新标准大学英语综合教程3教师用书(文秋芳 外研社)10

Tales ancient and modernUnit overviewUnit key featuresOrganizing suggestionsPassage 1 is an article about urban myths The unit provides Ss with many oppor-which also goes on to consider if this is tunities to share stories they know about the right name for them or whether they strange goings-on in the city and of ancient should more properly be called legends. heroes and gods. Passage 1 is conceptually Passage 2 is a recounting in a rather old-Passage 2more challenging while Passage 2 may be fashioned and formal style of a Greek Echo and Narcissusmore demanding in terms of language. myth.Passage 1Urban myths or urban legends?• Use Passage 1 for skills (a) and (b).(a) Distinguishing between main and • Ensure Ss have a clear idea of the secondary aimsdifferences between legends and myths.(b) Evaluating the text• Use Passage 2 for skill (c).(c) Using old-fashioned language• Discuss how storytellers bring stories alive by tone, volume and gesture.• E ncourage Ss to discuss how story-• Categorizing in a discussion of different tellers bring stories alive by tone, films volume and gesture.• C ommenting on “old wives tales”• Ask pairs to repeat their discussions in front of the class.Reading skillsSpeaking skills• Modernizing a text• Use the Guided writing to give Ss a • Guided writing: Writing a traditional sense of how stories can be structured.Writing skills and story• Use the Unit task to practise analytical tasks• Unit task: Writing a description of writing (ie not merely retelling stories Chinese myths or legendsbut classifying and reflecting on them).Ask Ss to explain their reasons for • Distinguishing among related conceptsbelieving or rejecting the various old wives • Sorting truth from commonly accepted tales mentioned. Continue the discussion falsehoodto cover Chinese examples. Try to uncover • Deriving messages from talescommonly accepted beliefs for which there is no actual evidence.• Possibly use the tale for storytelling This is a myth from an Arctic circle practice.culture and an example of a culture hero – • Use the story as a way of reminding Ss Crow.of their own rich heritage of such tales.Cognitive skillsReading across culturesCrow brings the daylight: a story from the far northUnit 10 Tales ancient and modern

Teaching suggestions and answer keys

Starting point

Teaching tipsThe unit covers a variety of old legends and by means of a discussion of urban legends seeks to clarify terms like “legend” and “myth”. Teaching stepsAs a pleasant way of starting Ss thinking about the topic, prepare cards with the names of legendary • figures whom Ss are very likely have heard and ask someone to take one and start the game. • Ss must make true statements about the character; after each statement the class can make three guesses as to who the character is. • If they cannot guess, another statement is made until someone guesses correctly and has their turn. For example: I am English. (guesses) I wear green. I live in a forest. I use a bow and arrows. I rob the rich and give to the poor. (Robin Hood)Alternatively, Ss can choose any legendary character and then answer 20 yes / no questions which try to gather useful information on the chosen figure. For example:Are you Chinese? Yes.Are you human? Yes.Are you an emperor? No.Do you fight? Yes.Are you a general? No.Are you an outlaw? No.Are you male? No.Are you Mulan? Yes.Read the paragraphs about some English and American legends and match them with the pictures. 1 (b) Paul Bunyan

The original accounts of Paul Bunyan seem to have been “tall stories” told round campfires by forest or timber workers for entertainment purposes. A later journalist brought many together, made them a bit more respectable and helped them spread and become a part of American popular culture. As the paragraph notes, some legends of the Cherokees, a Native American people, have been used as the basis for extra Paul Bunyan stories.

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2 (c) King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table

The legends of King Arthur were tremendously popular across the states of late mediaeval Europe among the knightly classes. Thousands of versions and tales survive many masterpieces of literature. If Arthur existed – a very improbable proposition, he was a ruler in Britain shortly after the 5th-century departure of the Roman army. 3 (a) Robin Hood

There are many different versions of the stories of Robin Hood, who has been treasured as a popular figure of resistance to corrupt authority for centuries. (Outlaws of the Marsh offers a Chinese equivalent.) The versions vary so much in their detail that it is highly improbable the legend has any basis in fact, though no doubt there have at diverse times been such people as Robin. In the most common version Robin Hood is a supporter of the much-admired late 12th-century King Richard I, the Lionheart (called so because of his reputation as a great military leader and warrior), and an opponent of his brother and heir, the much disliked King John. Now work in pairs and answer the questions.

1 Which of the legends are likely to be based on real people, and which were invented by storytellers? I do not suppose any of them are true, but there might have been a figure the legends gather around – a real good-hearted outlaw, a big brave forest man, or the inspiring leader of a small kingdom. The Paul Bunyan stories seem the wildest and perhaps therefore the most made-up.2 Which ones have special or admirable moral qualities?

Robin Hood seems to be a hero of the people, a champion of those oppressed by wicked lords.

3 Are there similar legends in Chinese mythology?

Yes, I thought immediately of the stories of the Yellow Emperor and his court and their effect on traditional Chinese medicine, silk production and writing.

Active reading (1)

1 Work in pairs. Check (¸) the statements which you think might be true.

√ 1 People live in the tunnels of the London Underground. I guess there could be some beggars there.

2 Some drivers have given a lift to a hitchhiker, who leaves something in the car and who turns out to

have died several years before.

I am not sure this is possible as I don’t believe in ghosts.

√ 3 There are alligators in the New York subway. T hat could be possible. There’s water and probably plenty of food inside tunnels so they might

survive.

4 Be careful about who offers you a drink in a hotel, because you might end up losing body organs.

I hope that is a very, very rare event!

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Urban myths or urban legends?Language points

1 Very few Londoners have seen them, but the friend of a friend has seen them several times. (Para 1) People who believe in the Subterraneans do not claim to have seen them but to have been told the story. Such information is referred to as “second-hand”. Here the story is third-hand, from a friend’s friend. In other words, it is highly unreliable.2 It usually describes something which might have happened, an apocryphal, second-hand story told as if it were true, just about plausible enough to be credible, about some event which has supposedly happened to a real person. (Para 2)

The word apocryphal means doubtfully true, probably untrue. The books of the Bible were chosen from a large number of texts. The rejected ones are to be found in a collection called the Apocrypha, the books which do not contain reliable information and are not sacred. As a metaphor, the adjective might be used in a biography: “There are many apocryphal stories about George Washington’s childhood.”3 Factual or not, it’s likely to rely on expert storytelling and on a trustworthy source, such as “It happened to my brother’s friend’s mother”. (Para 2)

Whether or not the story is true, it has to be told in a convincing way and the source has to sound reliable.4 According to them, a myth … which contributed to the expression of shared beliefs and values. (Para 3)

The sentence means a myth played a part in the creation of a common world view, ie a culture.

5 It has been told and retold many times over the years, gathering embellishments which are specific to the culture in which it’s set. (Para 5)

Gathering embellishments means having extra bits or decoration added on, which makes the story grow more complicated and detailed as time passes.6 In Greek mythology, Odysseus sails between Scylla and Charybdis, the narrow and dangerous channel between mainland Italy and the island of Sicily. (Para 7)

Odysseus in his wanderings had to sail between Scylla, a huge sea monster, and Charybdis, a female monster. The slightest mistake erring on either side of the route would lead to disaster. The phrase is used idiomatically for such situations: “The government has to sail the economy between the Scylla of depression and the Charybdis of inflation.”7 In recent years … usually about a virus which can wipe out your hard drive. (Para 10)

To wipe out something means to destroy something utterly, the meaning originated from the act of wiping a mark off a surface. See also “Your bravery has wiped out your earlier disgrace.”; “The tribe has been wiped out by disease and violence.”8 True myths are always benign in their intentions. (Para 11)

The word benign means good. Typical uses include a benign smile, an environmentally benign chemical and A tumour will be announced as benign or malign by the doctor.

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Reading and understanding

2 Choose the best way to complete the sentences. 1 An urban myth is (d). (a) a strange and unusual story with a modern setting which is impossible to believe (b) a modern story with religious or spiritual significance (c) a story which is always set in an urban environment

(d) a fantastic story with a modern setting which you can just about believe 2 In the “London Subterraneans” myth strange creatures (d)

. (a) are learning English underground (b) come out at night to attack Londoners (c) can often be seen just before dawn

(d) hardly ever leave their underground homes 3 In The Vanishing Hitchhiker (a). (a) a driver gives a lift to a ghost

(b) a driver kills a hitchhiker on a lonely road (c) a young hitchhiker turns into an old woman (d) a driver steals a hitchhiker’s coat and wallet

4 In the “Alligator” myth (d).

(a) children bring home baby alligators from Florida

(b) an alligator escapes from the zoo and brings terror to New York (c) baby alligators sometimes appear in New York toilets (d) there are alligators living beneath the streets of New York 5 In the story of the kidney transplant, a man (c). (a) agrees to sell a kidney to someone he meets in a bar (b) drinks too much and has to be taken to hospital (c) is drugged and then has a kidney removed (d) has a kidney transplant in his hotel room

6 “Urban myths” on the Internet are really “hoaxes” because (b)

.

