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CHAPTER VII—THE NEED OF KNOWING
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 When Stephen announced her intention of going with her father to the Petty Sessions Court, there was consternation1 amongst the female population of Normanstand and Norwood.  Such a thing had not been heard of in the experiences of any of them.  Courts of Justice were places for men; and the lower courts dealt with a class of cases . . . It was quite impossible to imagine where any young lady could get such an idea . . .
 
Miss Laetitia Rowly recognised that she had a difficult task before her, for she was by now accustomed to Stephen’s quiet method of having her own way.
 
She made a careful toilet before driving over to Normanstand.  Her wearing her best bonnet2 was a circumstance not unattended with dread3 for some one.  Behold her then, sailing into the great drawing-room at Normanstand with her mind so firmly fixed4 on the task before her as to be oblivious5 of minor6 considerations.  She was so fond of Stephen, and admired so truly her many beauties and fine qualities, that she was secure and without flaw in her purpose.  Stephen was in danger, and though she doubted if she would be able to effect any change, she was determined7 that at least she should not go into danger with her eyes unopened.
 
Stephen entered hastily and ran to her.  She loved her great-aunt; really and truly loved her.  And indeed it would have been strange if she had not, for from the earliest hour which she could recollect8 she had received from her nothing but the truest, fondest affection.  Moreover she deeply respected the old lady, her truth, her resolution, her kindliness9, her genuine common-sense ability.  Stephen always felt safe with her aunt.  In the presence of others she might now and again have a qualm or a doubt; but not with her.  There was an abiding10 calm in her love, answering love realised and respected.  Her long and intimate knowledge of Laetitia made her aware of her moods.  She could read the signs of them.  She knew well the meaning of the bonnet which actually seemed to quiver as though it had a sentience11 of its own.  She knew well the cause of her aunt’s perturbation; the pain which must be caused to her was perhaps the point of most resistance in herself—she having made up her mind to her new experience.  All she could do would be to try to reconcile her by the assurance of good intention; by reason, and by sweetness of manner.  When she had kissed her and sat beside her, holding her hand after her pretty way, she, seeing the elder woman somewhat at a loss, opened the subject herself:
 
‘You look troubled, auntie!  I hope it is nothing serious?’
 
‘It is, my dear!  Very serious!  Everything is serious to me which touches you.’
 
‘Me, Auntie!’  Hypocrisy is a fine art.
 
‘Yes! yes, Stephen.  Oh! my dear child, what is this I hear about your going to Petty Sessions with your father?’
 
‘Oh, that!  Why, Auntie dear, you must not let that trouble you.  It is all right.  That is necessary!’
 
‘Necessary!’ the old lady’s figure grew rigid12 and her voice was loud and high.  ‘Necessary for a young lady to go to a court house.  To hear low people speaking of low crimes.  To listen to cases of the most shocking kind; cases of low immorality13; cases of a kind, of a nature of a—a—class that you are not supposed to know anything about.  Really, Stephen! . . . ’  She was drawing away her hand in indignation.  But Stephen held it tight, as she said very sweetly:
 
‘That is just it, Auntie.  I am so ignorant that I feel I should know more of the lives of those very people!’  Miss Laetitia interrupted:
 
‘Ignorant!  Of course you are ignorant.  That is what you ought to be.  Isn’t it what we have all been devoting ourselves to effect ever since you were born?  Read your third chapter of Genesis and remember what came of eating of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge.’
 
‘I think the Tree of Knowledge must have been an orange tree.’  The old lady looked up, her interest aroused:
 
‘Why?’
 
‘Because ever since Eden other brides have worn its blossom!’  Her tone was demure14.  Miss Rowly looked sharply at her, but her sharpness softened15 off into a smile.
 
‘H’m!’ she said, and was silent.  Stephen seized the opportunity to put her own case:
 
‘Auntie dear, you must forgive me!  You really must, for my heart is set on this.  I assure you I am not doing it merely to please myself.  I have thought over the whole matter.  Father has always wished me to be in a position—a position of knowledge and experience—to manage Normanstand if I should ever succeed him.  From the earliest time I can remember he has always kept this before me, and though of course I did not at first understand what it meant, I have seemed in the last few years to know better.  Accordingly I learned all sorts of things under his care, and sometimes even without his help.  I have studied the estate map, and I have been over the estate books and read some of the leases and all such matters which they deal with in the estate office.  This only told me the bones of the thing.  I wanted to know more of our people; and so I made a point of going now and again to each house that we own.  Of seeing the people and talking with them familiarly; as familiarly as they would let me, and indeed so far as was possible considering my position.  For, Auntie dear, I soon began to learn—to learn in a way there was no mistaking—what my position is.  And so I want to get to know more of their ordinary lives; the darker as well as the lighter16 side.  I would like to do them good.  I can see how my dear daddy has always been a sort of power to help them, and I would like to carry on his work; to carry it further if I may.  But I must know.’
 
