Bedside Lamp English Learning Reader 1: The Wind Blows (Chinese-English Contrastive)

Author: Mao Ronggui
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: Renowned figures and experts in the field of English discuss reading. Dry English is not good; don't always put the purpose of reading in improving English. 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, it is indeed challenging to think partly or entirely in English, but it is not an unattainable goal. From my own experience learning English, I have found that persistent extensive reading is one of the most effective ways to achieve this goal. For intermediate and advanced English learners, I particularly recommend English easy readers. The material should be simple and engaging, and the reading speed should be as fast as possible. The more you read, the better. This is a proven method for learning English.
In 1861, President Lincoln ordered the emancipation of slaves, but the Southern states strongly opposed it, even to the point of war. The drums of war beat, and people were in turmoil. The story takes place in Georgia in the Confederate States. Scarlett O'Hara, the eldest daughter of the Tara plantation owner, was already beautiful and mature at just sixteen, with bright eyes that revealed a restless and spirited personality. Many young men in neighboring plantations had long been infatuated with Scarlett, but she had a particular fondness for one. She had fallen in love with Ashley Wilkes at a young age. However, Ashley was about to marry his cousin, Melanie. The Wilkes family hosted a party, and Scarlett's family was invited. Dressed in fine attire, Scarlett appeared charming yet somewhat arrogant at the lively gathering. Ashley warmly introduced Melanie to her, but Scarlett grew jealous. Driven by vanity, Scarlett tried to act as if nothing mattered, but her deep love for Ashley made her sneak downstairs to confess her feelings when her companions were napping.
Men were discussing the war in the living room. Butler, a young, carefree, and somewhat cynical man, believed the war was unfavorable to the South. He was immediately attacked by others and had to leave the room. Near the staircase, Scarlett caught Ashley as he was about to leave to chase after Butler. She boldly and stubbornly asked him to love her and marry her, but Ashley refused. The war finally broke out. Southern young men joined the army. Before going to war, Ashley married Melanie. Consumed by jealousy, Scarlett hastily married Charles. But the war soon made Scarlett a widow.
On Christmas Day in 1862, Ashley returned home but was soon heading back to the front lines. On the night of their farewell, Scarlett once again poured out her passionate love for Ashley. Ashley, however, calmly told her that he loved his wife. He also asked Scarlett to take good care of Melanie, who was pregnant. Scarlett promised him. The war continued to escalate, and the Southern army suffered defeats, leaving the rear in chaos. Just then, Melanie gave birth to a son. To get Melanie and her child out of the dangerous city, Scarlett had to ask Butler to take them to Tara plantation in a carriage. The carriage raced through ruins and smoke. After they reached a safer area, Butler unexpectedly told Scarlett that he was joining the army to help the South. Scarlett was confused. Butler expressed his love for her and asked her to give him a memento as he was about to go to war. Scarlett kissed him.
Scarlett finally returned to her home, but the reality left her stunned: her mother had died of typhoid, and her father had gone mad. Although Tara plantation still stood on the horizon, it was in ruins. She wandered aimlessly. The five-year Civil War ended with the South's defeat. Ashley reunited with his wife and child, but the war had left him with deep emotional scars. Ashley also lost his home—the Wilkes plantation—and had to temporarily live with his wife and child in Scarlett's house. Scarlett's unwavering love for Ashley did not fade with the war. One day, Scarlett found Ashley and asked him to take her away from this impoverished place. She vowed that she needed nothing but to love him. But once again, she was rejected.
After the war, Scarlett lived a hard life under Northern military control. To pay taxes, she seduced her sister's boyfriend and soon married the small shop owner. Scarlett's second marriage did not bring her much fortune. Soon after, her husband was shot to death on the streets of a small town during a political gathering by Northern soldiers. Butler came to visit this unfortunate woman with a gift. Faced with the still beautiful and charming Scarlett, Butler sincerely asked her to marry him once again. The poverty brought by the war had softened Scarlett's once willful and arrogant personality, and she finally agreed to Butler's request. After their marriage, they lived a prosperous life, and the birth of their daughter brought even more joy. But soon, Butler discovered that Scarlett still held a place in her heart for Ashley. He wanted to divorce her but could not bear to leave his beloved daughter. Fate seemed to be playing a cruel joke on them. During a horseback riding game, their daughter tragically died. Butler lost his last spiritual.
A kind Melanie, despite her frail health, rushed to comfort them but collapsed from exhaustion. On her deathbed, Melanie asked Scarlett to care for Ashley as she would her own husband and told her that she deeply loved Ashley. It was then that Scarlett realized she had been chasing a phantom. Butler finally decided to leave Scarlett and return to his hometown to live a quiet life alone. By then, Scarlett truly understood that she loved Butler. But it was all too late.
Alone in the house, Scarlett felt an immense sense of sorrow. She decided to return to Tara plantation. She prayed: Tomorrow will be a new beginning.