(a) they use capital letters and exclamation marks (b) their aim is usually to cheat people

(c) none of the “evidence” they give can be proved (d) they do not cause any harm

7 Urban “myths” are really “legends” because they (c). (a) have no characteristics in common with real myths (b) are easier to believe than real myths

(c) are not about gods and the creation of the world

(d) refer to modern technology

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3 Decide whether the statements refer to a myth (M), a legend (L), or both (B). 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

It shows people how to behave in society. (M)It has been told and retold many times. (B)It can warn of dangers. (B)

It is based on historical events. (L)It refers to human characters. (L)

It refers to superhuman characters. (M)It can have a moral message. (B)

It is often about natural phenomena. (M)

Dealing with unfamiliar words

4 Match the words in the box with their definitions. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

an imaginary creature with magic powers (fairy)

a system of principles concerning right and wrong behaviour (morality)with a definite intention, not by chance or by accident (deliberately)less important than something else (secondary)

intended or likely to make someone believe something that is incorrect or not true (misleading)continuing to exist for a long time, even if the situation changes (durable)an ancient traditional story about gods, heroes and magic (myth)

5 Complete the paragraph with the correct form of the words in Activity 4.

Legends and (1) myths exist in every culture. Usually they are stories for adults. But most cultures also have a special type of story for children, known as (2) fairy tales because of the magic characters which inhabit them. The primary purpose of these stories is to entertain, but there is usually a (3) secondary purpose, too. Fairy tales are (4) deliberately intended to warn children about the dangers of the adult world, and how easy it is to be (5) misled by adults with bad intentions. In the end, of course, (6) morality always triumphs and everyone lives happily ever afterwards. Fairy tales were particularly popular in the 19th century, but their appeal continues to be (7) durable in more modern versions of the same stories.6 Replace the underlined words with the correct form of the words and expressions in the box. You may need to make other changes.

Many of the oldest myths try to explain the beginning of the world. (creation)

I think Frances is coming. I can hear the sound made by her feet in the corridor. (footsteps)I can hear her footsteps in the corridor.

Where can I get rid of these plastic bottles? (dispose of)

The first operation involving a heart removed from one body and placed in another was carried out in South Africa in 1967. (transplant)

5 I heard some unofficial information which may or may not be true that Frank is going to retire. (rumour) I heard the rumour that Frank is going to retire.

6 Public benches in Venice were completely covered by water yesterday. (submerged)1 2 3 4

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7 Answer the questions about the words and expressions.

1 If a story is passed by word of mouth, do you (a) hear it, or (b) read it?

2 Is a credible story one that you (a) can easily believe, or (b) find difficult to believe?

3 If you drop someone off somewhere, do you (a) stop to let them get out of your car, or (b) knock them over with your car?

4 If you leave something behind somewhere, do you (a) want to give it to someone, or (b) forget to take it with you?

5 Is a captivating story likely to be (a) enjoyable, or (b) violent?

6 If you wipe out the messages in an email inbox, do you (a) put them in order, or (b) delete them? 7 Is something that is benign (a) harmful, or (b) kind and nice?

Reading and interpreting

8 Work in pairs. Decide what the writer’s main aim and secondary aims (if any) are. Choose from the list: 1 to show that urban myths are really “legends” 2 to give lots of examples of urban myths 3 to show that myths are as popular as ever

4 to show that the Internet is the main source of urban myths5 to show how urban myths transmit important moral messages 6 to convince us that urban myths are usually credible

7

to suggest that urban myths are an important part of modern culture

The writer’s main aim is 1.

The secondary aims are 2 and 7.

9 Work in pairs. Answer the questions about the effectiveness of the passage. 1 How does the title indicate the writer’s main aim?

It suggests that the word myth is not suitable; it contrasts myths and legends.

2 What is the effect of the first sentence on the reader?

It sets the scene for the first story and makes the reader wonder why this information is being given.3 At what point does the reader realize that this is fiction, not fact? The beginning of the second paragraph “True story? Probably not”.

4 What is the last piece of information given in the hitchhiker story, and what effect does it have?

Its being the anniversary “explains” why the ghost returned; it gives the story a sort of reliability and a clear ending.5 How is the alligator story linked to classical mythology?

The writer shows that, like the myth of Odysseus, the urban myth warns New Yorkers of possible dangers.6 At what point does the transplant story become difficult to believe? When the man wakes up in a bath of ice.

7 Which story is least credible, and why?

The “Hitchhiker” story, as I do not believe in ghosts.

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8 How effectively does the writer retell the stories?

The “Alligator” myth is told dramatically. The Vanishing Hitchhiker has alternative details so it is less

realistic as you read it. The story of the kidney transplant is less dramatic all round. 9 Why does the writer leave the Internet example until last?

Because he believes it is a hoax rather than an urban myth and also probably because it is the most

recent example.10 How well does the writer complete his aim in the last two paragraphs?

He comes to a conclusion and answers the question he raised in the title, so he has done what he set

out to do.

Developing critical thinking

10 Work in pairs and discuss the questions.

1 Is the distinction between myth and legend a valid one?

Yes, myths contain gods and semi-divine beings and try to explain the way the world is created,

whereas legends are about human actions and try to teach lessons about life. 2 What is the function of a classical myth?

It helps people to understand their lives, accept their fates and teaches them how to behave.

3 How quickly can historical events become legend?

It often takes a long time so that failings and failures can be forgotten, but if someone wants to create

a legend it can be much quicker – one well-made film can lift someone from real life into the world of legend. I think it happens with wars, national leaders and celebrities who die young, like Bruce Lee or Princess Diana. 4 What is the appeal of an urban myth?

They seem to make use of some of our deep fears about, for example, the dead, what hides in dark

spots and underground, and risks to our bodies by organ thieves. 5 How can Internet myths be harmful?

They spread fear and may cause unjustified hatred and anger.

Talking point

Work in pairs. Look at the film posters and say which films you have seen. Discuss which descriptions of the films you agree with. • • • • • • • •

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an apocryphal second-hand story a story based on fact

a story with spiritual significance

a story warning of possible dangers to the viewers

a story showing how to behave appropriately in society a dangerous hoax a great action film

a load of nonsense but quite good fun

Tales ancient and modern Unit 10

Teaching tipsSpend some time to check Ss know the films. Ask those who do to hold short dialogues in front of the class giving snippets of information about them.Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon• directed by Ang Lee• starring Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, Zhang Zhen• from a novel by Wang Dulu• released 2000• story revolves around a sword, the Green Destiny• it involves Wudang Martial ArtsStar Trek: The Motion Picture• directed by Robert Wise• based on famous television series• released 1979• Captain Kirk protects the Earth from an alien cloud• characters include Dr Leonard McCoy, commander Scott, and commander SpockThe Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King• Directed by Peter Jackson• the third and last in The Lord of the Rings trilogy• from the novel by J. R. R. Tolkien• won 11 Oscars• released 2003• tells the story of the saving of Middle-earth from the forces of evil • includes characters such as Frodo and Sam the Hobbits, Gandalf the Wizard, Aragon the King, Gollum, Elves and many others • The Return of the King – I have no patience for that sort of fantasy. It is just a mixture of old myths and legends with no real meaning.

• I think these are all far from reality. Wizards, magic swords and alien clouds are not real.

• I think both The Return of the King and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon are full of messages about the fight between good and evil.

• Star Trek warns of dangers to life on Earth, and there are plenty of those.

• Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is full of examples of good behaviour and noble feelings we should try to copy.

• Well, none of them is an actual hoax, but I do think some people get dangerous fantasies of actually being able to perform completely impossible martial arts moves.

• The fight scenes in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon are excellent. Though I think The House of Flying Daggers is even better.

• That’s a good description of all of them, great fun but not at all serious.

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Active reading (2)

1 Work in pairs. Look at the painting and answer the questions. 1 What is the young man doing?

He is looking at his reflection in the water.2 How does he feel when he’s doing this? He appears to be very happy.

N ow read the extract from the book The Illustrated Age of Fable and check your answers. Say whether the story is a legend or a myth.

The story is a myth as it contains gods and goddesses and explains why there are echoes and how the narcissus flower came into existence.

Echo and NarcissusLanguage points

1 She was a favourite of Diana, and attended her in the chase. (Para 1)

The chase means a hunt. The word has an old-fashioned feel to it, presumably because so few people now ever talk of hunting.2 Echo by her talk contrived to detain the goddess till the nymphs made their escape. (Para 1)

To contrive to do something means to succeed in doing something in spite of difficulties. Echo distracted and delayed Juno with her constant chatter with the result that the nymphs who had been flirting with Jupiter, and whom Juno had hoped to catch, had gone. In anger Juno curses Echo. 3 He left her, and she went to hide her blushes in the recesses of the woods. (Para 2)

To hide one’s blushes means to keep one’s embarrassment or shame from being noticed by others. The recesses of something refer to the parts of something that you cannot see easily because they are hidden or dark.4 He talked with the supposed spirit: “Why, beautiful being, do you shun me? …” (Para 4)

To shun means to avoid. Narcissus talks to his reflection supposing or thinking it is a magical being.5 With this, and much more of the same kind, he cherished the flame that consumed him ... (Para 4) To cherish the flame which consumed him means to take care of the thing which destroyed him.