Her aunt had been listening with growing interest, and with growing respect too, for she realised the intense earnestness which lay behind the girl’s words and her immediate17 purpose.  Her voice and manner were both softened:
 
‘But, my dear, surely it is not necessary to go into the Court to know these things.  The results of each case become known.’
 
‘That is just it, Auntie,’ she answered quickly.  ‘The magistrates18 have to hear the two sides of the case before even they can make up their minds.  I want to hear both sides, too!  If people are guilty, I want to know the cause of their guilt19.  If they are innocent, I want to know what the circumstances can be which make innocence20 look like guilt.  In my own daily life I may be in the way of just such judgments21; and surely it is only right that judgment22 should be just!’
 
Again she paused; there rose before her mind that conversation in the churchyard when Harold had said that it was difficult for women to be just.
 
Miss Rowly reflected too.  She was becoming convinced that in principle the girl was right.  But the details were repugnant as ever to her; concentrating her mind on the point where she felt the ground firm under her, she made her objection:
 
‘But, Stephen dear, there are so many cases that are sordid23 and painful!’
 
‘The more need to know of sordid things; if sordidness24 plays so important a part in the tragedy of their lives!’
 
‘But there are cases which are not within a woman’s province.  Cases that touch sin . . . ’
 
‘What kind of sin do you mean?  Surely all wrong-doing is sin!’  The old lady was embarrassed.  Not by the fact, for she had been for too many years the mistress of a great household not to know something of the subject on which she spoke25, but that she had to speak of such a matter to the young girl whom she so loved.
 
‘The sin, my dear, of . . . of woman’s wrong-doing . . . as woman . . . of motherhood, without marriage!’  All Stephen’s nature seemed to rise in revolt.
 
‘Why, Auntie,’ she spoke out at once, ‘you yourself show the want of the very experience I look for!’
 
‘How? what?’ asked the old lady amazed and bristling26.  Stephen took her hand and held it affectionately as she spoke:
 
‘You speak of a woman’s wrong-doing, when surely it is a man’s as well.  There does not seem to be blame for him who is the more guilty.  Only for poor women! . . . And, Auntie dear, it is such poor women that I should like to help . . . Not when it is too late, but before!  But how can I help unless I know?  Good girls cannot tell me, and good women won’t!  You yourself, Auntie, didn’t want to speak on the subject; even to me!’
 
‘But, my dear child, these are not things for unmarried women.  I never speak of them myself except with matrons.’  Stephen’s answer flashed out like a sword; and cut like one:
 
‘And yet you are unmarried!  Oh, Auntie dear, I did not and I do not mean to be offensive, or to hurt you in any way.  I know, dear, your goodness and your kindness to all.  But you limit yourself to one side!’  The elder lady interrupted:
 
‘How do you mean? one side! which side?’
 
‘The punishment side.  I want to know the cause of that which brings the punishment.  There surely is some cross road in a girl’s life where the ways part.  I want to stand there if I can, with warning in one hand and help in the other.  Oh! Auntie, Auntie, can’t you see that my heart is in this . . . These are our people; Daddy says they are to be my people; and I want to know their lives right through; to understand their wants, and their temptations, and their weakness.  Bad and good, whatever it be, I must know it all; or I shall be working in the dark, and may injure or crush where I had looked to help and raise.’
 
As she spoke she looked glorified27.  The afternoon autumn sun shone full through the great window and lighted her up till she looked like a spirit.  Lighted her white diaphanous28 dress till it seemed to take shape as an ethereal robe; lighted her red hair till it looked like a celestial29 crown; lighted her great dark eyes till their black beauty became swept in the tide of glory.
 
The heart of the old woman who loved her best heaved, and her bosom30 swelled31 with pride.  Instinctively she spoke:
 
‘Oh, you noble, beautiful creature!  Of course you are right, and your way is God’s way!’  With tears that rained down her furrowed32 cheeks, she put her arms round the girl and kissed her fondly.  Still holding her in her arms she gave her the gentle counsel which was the aftermath of her moment of inspiration.
 
