply attracted to Julien, despite his humble background, his noble spirit, and his energetic nature. After several emotional twists and turns, Julien finally wins Mathilde's heart. Meanwhile, she discovers she is pregnant with Julien's child. She decides to marry Julien, defying her father's strong opposition, and eventually forces him to agree to the marriage. To preserve his reputation, the Marquis arranges for Julien to become a nobleman and appoints him as a lieutenant in the light cavalry. Just as Julien and Mathilde are enjoying their success, the Marquis receives a letter that slanders Julien, signed by Madame de Rênal. Julien sees his dream of happiness shatter in an instant and harbors resentment. He returns to Virey and shoots Madame de Rênal while she is praying in the church, and is immediately arrested. In prison, Julien sheds all his vulgar ambitions and rekindles his romance with the recovered Madame de Rênal. He deeply regrets his crimes and decides to take his own life to atone for them. During his trial, he calmly declares, "I intended to murder, and according to the law, I deserve the death penalty." Then, as a commoner, hes the reactionary upper class, represented by the judge and jury, for their suppression of the people. Julien is ultimately sentenced to death. After Julien's death, Mathilde holds his head and holds a grand funeral, while Madame de Rênal, holding the child, passes away three days later!