Reading and understanding

2 Choose the best answer to the questions. 1

Why was Juno angry with Echo? (a) She spoke too much.

(b) She wasn’t working with the other nymphs.

(c) She prevented her from finding her husband with the other nymphs. (d) She had fallen in love with her husband.

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2 How did Juno punish Echo?

(a) She took away all her powers. (b) She cut out her tongue.

(c) She took away her ability to speak first. (d) She made her fall in love with Narcissus. 3 What did Echo want to do when she saw Narcissus? (a) She wanted to speak to him. (b) She wanted to have his voice.

(c) She wanted to repeat everything he said. (d) She wanted to hide.

4 What happened to Echo afterwards? (a) She went to live on a mountain. (b) She became a voice without a body. (c) She killed herself in a cave.

(d) She made Narcissus fall in love with her.

5 What did a maiden want Narcissus to do?

(a) She wanted him to fall in love with a goddess. (b) She wanted him to fall in love with Echo.

(c) She wanted him to fall in love with no hope of his feelings being returned. (d) She wanted him to pray to the gods.

6 What happened to Narcissus?

(a) He fell in love with the young woman.

(b) He fell in love with a reflection of himself in the water. (c) He thought he was a god.

(d) He fell into the fountain where he had stopped to drink. 7 What happened to the reflection of Narcissus? (a) It fell in love with Narcissus. (b) It spoke to Narcissus.

(c) It looked more like Echo than Narcissus. (d) It disappeared when Narcissus began to cry. 8 What happened to the body of Narcissus? (a) It was carried away by the nymphs. (b) It turned into a flower. (c) It was burned.

(d) It was taken by boat down the river.

3 Check (¸) the elements in the story which make it a myth. If you like, refer to the passage Urban myths or urban legends?

1 It’s a story from ancient history. 2 It’s a modern story.

√ 3 It’s a traditional ancient story.

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√ 4 It originally had a religious or spiritual meaning. 5 It’s based on historical events.

6 It’s part of a set of other similar stories. 7 It’s a funny story with no special meaning. √ 8 It contains a moral lesson.

√ 9 It’s been told and retold many times.

10 The characters in the story were real people. √ 11 The characters are gods and heroes. 12 It’s set in a place that still exists today.

Dealing with unfamiliar words

4 Match the words in the box with their definitions. 1 2 3 4 5

to put your arms around someone in order to show love or friendship (embrace)to quickly push something a long way into something else (plunge)

to do something again after a pause, usually with more energy or emphasis than before (renew)to have a conversation (converse)

to think that something is very important and wish to keep it (cherish)

5 Complete the sentences with the correct form of the words in Activity 4. 1 2 3 4 5

We must have been conversing about something, but our minds were on other things. I haven’t seen him for years, but I cherish the memory of our time together.

Next week we’re going to church to renew the wedding promises we made 50 years ago. It is so hot that he wishes he could plunge his head into a bucket of ice-cold water.

They embraced each other for a moment hoping somehow the moment would last forever.

6 Replace the underlined words with the correct form of the words in the box.

1 He waved at me from the high ground overlooking the sea. (cliff)

2 To me it seemed as if he was dangerously close to the edge of the deep lake. (brink)

3 After walking for hours in the hot sun, she needed to drink something and bent over to drink from a fountain at the side of the road. (stooped)

4 Echo tried hard to make Narcissus fall in love with her. (endeavoured)

5 Narcissus was lacking in interest or sympathy to all the nymphs who loved him. (indifferent)6 After the nymphs left, Juno punished Echo. (departed) 7 Answer the questions about the words and expressions. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

If you contrive to do something, do you (a) manage to do it, or (b) fail to do it? If you detain somebody, do you (a) make them wait, or (b) let them go?

Is it the job of (a) an English teacher, or (b) a judge to pass sentence on someone? If you forfeit something, (a) can you keep it, or (b) do you have to give it up? Do you shun someone by (a) going close to them, or (b) not going near to them? If you hasten somewhere, do you go there (a) quickly, or (b) slowly?

If you have a blush on your cheeks, does it indicate that you are (a) cold, or (b) embarrassed?

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8 If you entreat someone to do something, do you (a) beg them, or (b) force them to do it? 9 If you do something by degrees, do you do it (a) quickly, or (b) a little at a time?

10 If you mourn for someone who has just died, do you show that you are (a) surprised, or (b) very sad

about their death?

Reading and interpreting

8 Look at the sentences from the passage. Think about the vocabulary and grammar of the underlined words.

1 You shall forfeit the use of that tongue with which you have cheated me … The use of shall in the second person and choice of forfeit sound old-style and legal. A very roundabout way of saying your tongue is used. With which is more formal than which … with. The sentence means you will lose the use of your tongue because you have used it to trick me.2 This nymph saw Narcissus, a beautiful youth, as he pursued the chase upon the mountains. The word beautiful is not used nowadays for men; pursued the chase is a very archaic way of saying hunt. The sentence means this nymph saw Narcissus, a handsome young man, as he hunted in the mountains.3 “Let us join one another,” said the youth. Let us is used rather than the colloquial let’s. To join one another means to meet.

4 There was a clear fountain, with water like silver, to which the shepherds never drove their flocks, nor the mountain goats resorted, nor any of the beasts of the forest; neither was it defaced with fallen leaves or branches …

The expression drive flocks is archaic; the never ... nor ... nor ... neither ... pattern is very literary. The words resorted and defaced are used in unusual ways. The expression beasts of the forests is preferred to the colloquial animals. The sentence means there was a clear fountain, with water like silver, where the shepherds never took their flocks and where mountain goats and forest animals never went. Not even fallen leaves or branches ever spoiled its beauty.5 Hither came one day the youth fatigued with hunting, heated and thirsty. The word hither is archaic. Note the literary inversion. The sentence means one day the young man, tired after hunting, hot and thirsty, came to the place. 6 The nymphs love me, and you yourself look not indifferent upon me. Look not is a usage from before the time of the development of the auxiliary verb do. The preposition upon sounds strange here. The writer is creating the effect of 16th- / 17th-century English prose. The sentence means the nymphs love me and you yourself seem to show interest in me.9 Work in pairs and answer the questions.

1 Does the story have a hero or heroine? If so, who? Echo is the heroine while Narcissus is the hero.

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2 Does the story have any examples of heroic behaviour? If so, what are they?

Echo takes a risk to protect her fellow nymphs. She also dies for the love of another, though in a very passive way. 3 Does the story have any examples of ordinary human behaviour? If so, what are they? Helping friends, falling in hopeless love and self-love are all common among humans.4 Which supernatural events does it describe?

Divine magical punishments, fading away into a voice, becoming a flower etc.

5 Does the story have any emotional effect on the reader? If so, what is it?

Yes, I felt angry with Narcissus. He was so selfish and obsessed with himself. He deserved to become a flower!6 Would you have preferred to read a modern version of the story? If so, why?

Well, I would have found it easier to follow, but maybe old legends should sound old-fashioned.7 Does the story have any message for a modern reader? If so, what is it? Do not think too much of yourself!

Developing critical thinking

10 Work in pairs and discuss the questions.

1 Is the behaviour of anyone in the story an example to ordinary people?

Narcissus is a negative example – people should be interested in others and not just themselves.2 Do classical myths have any value in today’s society? • They make good stories for children.

• They contain a lot of traditional wisdom we should not ignore.

3 To what extent do you think myths are culture specific? • Cultures do have different emphasis, but they are also about the basic human needs and emotions so

myths from different places may have a lot in common. • I think they are quite culture specific. Of course, there may be some points of common interest as

we are all human and want to know how life began, what the stars are and things like that, but we do not have stories like Adam and Eve and Noah’s Ark or Narcissus and Echo in China. Our myths are different in style.4 Should myths and legends be part of a school curriculum?

Yes, they are part of our past and knowledge of them makes us part of the culture.

5 Can myths be modernized in the style of urban legends?

Well, I don’t think stories about people turning into flowers would interest many people but I guess you could do something with the theme of self-love leading to a sad fate. It probably depends on the particular myth.