‘But Stephen dear, do be careful!  Knowledge is a two-edged sword, and it is apt to side with pride.  Remember what was the last temptation of the serpent to Eve: “Your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”’
 
‘I shall be very careful,’ she said gravely; and then added as if by an afterthought, ‘of course you understand that my motive33 is the acquisition of knowledge?’
 
‘Yes?’ the answer was given interrogatively.
 
‘Don’t you think, dear, that Eve’s object was not so much the acquisition of knowledge as the gratification of curiosity.’
 
‘That may be,’ said the elder lady in a doubtful tone; ‘but my dear, who is to enlighten us as to which is which?  We are apt in such matters to deceive ourselves.  The more we know, the better are we able to deceive others; and the better we are able to deceive others the better we are able to deceive ourselves.  As I tell you, dear, knowledge is two-edged and needs extra carefulness in its use!’
 
‘True!’ said Stephen reflectively.  Long after her aunt had gone she sat thinking.
 
* * * * *
 
Once again did Miss Rowly try to restrain Stephen from a project.  This was when a little later she wished to go for a few days to the University Mission House in the East end of London.  Ever since her visit to Oxford34 she had kept up a correspondence with her mother’s old friend.  It was this lady’s habit to spend a part of vacation in the Mission; and Stephen had had much correspondence with her regarding the work.  At last she wrote that if she might, she would like to come and see for herself.  The answer was a cordial invitation, armed with which she asked her father to allow her to go.  He at once assented35.  He had been watching keenly the development of her character, and had seen with pride and satisfaction that as time went on she seemed to acquire greater resolution, larger self-dependence.  She was becoming more and more of his ideal.  Without losing any of her womanhood, she was beginning to look at things more from a man’s point of view than is usually done by, or possible to, women.
 
When she returned at the end of a week she was full of new gravity.  After a while this so far changed that her old lighter moods began to have their place, but it seemed that she never lost, and that she never would lose, the effect of that week of bitter experience amongst the ‘submerged tenth.’
 
The effect of the mental working was shown by a remark made by Harold when home on his next college vacation.  He had been entering with her on a discussion of an episode on the estate:
 
‘Stephen, you are learning to be just!’
 
At the moment she was chagrined36 by the remark, though she accepted it in silence; but later, when she had thought the matter over, she took from it infinite pleasure.  This was indeed to share man’s ideas and to think with the workings of man’s mind.  It encouraged her to further and larger ideas, and to a greater toleration than she had hitherto dreamed of.
 
Of all those who loved her, none seemed to understand so fully37 as Laetitia Rowly the change in her mental attitude, or rather the development of it.  Now and again she tried to deflect38 or modify certain coming forces, so that the educational process in which she had always had a part would continue in the right direction.  But she generally found that the girl had been over the ground so thoroughly39 that she was able to defend her position.  Once, when she had ventured to remonstrate40 with her regarding her attitude of woman’s equality with man, she felt as if Stephen’s barque was indeed entering on dangerous seas.  The occasion had arisen thus: Stephen had been what her aunt had stigmatised as ‘laying down the law’ with regard to the position a married woman, and Miss Rowly, seeing a good argumentative opening, remarked:
 
‘But what if a woman does not get the opportunity of being married?’  Stephen looked at her a moment before saying with conviction:
 
‘It is a woman’s fault if she does not get the opportunity!’  The old lady smiled as she answered:
 
‘Her fault?  My dear, what if no man asks her?’  This seemed to her own mind a poser.
 
‘Still her own fault!  Why doesn’t she ask him?’  Her aunt’s lorgnon was dropped in horrified41 amazement42.
 
Stephen went on impassively.
 
‘Certainly!  Why shouldn’t she?  Marriage is a union.  As it is in the eye of the law a civil contract, either party to it should be at liberty to originate the matter.  If a woman is not free to think of a man in all ways, how is she to judge of the suitability of their union?  And if she is free in theory, why not free to undertake if necessary the initiative in a matter so momentous43 to herself?’  The old lady actually groaned44 and wrung45 her hands; she was horrified at such sentiments.  They were daring enough to think; but to put them in words! . . .
 