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Additional activityOnce the Ss have a full understanding of the passage, it can be used for oral practice. Discuss traditions of oral storytelling. Travelling storytellers would use pictures or puppets to tell familiar stories in fixed formulas. They would make them come alive through different styles of speaking for different characters and parts of the story, by facial expressions and by hand gestures. Ask Ss to practise either reading a paragraph or retelling a part of the story in an interesting way. This is a demanding exercise for class which has well-developed oral skills which deserve stretching. The Reading across cultures passage is an alternative and perhaps easier choice for this activity. Talking point

1 Read the “Old Wives Tales” from the West. Which ones do you think are true?

1 Feed a fever, starve a cold.

The saying means if you feel very hot, do not take in fuel as it will make you hotter; if you are shivery

and have a cold, eat. I think illness puts you off your food, but you should take nourishment anyway to keep up your strength. 2 After you eat, wait three hours before you go swimming. Yes, digesting food takes a lot of energy.

3 Carrots make you see in the dark.

Ha, well, they are good for you and full of vitamin A, but I don’t think they are that powerful! 4 Spicy food causes ulcers in the stomach.

If so, most people in western China must have ulcers, and I do not think that is true!

5 Eating chocolate gives you zits.

I don’t think it sounds very likely, but I suppose it might affect some people like a sort of allergy. 6 If you eat food standing up, it’s fat free.

That sounds crazy to me. How can it possibly affect the content of the food?

7 People only use ten per cent of their brains.

Probably we could do and learn a lot more than we do, but injury to even a tiny bit of the brain can

cause big trouble. That means we are using all of our brain. 8 If you sneeze with your eyes open, they’ll pop out.

Who thinks of these? Actually I am not sure you can sneeze without naturally blinking, but I am sure

your eyes would be okay if you did manage it! 9 Eating green vegetables makes your hair grow curly. I don’t think so, as it doesn’t work in China!

10 If you keep pulling faces, one day the wind will change and your face will stay that way. Nice story, but you do not see many people with only one expression.

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2 Work in pairs and discuss the questions. 1

Can you think of any “Old Wives Tales” in China?• Pregnant women should not take cold drinks.• Cutting your nails at night causes nightmares.

• If someone with an infected eye stares at you, you will get the same infection.• Hair on moles should not be cut.• It’s dangerous to point at the moon.

2 Do you believe in them?

Most are superstitions, but I think some of the food warnings may be sensible. Anyway, they were part of my upbringing and now part of me and my world view.

Language in use

word formation: sub-1 Look at the sentences from the passage Urban myths or urban legends? and answer the questions. The London Subterraneans are a race of people who live beneath the streets. The next thing the man knows is that he’s sitting in his hotel bath, with his body submerged in ice. 1 Where do the Subterraneans live? Underground.

2 When the man woke up, was he underneath or on top of the ice? Underneath the ice.

Now answer the questions about the words. (a) Where does a submarine go? Under the sea.

(b) If a room is subdivided into smaller areas, is it the first time the room has been separated? No, the room has already been divided.

(c) Where do the subtitles of a film appear on the screen? Usually at the bottom.

(d) What immediate actions do people usually take subsequent to a fire? They try to put it out or call the fire service.

(e) If you act subconsciously, are you aware of what you are doing? No.

(f) What are the functions of the subheadings you find in a long piece of writing? To further divide up the text.

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adj. + or not

2 Rewrite the sentences using adj. + or not.

1 Whether or not you are tired, I want you to read me that story. Tired or not, I want you to read me that story.

2 Whether or not it is true, the effect of the story on the listener is exactly the same. True or not, the effect of the story on the listener is exactly the same.3 Whether or not you are British, you have the right to use this service. British or not, you have the right to use this service.

4 Whether or not this film is famous, I think it is absolute rubbish. Famous or not, I think this film is absolute rubbish.

5 Whether or not it’s useful, you have to practise this structure. Useful or not, you have to practise this structure.

that of … 3 Rewrite the sentences using that of ...

1 This is the plot: Two people meet near a lake and fall in love.

The plot is that of two people who meet near a lake and fall in love.

2 This is the main story: A young man falls in love with his own reflection.

The main story is that of a young man who falls in love with his own reflection.

3 The story is this: A man meets a stranger in a bar and agrees to do something stupid.

The story is that of a man who meets a stranger in a bar and agrees to do something stupid.4 This is the basic story: A girl arrives in a big town to seek her fortune.

The basic story is that of a girl who arrives in a big town to seek her fortune.5 The myth is this: A hero steals fire from the gods and is punished by them.

The myth is that of a hero who steals fire from the gods and is punished by them.

while4 Rewrite the sentences using while.

1 Although her books are very successful, they are hardly very original stories. While her books are very successful, they are hardly very original stories.

2 I agree with what he is saying but I do not believe he knows the best way of saying it. While I agree with what he is saying, I do not believe he knows the best way of saying it.3 It is certainly an entertaining story, although there is probably not any truth in it. While there is probably not any truth in it, it is certainly an entertaining story.

4 Even though the events of that night have become something of an urban legend, no one will know the truth of how Miss Brown really died.

While the events of that night have become something of an urban legend, no one will know the truth of how Miss Brown really died.

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collocations 5 Read the explanations of the words. Answer the questions.

1 trace This word usually means to find someone or something you are looking for by asking questions and getting information.

(a) Who can you trace if you examine your family tree? My ancestors.

(b) If someone vanishes without trace, have you any idea where they are? No, because they disappear without any way of finding them. (c) If there is a trace of blood on the carpet, do you notice it? Probably not, as the blood is of a very small amount.

2 vain This word usually describes someone who is very proud and thinks they are beautiful and special, or something that is unsuccessful or useless.

(a) If you make a vain attempt to do something, are you successful? No, I don’t achieve the result I wanted.

(b) Does a vain person think they are attractive or unattractive? Attractive. (c) If the researchers searched in vain for the solution, did they find the answer to the problem they

encountered?

No. Despite the efforts they made, they were not successful.3

catch This word usually means to stop and hold something that is moving through the air. (a) If you catch a glimpse of someone, do you see them for a long time or just for a moment? Just for a moment.

(b) If you catch someone’s eye, do they see you? Yes.

(c) If a virus is catching, do lots of people fall ill from it? Yes, because it is easily passed to other people.

4 embrace This is a formal word which usually means to put your arms around someone to show them love.

(a) If two people embrace each other, do they hold each other quietly or excitedly? Quietly, because they hold each other in a friendly way.

(b) What happens when a group or organization embraces an idea or a concept? They adopt it.

(c) If a policy or plan embraces a particular item, does it include it? Yes.5

plunge This word usually means to fall quickly from a high position.

(a) What would you be doing if you plunged into a lake to rescue someone? You would be jumping in the lake.

(b) If a car plunged off a cliff, what would happen to it? It would be destroyed as it fell down the cliff.

(c) If a place is plunged into darkness, what happens to the electricity? It goes off.

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6 Translate the paragraphs into Chinese.

1 True story? Probably not. It’s a classic example of what’s called in many languages an urban myth. An urban myth is a story you hear by word of mouth. It usually describes something which might have happened, an apocryphal, second-hand story told as if it were true, just about plausible enough to be credible, about some event which has supposedly happened to a real person. Factual or not, it’s likely to rely on expert storytelling and on a trustworthy source, such as “It happened to my brother’s friend’s mother.” (☞ It usually describes … to a real person. 这一句有很多补语，其顺序不太符合中文的习惯，可以做一些调整。最后一句是无主句，逻辑上不太容易理清，需要加字。)

󰀡这是真事吗？很可能不是。这是在很多语言中被称为都市神话的一个典型例子。都市神话是你通过口口相传听来的故事，讲述的是一些可能发生过的事情，一个杜撰的，从别处听来的故事，却被当作真事来讲，听起来像真的似的。不论是真是假，都市神话依赖的是讲故事的技巧以及来源的可靠性，比如“这件事发生在我弟弟的朋友的母亲的身上。”2 He stooped down to drink, and saw his own image in the water; he thought it was some beautiful water-spirit living in the fountain. He stood gazing with admiration at those bright eyes, these locks curled like the locks of Bacchus or Apollo, the rounded cheeks, the ivory neck, the parted lips and the glow of health and exercise over all. He fell in love with himself. He brought his lips near to take a kiss; he plunged his arms in to embrace the beloved object. It fled at the touch, but returned again after a moment and renewed the fascination. He could not tear himself away; he lost all thought of food or rest, while he hovered over the brink of the fountain gazing upon his own image. (☞这段话文学性较强，翻译的时候要注意用词，以体现那喀索斯的美及原文的节奏。)

正当他俯身饮泉水时，他看见了水中自己的倒影，却以为那是一个住在水中的美丽水精灵。他满怀爱意地注视着水中那双明亮的眼眸，那像巴克斯和阿波罗一样卷曲的秀发，圆润的面颊，象牙般的雪白脖颈，微启的双唇，还有全身散发出的健康与活力。他爱上了自己，俯身去吻水中的影子；他把双手伸入水中去拥抱这个心爱之物。那影子一碰就立刻消失得无影无踪，但过一会又出现了，再一次让他心驰神迷。他不舍得离开，茶饭不思，徘徊在泉边凝视着自己的倒影。7 Translate the paragraphs into English.