‘Oh, my dear, my dear!’ she moaned, ‘be careful what you say.  Some one might hear you who would not understand, as I do, that you are talking theory.’  Stephen’s habit of thought stood to her here.  She saw that her aunt was distressed46, and as she did not wish to pain her unduly47, was willing to divert the immediate channel of her fear.  She took the hand which lay in her lap and held it firmly whilst she smiled in the loving old eyes.
 
‘Of course, Auntie dear, it is theory.  But still it is a theory which I hold very strongly!’ . . . Here a thought struck her and she said suddenly:
 
‘Did you ever . . . How many proposals did you have, Auntie?’  The old lady smiled; her thoughts were already diverted.
 
‘Several, my dear!  It is so long ago that I don’t remember!’
 
‘Oh yes, you do, Auntie!  No woman ever forgets that, no matter what else she may or may not remember!  Tell me, won’t you?’  The old lady blushed slightly as she answered:
 
‘There is no need to specify48, my dear.  Let it be at this, that there were more than you could count on your right hand!’
 
‘And why did you refuse them?’  The tone was wheedling49, and the elder woman loved to hear it.  Wheedling is the courtship, by the young of the old.
 
‘Because, my dear, I didn’t love them.’
 
‘But tell me, Auntie, was there never any one that you did love?’
 
‘Ah! my dear, that is a different matter.  That is the real tragedy of a woman’s life.’  In flooding reminiscent thought she forgot her remonstrating50; her voice became full of natural pathos51:
 
‘To love; and be helpless!  To wait, and wait, and wait; with your heart all aflame!  To hope, and hope; till time seems to have passed away, and all the world to stand still on your hopeless misery52!  To know that a word might open up Heaven; and yet to have to remain mute!  To keep back the glances that could enlighten; to modulate53 the tones that might betray!  To see all you hoped for passing away . . . to another! . . . ’
 
Stephen bent54 over and kissed her, then standing55 up said:
 
‘I understand!  Isn’t it wrong, Auntie, that there should be such tragedies?  Should not that glance be given?  Why should that tone be checked?  Why should one be mute when a single word might, would, avert56 the tragedy?  Is it not possible, Auntie, that there is something wrong in our social system when such things can happen; and can happen so often?’
 
She looked remorseless as well as irresistible57 in the pride of her youthful strength as with eyes that blazed, not flashing as in passion but with a steady light that seemed to burn, she continued:
 
‘Some day women must learn their own strength, as well as they have learned their own weakness.  They are taught this latter from their cradles up; but no one ever seems to teach them wherein their power lies.  They have to learn this for themselves; and the process and the result of the self-teaching are not good.  In the University Settlement I learned much that made my heart ache; but out of it there seemed some lesson for good.’  She paused; and her aunt, wishing to keep the subject towards higher things, asked:
 
‘And that lesson, Stephen dear?’  The blazing eyes turned to her so that she was stirred by them as the answer came:
 
‘It is bad women who seem to know men best, and to be able to influence them most.  They can make men come and go at will.  They can turn and twist and mould them as they choose.  And they never hesitate to speak their own wishes; to ask for what they want.  There are no tragedies, of the negative kind, in their lives.  Their tragedies have come and gone already; and their power remains58.  Why should good women leave power to such as they?  Why should good women’s lives be wrecked59 for a convention?  Why in the blind following of some society fetish should life lose its charm, its possibilities?  Why should love eat its heart out, in vain?  The time will come when women will not be afraid to speak to men, as they should speak, as free and equal.  Surely if a woman is to be the equal and lifelong companion of a man, the closest to him—nay, the only one really close to him: the mother of his children—she should be free at the very outset to show her inclination60 to him just as he would to her.  Don’t be frightened, Auntie dear; your eyes are paining me! . . . There! perhaps I said too much.  But after all it is only theory.  Take for your comfort, Auntie dear, that I am free an heart-whole.  You need not fear for me; I can see what your dear eyes tell me.  Yes!  I am very young; perhaps too young to think such things.  But I have thought of them.  Thought them all over in every way and phase I can imagine.’
 
She stopped suddenly; bending over, she took the old lady in her arms and kissed her fondly several times, holding her tight.  Then, as suddenly releasing her, she ran away before she could say a word.
 

点击收听单词发音收听单词发音  

1 consternation 8OfzB     
n.大为吃惊,惊骇
参考例句:
  • He was filled with consternation to hear that his friend was so ill.他听说朋友病得那么厉害,感到非常震惊。
  • Sam stared at him in consternation.萨姆惊恐不安地注视着他。
2 bonnet AtSzQ     
n.无边女帽;童帽
参考例句:
  • The baby's bonnet keeps the sun out of her eyes.婴孩的帽子遮住阳光,使之不刺眼。
  • She wore a faded black bonnet garnished with faded artificial flowers.她戴着一顶褪了色的黑色无边帽,帽上缀着褪了色的假花。
3 dread Ekpz8     
vt.担忧,忧虑;惧怕,不敢;n.担忧,畏惧
参考例句:
  • We all dread to think what will happen if the company closes.我们都不敢去想一旦公司关门我们该怎么办。
  • Her heart was relieved of its blankest dread.她极度恐惧的心理消除了。
4 fixed JsKzzj     
adj.固定的,不变的,准备好的;(计算机)固定的
参考例句:
  • Have you two fixed on a date for the wedding yet?你们俩选定婚期了吗?
  • Once the aim is fixed,we should not change it arbitrarily.目标一旦确定,我们就不应该随意改变。
5 oblivious Y0Byc     
adj.易忘的,遗忘的,忘却的,健忘的
参考例句:
  • Mother has become quite oblivious after the illness.这次病后,妈妈变得特别健忘。
  • He was quite oblivious of the danger.他完全没有察觉到危险。
6 minor e7fzR     
adj.较小(少)的,较次要的;n.辅修学科;vi.辅修
参考例句:
  • The young actor was given a minor part in the new play.年轻的男演员在这出新戏里被分派担任一个小角色。
  • I gave him a minor share of my wealth.我把小部分财产给了他。
7 determined duszmP     
adj.坚定的;有决心的
参考例句:
  • I have determined on going to Tibet after graduation.我已决定毕业后去西藏。
  • He determined to view the rooms behind the office.他决定查看一下办公室后面的房间。
8 recollect eUOxl     
v.回忆,想起,记起,忆起,记得
参考例句:
  • He tried to recollect things and drown himself in them.他极力回想过去的事情而沉浸于回忆之中。
  • She could not recollect being there.她回想不起曾经到过那儿。
9 kindliness 2133e1da2ddf0309b4a22d6f5022476b     
n.厚道,亲切,友好的行为
参考例句:
  • Martha looked up into a strange face and dark eyes alight with kindliness and concern. 马撒慢慢抬起头,映入眼帘的是张陌生的脸,脸上有一双充满慈爱和关注的眼睛。 来自辞典例句
  • I think the chief thing that struck me about Burton was his kindliness. 我想,我对伯顿印象最深之处主要还是这个人的和善。 来自辞典例句
10 abiding uzMzxC     
adj.永久的,持久的,不变的
参考例句:
  • He had an abiding love of the English countryside.他永远热爱英国的乡村。
  • He has a genuine and abiding love of the craft.他对这门手艺有着真挚持久的热爱。
11 sentience 996526141849e30201dbfd5afaf277ed     
n.感觉性;感觉能力;知觉
参考例句:
  • Some people believe in the sentience of flowers. 有些人相信花有知觉能力。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》
  • That art embodies sentience. 艺术包容了所有感受。 来自互联网
12 rigid jDPyf     
adj.严格的,死板的;刚硬的,僵硬的
参考例句:
  • She became as rigid as adamant.她变得如顽石般的固执。
  • The examination was so rigid that nearly all aspirants were ruled out.考试很严,几乎所有的考生都被淘汰了。
13 immorality 877727a0158f319a192e0d1770817c46     
n. 不道德, 无道义
参考例句:
  • All the churchmen have preached against immorality. 所有牧师都讲道反对不道德的行为。
  • Where the European sees immorality and lawlessness, strict law rules in reality. 在欧洲人视为不道德和无规则的地方,事实上都盛行着一种严格的规则。 来自英汉非文学 - 家庭、私有制和国家的起源
14 demure 3mNzb     
adj.严肃的;端庄的
参考例句:
  • She's very demure and sweet.她非常娴静可爱。
  • The luscious Miss Wharton gave me a demure but knowing smile.性感迷人的沃顿小姐对我羞涩地会心一笑。
15 softened 19151c4e3297eb1618bed6a05d92b4fe     
(使)变软( soften的过去式和过去分词 ); 缓解打击; 缓和; 安慰