1 在这本书中，他试图找出一个合理的解释，来说明为什么这个古老的仪式不仅没有被现代文明所消灭，反而得以在全国传播。他的结论是，作为一个可以追溯到公元五世纪的传统，它绝对不仅仅是一个可以被轻易抛弃的仪式，它象征着人类在宇宙中努力寻找和谐，以满足他们在一个混乱的世界中获得心灵宁静的欲望。(plausible; wipe out; trace back to; more than just; dispose of; symbolize)

In this book he attempted to give a plausible reason to explain why this ancient ritual, instead of being wiped out by modern civilization, is spreading out through the whole country. His conclusion is that as a tradition that can be traced back to the 5th century, it is more than just a ritual that can be easily disposed of; it symbolizes the human effort to find harmony in the universe and thus satisfies people’s need to achieve peace of mind in a chaotic world.2󰀡这部电视剧主要讲述了一对恋人为了过上更好的生活，暂时分离，各自去他国留学的故事。其中，男女主人公分别时在机场相拥而泣的场景最令人感动。不管它真实与否，流畅的剧情和主要演员所展示出的精湛演技还是让观众对该剧评价甚高。(that of; depart; embrace; adj. + or not; storytelling) The story of this TV series is that of a couple who, in order to earn a better life, depart each other and study overseas on their own. The most striking scene is when the hero and heroine embrace each other and say farewell at the airport. Factual or not, it is highly praised by the audience because of its smooth storytelling and sophisticated acting skills of the feature actors.

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Reading across cultures

Crow brings the daylight: a story from the far north

1 Read the passage and answer the questions.

1 Where do the Inuit live?

They lived far away from the rest of humanity in the north.2 What news did Crow bring them? News of the daylight.

3 What did they ask Crow to do?

They asked Crow to return south and bring light back to them.4 Why didn’t Crow agree immediately? Because he felt he was too old and tired.5 Where did Crow find a ball of light? In a snow-covered village.6 What did he do with it?

He stole it and took it to the Inuit.

7 What warning did Crow give the Inuit about the light?

Crow told them that it would not last forever but come and go.2 Work in pairs and discuss the questions.

1 Is Crow brings the daylight a legend or a myth?

It explains the long winters and summers of the Arctic, so it is a myth.

2 Which are the best-known Chinese myths and legends?

There are many: Nü Wa, Monkey King, the Cowherd Boy and Weaver Girl, Madam White Snake, Archer Yi and so on.3 How are they transmitted from one generation to the next? Orally and in books, films and pictures.

4 What are the most common themes?

Creation and origins, immortality, warfare, love etc.

5 What moral messages do they have?

The need for loyalty, the value of bravery, the merits of perseverance, duty to one’s parents etc.6 What is the role of animals in Chinese mythology?

They appear in fables, symbolize the years and represent character. For example, dragons represent water and rain etc and symbolize the emperor as well.

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Guided writing

Writing a traditional story

1 Look at the first sentence of the story in Reading across cultures and answer the questions.

Long ago, before the dawn of history, the Inuit lived far away from the rest of humanity in the darkness of the north.

1 What is the purpose of this beginning? To set the scene.

2 How many phrases emphasize distance, both in time and space? Long ago; before the dawn of history; far away; the north.

3 The dawn of history is a metaphor. What is it for? Why is it appropriate in this story?

It means a very long time ago when the world was new. It marks the tale as a myth about origins. It is appropriate because at dawn the sun comes up, which links to the Inuit getting light. Now think of a Chinese myth or legend you know. Write the first sentence. Countless generations ago there were ten suns.

2 Number the different phases of Crow brings the daylight in order. 3 a volunteer agrees to solve the problem 4 a difficult journey is begun 1 the problem is stated 2 news comes from afar 6 the world is transformed

7 a warning is made about the future 5 the volunteer takes dramatic action

Now decide the different phases in your story.1 setting2 problem3 hero4 solution5 action

6 consequences

3 Complete the sentences with suitable verbs and expressions, and check with the original story. 1 Suddenly the whole world burst into light. 2 He swooped down low, took the string in his beak, and soared back up into the sky.

3 Crow dropped the ball, and it shattered on the ground, releasing a flood of light which lit up the dark places and chased away the shadows.

4 The mountains took on colour, and the ice and snow sparkled.343

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Now make a list of some of the verbs and expressions you will use in your story. • shine • appear • burn up • take aim • shoot down4 Look at the ending of the story and answer the questions. 1 What is the purpose of this ending?

To suggest that people should be happy with what they have got.2 How many phrases emphasize that the conclusion is a happy one? • The people were overjoyed and thanked the Crow. • Half a year of light is better than a year of darkness.3 Which phrase links the past to the present?

And to this day they are always kind to the Crow. Now write the final sentence in your story. See below.

5 Write a traditional Chinese story.

Example:

Countless generations ago there were ten suns. They used to take turns to shine over the earth, but they grew tired of this and started appearing all together. This made the world too hot for humans and burnt up the ground and everything which grew on it. People complained to Emperor Yao and he called upon the Divine Archer Yi for help. Yi saw there was only one solution and he took careful aim and shot down nine of the suns.

Humanity’s problems were over, but Archer Yi’s had only just begun. His act cost him his immortality. He almost won it back, but in the end he lost his wife as well.

UNIT TASK

Writing a description of Chinese myths or legends

2 Write a short passage about the best-known myths or legends in China.

Example:

We first look at the story of Nü Wa. There are different tales about her. She was an ancient empress. She had a snake’s body. She made the first people out of clay. Those made from the best clay were nobles and those from poor clay peasants. She saved the world when demons damaged the heavens by repairing them with five-coloured stones. When the earth was flooded only she and her brother survived and they were the ancestors of all the Chinese. She finally turned into a great chain of mountains across China.

Nü Wa is a mythical figure who shows all the Chinese are related. She represents our mother and shows kindness and care for others.

Next we take Monkey King. Monkey King is born from a stone egg produced from a rock. He obtains flying skills and a great magical staff. He is uncontrollable even by the Jade Emperor. Finally the Buddha

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tames him and Guanyin sends him to help Xuanzang, the Chinese Buddhist monk, on his journey to the West. Monkey King is a myth about energy which needs to be well used, but it has also been joined to legends about battles against evil-doers and actual historical journeys by Chinese monks to India. Often children learn from Monkey King’s stories to be honest, brave and loyal.

Third, we have chosen the Cowherd Boy. He has a buffalo who he is always good to and who one day tells him how to obtain a fairy bride. The Cowherd Boy marries the Weaver Girl and they are very happy together for many years, farming and weaving. Eventually the fairy’s grandmother takes her back. The Cowherd Boy tries to follow but the goddess draws a line in the heavens which he can only cross by a bridge of magpies once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.

Finally, there is the story of Guan Yu. He was a real general who fought against Cao Cao after the Han dynasty ended. He was brave and loyal but was executed by an enemy in 219 after losing a battle. Over the years many stories have grown up around this figure. He has become a red-faced giant with perfect righteousness. Finally he was worshiped as the god of brotherhood and righteous loyalty whose spirit appears to aid the worshippers he approves of. History turns into legend and almost becomes myth.Probably the story of Nü Wa is less important to the Chinese nowadays, but Monkey King is remembered all the time and is part of everyone’s childhood. The Cowherd Boy-Weaver Girl’s love story has become part of a festival, and Guan Yu has temples and statues across the world. They are simply part of our culture.

Translation of the passages

Active reading (1)

都市神话还是都市传奇？

伦敦有着世界上最为庞大的地下隧道网络。但是对某些伦敦居民来说，隧道不仅仅给他们的生活提供了便利——他们还以此为家。伦敦地下人是生活在街道下面的一族。 他们属于人类，却不会说英语，他们有自己的风俗习惯。他们中的个别人偶尔也会到地面上来。他们只有在晚上才会从一条黑魆魆的偏僻街道的下水道里钻出来，到地面上活动，而且一听到脚步声，他们就会躲到黑暗的小巷子里藏身，直到没有了动静才出来。日出之前，他们又会回到地下。没有几个伦敦人真正见过他们，但是某人的朋友的朋友曾经见过他们好几次。

这是真事吗？很可能不是。这是在很多语言中被称为都市神话的一个典型例子。都市神话是你通过口口相传听来的故事，讲述的是一些可能发生过的事情，一个杜撰的，从别处听来的故事，却被当作真事来讲，听起来像真的似的。不论是真是假，都市神话依赖的是讲故事的技巧以及来源的可靠性，比如“这件事发生在我弟弟的朋友的母亲的身上。”

但是，有一些学者认为都市神话并非真正的神话。在他们看来，神话故事对于讲故事和过去听故事的人来说都有某种宗教或精神层面的意义，而且神话帮助人们表达共同的信仰和价值观。不管一个神话看上去是多么匪夷所思，对于那些从属于这些文化的人来说，它们永远是真实可信的。