参考例句:
  • His smile softened slightly. 他的微笑稍柔和了些。
  • The ice cream softened and began to melt. 冰淇淋开始变软并开始融化。
16 lighter 5pPzPR     
n.打火机,点火器;驳船;v.用驳船运送;light的比较级
参考例句:
  • The portrait was touched up so as to make it lighter.这张画经过润色,色调明朗了一些。
  • The lighter works off the car battery.引燃器利用汽车蓄电池打火。
17 immediate aapxh     
adj.立即的;直接的,最接近的;紧靠的
参考例句:
  • His immediate neighbours felt it their duty to call.他的近邻认为他们有责任去拜访。
  • We declared ourselves for the immediate convocation of the meeting.我们主张立即召开这个会议。
18 magistrates bbe4eeb7cda0f8fbf52949bebe84eb3e     
地方法官,治安官( magistrate的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • to come up before the magistrates 在地方法院出庭
  • He was summoned to appear before the magistrates. 他被传唤在地方法院出庭。
19 guilt 9e6xr     
n.犯罪;内疚;过失,罪责
参考例句:
  • She tried to cover up her guilt by lying.她企图用谎言掩饰自己的罪行。
  • Don't lay a guilt trip on your child about schoolwork.别因为功课责备孩子而使他觉得很内疚。
20 innocence ZbizC     
n.无罪;天真;无害
参考例句:
  • There was a touching air of innocence about the boy.这个男孩有一种令人感动的天真神情。
  • The accused man proved his innocence of the crime.被告人经证实无罪。
21 judgments 2a483d435ecb48acb69a6f4c4dd1a836     
判断( judgment的名词复数 ); 鉴定; 评价; 审判
参考例句:
  • A peculiar austerity marked his judgments of modern life. 他对现代生活的批评带着一种特殊的苛刻。
  • He is swift with his judgments. 他判断迅速。
22 judgment e3xxC     
n.审判;判断力,识别力,看法,意见
参考例句:
  • The chairman flatters himself on his judgment of people.主席自认为他审视人比别人高明。
  • He's a man of excellent judgment.他眼力过人。
23 sordid PrLy9     
adj.肮脏的,不干净的,卑鄙的,暗淡的
参考例句:
  • He depicts the sordid and vulgar sides of life exclusively.他只描写人生肮脏和庸俗的一面。
  • They lived in a sordid apartment.他们住在肮脏的公寓房子里。
24 sordidness 108aaccfde4e589aa1ed8b70b99d5a76     
n.肮脏;污秽;卑鄙;可耻
参考例句:
25 spoke XryyC     
n.(车轮的)辐条;轮辐;破坏某人的计划;阻挠某人的行动 v.讲,谈(speak的过去式);说;演说;从某种观点来说
参考例句:
  • They sourced the spoke nuts from our company.他们的轮辐螺帽是从我们公司获得的。
  • The spokes of a wheel are the bars that connect the outer ring to the centre.辐条是轮子上连接外圈与中心的条棒。
26 bristling tSqyl     
a.竖立的
参考例句:
  • "Don't you question Miz Wilkes' word,'said Archie, his beard bristling. "威尔克斯太太的话,你就不必怀疑了。 "阿尔奇说。他的胡子也翘了起来。
  • You were bristling just now. 你刚才在发毛。
27 glorified 74d607c2a7eb7a7ef55bda91627eda5a     
美其名的,变荣耀的
参考例句:
  • The restaurant was no more than a glorified fast-food cafe. 这地方美其名曰餐馆,其实只不过是个快餐店而已。
  • The author glorified the life of the peasants. 那个作者赞美了农民的生活。
28 diaphanous uvdxK     
adj.(布)精致的,半透明的
参考例句:
  • She was wearing a dress of diaphanous silk.她穿着一件薄如蝉翼的绸服。
  • We have only a diaphanous hope of success.我们只有隐约的成功希望。
29 celestial 4rUz8     
adj.天体的;天上的
参考例句:
  • The rosy light yet beamed like a celestial dawn.玫瑰色的红光依然象天上的朝霞一样绚丽。
  • Gravity governs the motions of celestial bodies.万有引力控制着天体的运动。
30 bosom Lt9zW     
n.胸,胸部;胸怀;内心;adj.亲密的
参考例句:
  • She drew a little book from her bosom.她从怀里取出一本小册子。
  • A dark jealousy stirred in his bosom.他内心生出一阵恶毒的嫉妒。
31 swelled bd4016b2ddc016008c1fc5827f252c73     
增强( swell的过去式和过去分词 ); 肿胀; (使)凸出; 充满(激情)
参考例句:
  • The infection swelled his hand. 由于感染,他的手肿了起来。
  • After the heavy rain the river swelled. 大雨过后,河水猛涨。
32 furrowed furrowed     
v.犁田,开沟( furrow的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • Overhead hung a summer sky furrowed with the rash of rockets. 头顶上的夏日夜空纵横着急疾而过的焰火。 来自辞典例句
  • The car furrowed the loose sand as it crossed the desert. 车子横过沙漠,在松软的沙土上犁出了一道车辙。 来自辞典例句
33 motive GFzxz     
n.动机,目的;adv.发动的,运动的
参考例句:
  • The police could not find a motive for the murder.警察不能找到谋杀的动机。
  • He had some motive in telling this fable.他讲这寓言故事是有用意的。
34 Oxford Wmmz0a     
n.牛津(英国城市)
参考例句:
  • At present he has become a Professor of Chemistry at Oxford.他现在已是牛津大学的化学教授了。
  • This is where the road to Oxford joins the road to London.这是去牛津的路与去伦敦的路的汇合处。
35 assented 4cee1313bb256a1f69bcc83867e78727     
同意,赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • The judge assented to allow the prisoner to speak. 法官同意允许犯人申辩。
  • "No," assented Tom, "they don't kill the women -- they're too noble. “对,”汤姆表示赞同地说,“他们不杀女人——真伟大!
36 chagrined 55be2dce03734a832733c53ee1dbb9e3     
adj.懊恼的,苦恼的v.使懊恼,使懊丧,使悔恨( chagrin的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • I was most chagrined when I heard that he had got the job instead of me. 当我听说是他而不是我得到了那份工作时懊恼极了。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • He was [felt] chagrined at his failure [at losing his pen]. 他为自己的失败 [遗失钢笔] 而感到懊恼。 来自辞典例句
37 fully Gfuzd     
adv.完全地,全部地,彻底地;充分地
参考例句:
  • The doctor asked me to breathe in,then to breathe out fully.医生让我先吸气,然后全部呼出。
  • They soon became fully integrated into the local community.他们很快就完全融入了当地人的圈子。
38 deflect RxvxG     
v.(使)偏斜,(使)偏离,(使)转向
参考例句:
  • Never let a little problem deflect you.决不要因一点小问题就半途而废。
  • They decided to deflect from the original plan.他们决定改变原计划。
39 thoroughly sgmz0J     
adv.完全地,彻底地,十足地
参考例句:
  • The soil must be thoroughly turned over before planting.一定要先把土地深翻一遍再下种。
  • The soldiers have been thoroughly instructed in the care of their weapons.士兵们都系统地接受过保护武器的训练。
40 remonstrate rCuyR     
v.抗议,规劝
参考例句:
  • He remonstrated with the referee.他向裁判抗议。
  • I jumped in the car and went to remonstrate.我跳进汽车去提出抗议。
41 horrified 8rUzZU     
a.(表现出)恐惧的
参考例句:
  • The whole country was horrified by the killings. 全国都对这些凶杀案感到大为震惊。
  • We were horrified at the conditions prevailing in local prisons. 地方监狱的普遍状况让我们震惊。
42 amazement 7zlzBK     
n.惊奇,惊讶
参考例句:
  • All those around him looked at him with amazement.周围的人都对他投射出惊异的眼光。
  • He looked at me in blank amazement.他带着迷茫惊诧的神情望着我。
43 momentous Zjay9     
adj.重要的,重大的
参考例句:
  • I am deeply honoured to be invited to this momentous occasion.能应邀出席如此重要的场合,我深感荣幸。
  • The momentous news was that war had begun.重大的新闻是战争已经开始。
44 groaned 1a076da0ddbd778a674301b2b29dff71     
v.呻吟( groan的过去式和过去分词 );发牢骚;抱怨;受苦
参考例句:
  • He groaned in anguish. 他痛苦地呻吟。
  • The cart groaned under the weight of the piano. 大车在钢琴的重压下嘎吱作响。 来自《简明英汉词典》
45 wrung b11606a7aab3e4f9eebce4222a9397b1     
绞( wring的过去式和过去分词 ); 握紧(尤指别人的手); 把(湿衣服)拧干; 绞掉(水)