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那么我们该不该用“都市神话”这个术语呢？ 让我们来看一下经久不衰的都市神话之一：“消失的搭车客”。故事的大概是：一个司机独自开车行驶在漆黑的乡村公路上，他看到一位年轻女子在路边要搭车。司机停下来，让她上了车。很快司机就把她送到了目的地，他们相互道别。可直到后来停车时司机才发现，这个年轻女子落了一件外套在车上，兜里还装着一个钱包，有的故事是兜里装着个旧信封。于是他按照钱包里或信封上的地址把外套送回去。一位老妇人开了门，司机向她讲述了事情的经过。原来，这件外套是老妇人女儿的，而她的女儿已经在几年前的车祸中去世了，车祸的地点正是司机让她上车的那个地方。那一天也正是车祸的周年纪念日。

事实上，和许多别的神话一样，这个故事可以追溯到20世纪或是21世纪的汽车和公路出现之前的其他国家和地区，比如瑞典和东非。这个故事还具有传统神话所共有的其他一些特征。正如我们所看到的，这个故事是讲给那些愿意相信它并持有相同的文化价值观的人听的。多年以来，这个故事被人们讲了又讲，在不同的地方还被添加了专属于各地文化的一些元素。最后，这个故事变得好玩、刺激，引人入胜。

另外一个很出名的都市神话是关于佛罗里达小短吻鳄鱼的故事，大人们去佛罗里达度假，回纽约的时候会给孩子们带几条小鳄鱼。后来短吻鳄越长越大，不像小时候那么可爱了。大人们只好把它们扔进抽水马桶里冲掉。但是其中一些短吻鳄活了下来，所以现在有一些成年短吻鳄在纽约曼哈顿街区下面游荡。

这也是一个神话，因为它描绘了一个城市或地区的地理状况，提醒人们注意某些潜在的危险。在希腊神话中，奥德修斯在意大利和西西里岛之间狭窄而危险的海峡里航行，前有女海妖斯库拉，后有海妖卡律布狄斯。短吻鳄的故事也同样是要提醒纽约人，坐地铁的时候要注意安全。

都市神话也可以是道德故事或是“警示”故事。这其中最有名的是，一个男子坐在旅馆的酒吧间喝酒，有一个人请他喝了一杯。等他醒来的时候，发现自己躺在房间的浴缸里，身子被埋在冰块下面。墙上贴了一张纸条告诉他不要乱动，立刻打911。接线员遇到过很多这样的情况，让他去摸一下后背下部，动作一定要缓慢。如果脊部插着一根管子，那就说明他的肾被人摘走了，卖掉供人移植了。 这个故事的寓意是：如果有人请你喝酒，你一定要提高警惕。

同样，传统神话也告诉人们在各自的社会中应该如何恰当地为人处事。在神话中，神之所以如此行事，是要为人类树立一个好榜样。神话中人的行为高尚且勇敢。有时候神话中的人类英雄在历史上可能确有其人，可能正因为他们的高尚行为而变成了神。

近年来， 越来越多的都市神话不是通过口口相传，而是通过电子邮件的形式广为流传的，这些邮件通常是告诉大家要小心某一种病毒，它会删除你硬盘里的文件。通常只要看到那种“如果不把这封信转发给别人，就会有灾难性的后果”的警告，而且用了很多大写字母和惊叹号，你就知道这是一个都市神话。还有很多网络传言，它们对一些微不足道的小细节添油加醋，或者是捕风捉影，在流传过程中加入了越来越多的虚据，以证明它们的真实性。

但这是神话吗？不是，不是传统意义上的神话。事实上，有一个更为准确的词“”，就是一些看上去是真的，而最终发现是假的，并且是用来故意误导人的东西。真正的神话其动机总是善意的。

都市神话具有所有神话所共有的一些特征：它们通常记录了一些事件，人们相信它们的真实性，它们以口头形式代代相传，并且被逐渐夸大，它们通常包含一个道德寓意，或是警示某种特定情形或情况下可能存在的危险，它们告诉人们应该做什么、怎么做。从形式上看，对于21世纪的听众来说，它们和希腊、罗马、凯尔特、维京、美索不达米亚以及中国的神话一样真实可信。

但不同的是，真正的神话里总是有神或者接近神的英雄人物，有的神话讲述了创造世界和世界上的一些自然现象，如雷电、圣山之类的。

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与之相反，都市神话更为世俗化。伦敦的地下人和神灵没有半点关系，那个搭车客和司机也不是什么英雄，纽约的短吻鳄不代表什么自然现象，那个倒霉的商人的故事虽然是警示性的，但也绝对说不上是为英雄行为树立了榜样。

总之，都市神话根本就不是神话，它是一种传奇，讲述一些新近发生的事情，故事是依据历史事件和人类英雄，或者仙女、女巫及其他的虚构人物来编排的。都市神话中的神话这个词我们只能从它的次要意项去理解：一些并非真实的东西。

Active reading (2)

厄科和那喀索斯

厄科是一位美丽的仙女，她喜欢流连于森林和山峦之中，在那儿尽情地游戏。她最得狄安娜的宠爱，在追猎时一直侍奉其左右。但是厄科有一个缺点，她喜欢说个不停，不管是闲聊还是争论，她总要说最后一个字（得由她说了算）才肯罢休。有一天，朱诺正四处寻找她的丈夫，怕他又在仙女中寻花问柳，她的担忧并非没有道理。厄科上去和朱诺搭话，设法拖住这位女神，让仙女们得以脱身。后来朱诺得知了事情的，她对厄科施加了惩罚，她说：“你用你的舌头欺骗了我，以后你再也不能用它说话了，除了一种情况——回答——这也是你最喜欢的。你可以说出最后一个字，但是你永远没有办法先开口。”

这位仙子看见了那喀索斯，一位英俊的青年，当时他正在山上打猎。厄科深深地爱上了他，并一直跟着他。哦，她多么渴望用最温柔的话语对他倾诉衷肠，让他和自己交谈。但是她没有这个能力。她急不可耐地等着他先开口，并且想好了该如何回答。有一天，这位青年和他的伙伴们走散了，他高声呼喊：“是谁在这里？”“这里，”厄科回答说。那喀索斯环顾四周，没见到半个人影。于是又喊 道：“出来吧。”厄科回答：“出来吧。”看没人出来，那喀索斯又大声喊：“你为什么躲着我？”厄科也问了同样的问题。“让我们见个面吧，”青年说。厄科全心全意地用相同的话回答，然后飞速奔向那喀索斯，准备紧紧地搂住他的脖子。他惊得连忙后退，大叫：“放手！我宁死也不想让你抱我。”“抱我，”她说，但是没有用。那喀索斯走了，而厄科羞愧难当，跑进树林深处躲了起来。从那时起，她就生活在洞穴里和山崖间。因为悲伤她日渐消瘦，到最后所有的血肉都萎缩了。她的骨头变成了岩石，整个人只剩下了声音。任何人叫她，她都回答，而且就和以前一样，只说最后那句话。

那喀索斯不是只对厄科一个人无情。他像躲着厄科一样，对所有的仙女避之不及。有一天，一位少女竭力想吸引他，但没有成功，一气之下，她祈祷说：总有一天那喀索斯会尝到付出了爱却得不到回应的滋味。复仇女神听到了这个祷告，应允了她的祈求。

林中有一口清泉，泉水清亮如银，牧羊人从来不把羊群赶到这里，山羊从不在此驻足，林中的百兽也不在这儿逗留，泉水上没有落叶残枝，但水边芳草萋萋，还有岩石替它遮蔽烈日。有一天，那喀索斯打猎之后筋疲力尽，汗流浃背，口干舌燥，于是他来到泉边。正当他俯身饮泉水时，他看见了水中自己的倒影，却以为那是一个住在水中的美丽水精灵。他满怀爱意地注视着水中那双明亮的眼眸，那像巴克斯和阿波罗一样卷曲的秀发，圆润的面颊，象牙般的雪白脖颈，微启的双唇，还有全身散发出的健康与活力。他爱上了自己，俯身去吻水中的影子；他把双手伸入水中去拥抱这个心爱之物。那影子一碰就立刻消失得无影无踪，但过一会又出现了，再一次让他心驰神迷。他不舍得离开，茶饭不思，徘徊在泉边凝视着自己的倒影。他对着那所谓的水精灵说：“为什么，美丽的精灵，你要避开我？你不会讨厌我的容貌，仙女们都喜欢我，而你注视我的眼神也并非冷漠无情。我伸出双臂，你也伸出双臂；我向你微笑招手，你也向我微笑招手。”他的泪水落入泉水中，打散了水中的影子。看到