参考例句:
  • He has wrung the words from their true meaning. 他曲解这些字的真正意义。
  • He wrung my hand warmly. 他热情地紧握我的手。
46 distressed du1z3y     
痛苦的
参考例句:
  • He was too distressed and confused to answer their questions. 他非常苦恼而困惑,无法回答他们的问题。
  • The news of his death distressed us greatly. 他逝世的消息使我们极为悲痛。
47 unduly Mp4ya     
adv.过度地,不适当地
参考例句:
  • He did not sound unduly worried at the prospect.他的口气听上去对前景并不十分担忧。
  • He argued that the law was unduly restrictive.他辩称法律的约束性有些过分了。
48 specify evTwm     
vt.指定,详细说明
参考例句:
  • We should specify a time and a place for the meeting.我们应指定会议的时间和地点。
  • Please specify what you will do.请你详述一下你将做什么。
49 wheedling ad2d42ff1de84d67e3fc59bee7d33453     
v.骗取(某物),哄骗(某人干某事)( wheedle的现在分词 )
参考例句:
  • He wheedled his way into the building, ie got into it by wheedling. 他靠花言巧语混进了那所楼房。 来自辞典例句
  • An honorable32 weepie uses none of these33) wheedling34) devices. 一部体面的伤感电影用不着这些花招。 来自互联网
50 remonstrating d6f86bf1c32a6bbc11620cd486ecf6b4     
v.抗议( remonstrate的现在分词 );告诫
参考例句:
  • There's little point in remonstrating with John.He won't listen to reason. 跟约翰抗辩没有什么意义,他不听劝。 来自互联网
  • We tried remonstrating with him over his treatment of the children. 我们曾试着在对待孩子上规谏他。 来自互联网
51 pathos dLkx2     
n.哀婉,悲怆
参考例句:
  • The pathos of the situation brought tears to our eyes.情况令人怜悯,看得我们不禁流泪。
  • There is abundant pathos in her words.她的话里富有动人哀怜的力量。
52 misery G10yi     
n.痛苦,苦恼,苦难;悲惨的境遇,贫苦
参考例句:
  • Business depression usually causes misery among the working class.商业不景气常使工薪阶层受苦。
  • He has rescued me from the mire of misery.他把我从苦海里救了出来。
53 modulate IEOxl     
v.调整,调节(音的强弱);变调
参考例句:
  • Please modulate the sound on the TV.请调节一下电视的音量。
  • This system could modulate the voice signal effectively.这个系统可以对语音信号进行有效的调制。
54 bent QQ8yD     
n.爱好,癖好;adj.弯的;决心的,一心的
参考例句:
  • He was fully bent upon the project.他一心扑在这项计划上。
  • We bent over backward to help them.我们尽了最大努力帮助他们。
55 standing 2hCzgo     
n.持续,地位;adj.永久的,不动的,直立的,不流动的
参考例句:
  • After the earthquake only a few houses were left standing.地震过后只有几幢房屋还立着。
  • They're standing out against any change in the law.他们坚决反对对法律做任何修改。
56 avert 7u4zj     
v.防止,避免;转移(目光、注意力等)
参考例句:
  • He managed to avert suspicion.他设法避嫌。
  • I would do what I could to avert it.我会尽力去避免发生这种情况。
57 irresistible n4CxX     
adj.非常诱人的,无法拒绝的,无法抗拒的
参考例句:
  • The wheel of history rolls forward with an irresistible force.历史车轮滚滚向前,势不可挡。
  • She saw an irresistible skirt in the store window.她看见商店的橱窗里有一条叫人着迷的裙子。
58 remains 1kMzTy     
n.剩余物,残留物;遗体,遗迹
参考例句:
  • He ate the remains of food hungrily.他狼吞虎咽地吃剩余的食物。
  • The remains of the meal were fed to the dog.残羹剩饭喂狗了。
59 wrecked ze0zKI     
adj.失事的,遇难的
参考例句:
  • the hulk of a wrecked ship 遇难轮船的残骸
  • the salvage of the wrecked tanker 对失事油轮的打捞
60 inclination Gkwyj     
n.倾斜;点头;弯腰;斜坡;倾度;倾向;爱好
参考例句:
  • She greeted us with a slight inclination of the head.她微微点头向我们致意。
  • I did not feel the slightest inclination to hurry.我没有丝毫着急的意思。


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