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水精灵离他而去，他呼喊道：“留下来吧！我求你了，如果我不能触摸你的话，至少让我注视着你。”他还说了好多类似的甜言蜜语，如痴如醉，情深意浓。渐渐地，他那曾经让厄科心醉神迷的气色、活力以及美貌都逝去了。厄科一直陪伴在他的身边，当他呼喊：“天哪！天哪！”的时候，她也以同样的话语回应。他日渐憔悴，最终死去了；当他的幽灵经过冥河时，他斜倚着探出身子，要再看一眼水中自己的影子。仙女们为他伤心垂泪，尤其是水中的那些仙女；她们捶胸，厄科也捶胸。她们为他准备了火葬的柴堆，准备火化他的遗体，但是哪里也找不着他的尸体；在他的遗体躺过的地方，仙女找到了一枝花，紫色的花朵外面裹着白色的叶子。这种花就叫那喀索斯，它让人们永远记住了那喀 索斯。

Reading across cultures

乌鸦带来日光：来自遥远北方的传说

在很久以前的史前时代，伊努伊特人生活在黑暗笼罩的北方，远离其他人类。他们从来没有见过白昼的亮光。 但是有一天，乌鸦飞到了他们居住的地方。它从南方飞来，告诉他们那儿有日光。一开始人们并不相信它的话。但是人们都被它所讲述的光的故事迷住了。他们开始想，如果有光的话，那生活就大不一样了。他们可以打到更多的猎物，在北极熊发动袭击之前就看见它们。所以他们请乌鸦飞到南方，把光带回来给他们。

一开始，乌鸦悲叹说自己年事已高，飞不动了。但最后它还是答应了这个请求，踏上南飞的漫漫旅途。飞了很长一段路后，乌鸦看到地平线上有一丝苍白的亮光。飞着飞着，突然整个世界一片光明，乌鸦落到一棵树上休息。它的身下是一个冰雪覆盖的村庄。它看到一个年轻女子，拎着一个四周发光的盒子，那个女子从盒子里拿出一个光球，光球拴在一根线上，她拿着光球让她弟弟玩。乌鸦决定采取行动。它猛扑下去，一口叼住那根线，接着又飞向高空。 它拍着翅膀向北飞去，那个光球一直拖在它的身后。

在他们的冰雪家园里，伊努伊特人看到一丝微弱的亮光正逐渐靠近。慢慢地，它变得越来越大，他们看到乌鸦在前面拖着它。乌鸦把光球扔了下来，它落到地上就碎了，发出万丈光芒，光点亮了黑暗，驱走了阴暗，所有的人都高兴得说不出话来。山峦披上了美丽的色彩，冰雪开始闪闪发亮。

人们喜出望外，感谢乌鸦为他们所做的一切。但是乌鸦告诉他们，这光亮不会永远都留在这儿，六个月之后它会消失，再过六个月又会回来。可伊努伊特人并不在意，他们说：“我们一辈子都生活在黑暗中，现在我们一年中有一半的时间能看到光明。半年的光明总比一年的黑暗要好。”所以直到今日，他们一直对乌鸦非常友好。

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Further teacher development

Greek and Roman mythology

The unit introduces some classical myths. These stories are widely known and continue to influence computer games and fantasy comics keeping them alive for young people. They also have an impact on English vocabulary. Here are some words derived from mythology.Classical myth

Details

Usages

Achilles was a Greek hero at the siege of Troy. When he was a baby his mother was allowed

1 Achilles

to dip him in the river Styx to take away his

The Achilles tendon is at the back of the

mortality. As she had to hold him by his heel he

ankle. Your Achilles’ heel is your weak

could only be hurt there, and was finally killed point, where you can be destroyed.

by an arrow wound in the heel.

A Spanish explorer thought he had found

The Amazons were a tribe of women warriors. the tribe and named the river nearby the 2 Amazon

They occasionally captured men for breeding Amazon. The e-retailer was named after the and then killed them. river. The word amazonian means tough

and is used of women. Apollo missions to the moon

3 Apollo

Apollo is the sun god and lord of art.

The word Apollonian means very disting-uished and magnificent, civilized.

4 Argus

Argus is a giant with a hundred eyes. His eyes The word argus-eyed means not to miss were later transferred to the peacock’s tail.anything happening.Atlas mountains are in North Africa. Atlas

5 Atlas

A titan who held up the earth on his shoulders.

refers to a book of maps as a picture of Atlas was often placed at the beginning.

Augeas is a king who owned a huge stable which

he did not clean for many years so it was full of

The expression to clean the Augean stables

6 Augeas

animal dung. Hercules as one of his labours had

or an Augean task means to clean up

to clean it which he did by means of diverting a

something very dirty, or sometimes used

river through it.

when talking about cleaning up corruption.

7 Ceres

Ceres is the Roman goddess of agriculture.

Cereal is a breakfast food made from grain and usually eaten with milk.

Cornucopia is a magic horn from which food

8 cornucopia

and drink continually pour. It is a symbol of

A cornucopia refers to a ready supply or

prosperity.

richness.

9 Cupid

Cupid is a Roman god of love with a bow and It is used when talking of love. Cupid lips arrow.are curvy and sexy.

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Unit 10 Tales ancient and modern

(continued)Classical myth

Details

Usages

10 Delphi

The Delphic oracle is a temple in the town of Delphi in Greece where, in ancient times, a priestess gave answers from the god Apollo to questions people asked him. The oracle’s

The word Delphic means obscure and

answers were often hard to interpret. One king,

mysterious.

for example, asked if he should attack another kingdom. The oracle replied if he did so a great kingdom would be destroyed. He thought this was positive but it turned out to be his own.Echo is a nymph whose story is told in this unit.

The word echo refers to the repeat of final sounds.

11 Echo

12 Europa

From an Asian perspective, the land of

Europa is a princess carried off from Asia by

Europa was Crete, then Greece and finally

Jupiter and placed on Crete.

all beyond it – the modern Europe.

The word was popularized by a book putting forward the idea that the earth should be seen as one complete eco-system – The Gaia Hypothesis, Lovelock, 1969.

13 GaiaGaia is the goddess of earth.

14 Hercules

The word herculean means needing a great

Hercules is the super-strong son of Jupiter. As a

deal of strength. Reforming the world’s

punishment he had to perform 12 Labours.

financial system will be a herculean task.Hermes is the Greek messenger god who is The name has become a French luxury connected with secret knowledge. In Roman brand name. The word hermetic means mythology his name is Mercury. mysterious and also airtight. Hydra refers to a small water living Hydra is a many-headed monster killed by

organism, so called from its appearance

Hercules as one of his labours.

with many tentacles.Iris is the goddess of the rainbow.

The word iridescent means shining like a rainbow.

15 Hermes

16 Hydra

17 Iris18 Janus19 Juno

Janus is the two-headed Roman god of doors

Janus-faced means tow-faced.

and entries.

Juno is the Roman queen of the gods.

June is named after Juno.Jupiter is the largest planet.

Mars is the small red planet. Martians are creatures from Mars.

Medusa refers to a microscopic creature, and also a large jelly-fish.

20 J upiter (also

Jupiter is the Roman king of heaven.

Jove)21 Mars22 Medusa

Mars is the Roman god of war.

Medusa is a monster with snakes for hair.

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Tales ancient and modern Unit 10

(continued)Classical mythDetails

Usages

23 Mentor

Mentor is a wise friend of Odysseus and the A mentor is a teacher rich in guidance. It tutor to his son.can also be used as a verb.

Mercury is a planet and also a kind of metal

which is liquid at ordinary temperatures, 24 MercuryMercury is a Roman messenger god.

and is used in thermometers. When it refers to human characters, it means changing mood easily.

Midas is an ancient king who asked that

everything he touched turn to gold. He was

The midas touch refers to the ability to

25 Midas

tired of the power when he could not eat and his

make money easily, a characteristic of a

family was turned into the precious metal. very successful entrepreneur.

The idiom to fall into the arms of Morpheus 26 Morpheus

Morpheus is the god of sleep.

means to go to sleep. Morpheus is a character in the film The Matrix.

27 The MusesThe Muses are nine daughters of Apollo who The word muse is related to music and rule the arts.museum.28 NeptuneNeptune is the Roman god of the sea.

Neptune is a blue-green planet.

29 Nike

Nike is the Greek goddess of victory. There is a

famous statue of Nike in the Louvre.

Now it is used as a trade name.

Oedipus was abandoned as a baby and he never Freud felt all sons unconsciously desire to knew his parents. He killed a king on a journey kill their fathers and marry their mothers, 30 Oedipus

and later after saving a city from a monster so he called this the Oedipus Complex.

married its queen. Without knowing it he had There is also a much less well-known killed his father and married his mother.Electra Complex for daughters.31 OlympusOlympus is the mountain on which the gods live.The word Olympian means detached from

ordinary life.

32 Pan

Pan is the Greek Forest god.

His presence in lonely places causes panic.

Phoenix is a bird which lives a thousand years

and then builds a nest and burns itself to death

A phoenix from the ashes refers to anything

33 Phoenix

on it. An egg is the result and another phoenix is

which is unexpectedly reborn or starts

born.

again.

34 PlutoPluto is the God of the Underworld.Pluto refers to the dark ninth planet. Pluto-nium is the deadly radioactive element.35 PoseidonPoseidon is the Greek god of the sea.

One of US submarine nuclear missiles is called Poseidon.

36 Proteus

Proteus is the sea god who could change shape The word protean means able to change as he wanted.quickly, and adaptable.

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Unit 10 Tales ancient and modern

(continued)Classical myth

Details

Usages

Saturn is a planet. We also have Saturday. When it comes to human character, we have the word saturnine which means gloomy and very serious.

37 SaturnSaturn is an elder god.

38 The Sirens

The Sirens are three bird-bodied monsters who A siren is a woman who leads men to their sang sweetly to draw sailors to their deaths on ruin. The sound has also become a word for rocks.warning whistles on police cars etc.After murdering and cooking his son, Tantalus

was punished by standing in a pool of water To tantalize means to tease and torment with grapes growing just above his head. If he with promises of delight which are never reaches up to eat the grapes move higher; if he realized.bends to drink the water falls lower.Titans are giants who ruled before the gods.

A ship is called Titanic. The word titanic means enormous. Titanium is a metal.

39 Tantalus

40 Titans

41 The Trojan

Horse

The Trojan Horse is a trick used to enter Troy.

The Greeks left it on the beach and pretended to A Trojan horse means any cunning way sail away from Troy. The Trojans took it into the to enter and destroy something secretly, city as a sign of their victory, but the horse was recently used of a type of computer threat full of Greek soldiers who at night opened the or malware.gates of the city and let the Greek army in.Uranus is an elder god.

Venus is the Roman goddess of love.

Uranus is a planet. Uranium is the radioactive metal.

Venus is a planet.

42 Uranus43 Venus44 Vulcan

Volcano is the god’s workshops. Vulcanology

Vulcan is a Roman blacksmith or metal-working

is the study of volcanoes. Mr Spock in Star

god.

Trek is a fictional Vulcan.

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Tales ancient and modern Unit 10

Photocopiable worksheet: Greek and Roman mythology

Memories of the ancient classical myths of Greece and Rome survive even today in modern English. See if you can match these words with the descriptions in the boxes. 1 Cupid 2 Europa 3 Hercules 4 Janus 5 Mars 6 Mercury 7 Morpheus 8 Odyssey 9 Oedipus10

Trojan Horse

(a) He was the god of war. He loved Venus, the goddess of love, although she was already married. Of course,

he was a fierce god who enjoyed blood-shed and the colour red. One of the planets is named after him. In science fiction stories creatures from it often invade earth. The Romans being a warlike people had great respect for this god and there is also a month named in his honour. He is .(b) He was a hero, half-god and half-human. He was incredibly strong. He proved his strength when he had to perform 12 Labours. These included killing huge monsters, cleaning out the world’s dirtiest stable, holding up the Earth while Atlas, who usually does it, helped him get some golden apples and even stealing one of the dogs of hell. He was killed with poison but taken to live with the gods on Olympus. Many super heroes are based on him. He is .(c) She was a beautiful princess. A great god fell in love with her, changed into a great white bull and carried her off from her home in modern Lebanon to an island in the Mediterranean Sea. She became its queen and the island was called her land. Later this description also included the rest of Greece. Finally even the lands to the north and west took her name. She is . (d) This is the name of a long poem which describes the long and dangerous journey home from the Trojan War of a Greek with a similar name. He was king of only a small island, but he was the cleverest of all the Greeks and it was as a result of his idea that the Greeks finally won their war against Troy. The sea god hated him and gave him a difficult time. He had to deal with one-eyed giants, magicians and monsters before he got home and rescued his wife Penelope. The name of the poem is now a word for any adventurous life story. It is .

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Unit 10 Tales ancient and modern

(e) He is the son of Venus, a cute little baby boy with wings, but if he shoots one of his arrows into your heart,

you are lost, completely in love with someone. He might look sweet, but he is one of the cruellest of the gods and will give you no rest if you fall into his power. Curvy lips that look right for kissing are named after him and in a pop song the singer begs Stupid , please stop picking on me. He is .(f) He had a strange life. He grew up far from home and never knew his parents, who thought he was dead. When he was old enough he went out looking for adventure. He fought and killed a proud king whom he met. Later he came to a city being attacked by the Sphinx, a half-lion, half-woman monster. He killed the Sphinx and as a reward married the Queen and became ruler of the city. They lived happily and had children until one day he discovered the king he had killed was his father, and his wife was also his mother. In horror, he blinded himself. The father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, thought all sons have a desire to kill their fathers and marry their mothers. He called this the Complex, after this unlucky man. (g) He was the god of sleep. He ruled over the land of dreams where he took those who were in his power. A famous drug made from poppies is named after him as it causes us to dream and feel very sleepy. He is

. (h) This was how the Greeks finally got into the city of Troy. Men hid in it and came out at night. Now we use

this as a term for any situation when we allow something into our defences because we do not know it is dangerous and it then does us great harm. Recently it has been used to describe some dangerous computer malware which seems helpful but actually gives control of your computer to hackers. The term is .(i) He was the god of doors and beginnings. He had two faces like a door which looks in and out. His statue stood on the borders of places to show where they began and ended. A suitable month is named after him. He is .(j) He was the messenger of the gods. He moved at great speed so the fastest of the planets is named after him, as well as a strange metal which easily moves. Newspapers are named after him because he is associated with news. His name has been used for many companies including a computer one. He is . 354

Tales ancient and modern Unit 10

Greek and Roman mythology

Photocopiable worksheet: (Answer sheet)

Memories of the ancient classical myths of Greece and Rome survive even today in modern English. See if you can match these words with the descriptions in the boxes. 1 Cupid 2 Europa 3 Hercules 4 Janus 5 Mars 6 Mercury 7 Morpheus 8 Odyssey 9 Oedipus10

Trojan Horse

(a) He was the god of war. He loved Venus, the goddess of love, although she was already married. Of course,

he was a fierce god who enjoyed blood-shed and the colour red. One of the planets is named after him. In science fiction stories creatures from it often invade earth. The Romans being a warlike people had great respect for this god and there is also a month named in his honour. He is Mars.(b) He was a hero, half-god and half-human. He was incredibly strong. He proved his strength when he had to

perform 12 Labours. These included killing huge monsters, cleaning out the world’s dirtiest stable, holding up the Earth while Atlas, who usually does it, helped him get some golden apples and even stealing one of the dogs of hell. He was killed with poison but taken to live with the gods on Olympus. Many super heroes are based on him. He is Hercules.(c) She was a beautiful princess. A great god fell in love with her, changed into a great white bull and carried

her off from her home in modern Lebanon to an island in the Mediterranean Sea. She became its queen and the island was called her land. Later this description also included the rest of Greece. Finally even the lands to the north and west took her name. She is Europa. (d) This is the name of a long poem which describes the long and dangerous journey home from the Trojan

War of a Greek with a similar name. He was king of only a small island, but he was the cleverest of all the Greeks and it was as a result of his idea that the Greeks finally won their war against Troy. The sea god hated him and gave him a difficult time. He had to deal with one-eyed giants, magicians and monsters before he got home and rescued his wife Penelope. The name of the poem is now a word for any adventurous life story. It is Odyssey. 355

Unit 10 Tales ancient and modern

(e) He is the son of Venus, a cute little baby boy with wings, but if he shoots one of his arrows into your heart,

you are lost, completely in love with someone. He might look sweet, but he is one of the cruellest of the gods and will give you no rest if you fall into his power. Curvy lips that look right for kissing are named after him and in a pop song the singer begs Stupid Cupid, please stop picking on me. He is Cupid.(f) He had a strange life. He grew up far from home and never knew his parents, who thought he was dead.

When he was old enough he went out looking for adventure. He fought and killed a proud king whom he met. Later he came to a city being attacked by the Sphinx, a half-lion, half-woman monster. He killed the Sphinx and as a reward married the Queen and became ruler of the city. They lived happily and had children until one day he discovered the king he had killed was his father, and his wife was also his mother. In horror, he blinded himself. The father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, thought all sons have a desire to kill their fathers and marry their mothers. He called this the Oedipus Complex, after this unlucky man. (g) He was the god of sleep. He ruled over the land of dreams where he took those who were in his power. A

famous drug made from poppies is named after him as it causes us to dream and feel very sleepy. He is Morpheus. (h) This was how the Greeks finally got into the city of Troy. Men hid in it and came out at night. Now we use

this as a term for any situation when we allow something into our defences because we do not know it is dangerous and it then does us great harm. Recently it has been used to describe some dangerous computer malware which seems helpful but actually gives control of your computer to hackers. The term is Trojan Horse.(i) He was the god of doors and beginnings. He had two faces like a door which looks in and out. His statue

stood on the borders of places to show where they began and ended. A suitable month is named after him. He is Janus.(j) He was the messenger of the gods. He moved at great speed so the fastest of the planets is named after him,

as well as a strange metal which easily moves. Newspapers are named after him because he is associated with news. His name has been used for many companies including a computer one. He is Mercury. 356