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CHAPTER 30—The Dinner and the Drama

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 Claude Frollo, holding the first printed book he had seen in one hand, and pointing with the other to the gigantic mass of Notre Dame1, dark against the sunset, prophesied2 “Ceci tuera cela.”  One might to-day paraphrase3 the sentence which Victor Hugo put into his archdeacon’s mouth, and pointing to the elaborately appointed dinner-tables of our generation, assert that the Dinner was killing4 the Drama.
 
New York undoubtedly5 possesses at this moment more and better constructed theatres, in proportion to its population, than any other city on the globe, and, with the single exception of Paris, more money is probably spent at the theatre by our people than in any other metropolis6.  Yet curiously7 enough, each decade, each season widens the breach8 between our discriminating9 public and the stage.  The theatre, instead of keeping abreast10 with the intellectual movement of our country, has for the last thirty years been slowly but steadily11 declining, until at this moment there is hardly a company playing in legitimate12 comedy, tragedy, or the classic masterpieces of our language.
 
In spite of the fact that we are a nation in full literary production, boasting authors who rank with the greatest of other countries, there is hardly one poet or prose-writer to-day, of recognized ability, who works for the stage, nor can we count more than one or two high-class comedies or

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1 dame dvGzR0     
n.女士
参考例句：
  • The dame tell of her experience as a wife and mother.这位年长妇女讲了她作妻子和母亲的经验。
  • If you stick around,you'll have to marry that dame.如果再逗留多一会，你就要跟那个夫人结婚。
2 prophesied 27251c478db94482eeb550fc2b08e011     
v.预告，预言( prophesy的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句：
  • She prophesied that she would win a gold medal. 她预言自己将赢得金牌。
  • She prophesied the tragic outcome. 她预言有悲惨的结果。 来自《简明英汉词典》
3 paraphrase SLSxy     
vt.将…释义，改写；n.释义，意义
参考例句：
  • You may read the prose paraphrase of this poem.你可以看一下这首诗的散文释义。
  • Paraphrase the following sentences or parts of sentences using your own words.用你自己的话解释下面的句子或句子的一部分。
4 killing kpBziQ     
n.巨额利润；突然赚大钱，发大财
参考例句：
  • Investors are set to make a killing from the sell-off.投资者准备清仓以便大赚一笔。
  • Last week my brother made a killing on Wall Street.上个周我兄弟在华尔街赚了一大笔。
5 undoubtedly Mfjz6l     
adv.确实地，无疑地
参考例句：
  • It is undoubtedly she who has said that.这话明明是她说的。
  • He is undoubtedly the pride of China.毫无疑问他是中国的骄傲。
6 metropolis BCOxY     
n.首府；大城市
参考例句：
  • Shanghai is a metropolis in China.上海是中国的大都市。
  • He was dazzled by the gaiety and splendour of the metropolis.大都市的花花世界使他感到眼花缭乱。
7 curiously 3v0zIc     
adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地
参考例句：
  • He looked curiously at the people.他好奇地看着那些人。
  • He took long stealthy strides. His hands were curiously cold.他迈着悄没声息的大步。他的双手出奇地冷。
8 breach 2sgzw     
n.违反，不履行；破裂；vt.冲破，攻破
参考例句：
  • We won't have any breach of discipline.我们不允许任何破坏纪律的现象。
  • He was sued for breach of contract.他因不履行合同而被起诉。
9 discriminating 4umz8W     
a.有辨别能力的
参考例句：
  • Due caution should be exercised in discriminating between the two. 在区别这两者时应该相当谨慎。
  • Many businesses are accused of discriminating against women. 许多企业被控有歧视妇女的做法。
10 abreast Zf3yi     
adv.并排地；跟上(时代)的步伐，与…并进地
参考例句：
  • She kept abreast with the flood of communications that had poured in.她及时回复如雪片般飞来的大批信件。
  • We can't keep abreast of the developing situation unless we study harder.我们如果不加强学习，就会跟不上形势。
11 steadily Qukw6     
adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地
参考例句：
  • The scope of man's use of natural resources will steadily grow.人类利用自然资源的广度将日益扩大。
  • Our educational reform was steadily led onto the correct path.我们的教学改革慢慢上轨道了。
12 legitimate L9ZzJ     
adj.合法的，合理的，合乎逻辑的；v.使合法
参考例句：
  • Sickness is a legitimate reason for asking for leave.生病是请假的一个正当的理由。
  • That's a perfectly legitimate fear.怀有这种恐惧完全在情理之中。
13 lyric R8RzA     
n.抒情诗，歌词；adj.抒情的
参考例句：
  • This is a good example of Shelley's lyric poetry.这首诗是雪莱抒情诗的范例。
  • His earlier work announced a lyric talent of the first order.他的早期作品显露了一流的抒情才华。
14 criticise criticise     
v.批评，评论；非难
参考例句：
  • Right and left have much cause to criticise government.左翼和右翼有很多理由批评政府。
  • It is not your place to criticise or suggest improvements!提出批评或给予改进建议并不是你的责任！
15 deterioration yvvxj     
n.退化；恶化；变坏
参考例句：
  • Mental and physical deterioration both occur naturally with age. 随着年龄的增长，心智和体力自然衰退。
  • The car's bodywork was already showing signs of deterioration. 这辆车的车身已经显示出了劣化迹象。
16 phenomena 8N9xp     
n.现象
参考例句：
  • Ade couldn't relate the phenomena with any theory he knew.艾德无法用他所知道的任何理论来解释这种现象。
  • The object of these experiments was to find the connection,if any,between the two phenomena.这些实验的目的就是探索这两种现象之间的联系，如果存在着任何联系的话。
17 prosaic i0szo     
adj.单调的，无趣的
参考例句：
  • The truth is more prosaic.真相更加乏味。
  • It was a prosaic description of the scene.这是对场景没有想象力的一个描述。
18 displacement T98yU     
n.移置，取代，位移，排水量
参考例句：
  • They said that time is the feeling of spatial displacement.他们说时间是空间位移的感觉。
  • The displacement of all my energy into caring for the baby.我所有精力都放在了照顾宝宝上。
19 tranquil UJGz0     
adj. 安静的, 宁静的, 稳定的, 不变的
参考例句：
  • The boy disturbed the tranquil surface of the pond with a stick. 那男孩用棍子打破了平静的池面。
  • The tranquil beauty of the village scenery is unique. 这乡村景色的宁静是绝无仅有的。
20 ripple isLyh     
n.涟波，涟漪，波纹，粗钢梳；vt.使...起涟漪，使起波纹； vi.呈波浪状，起伏前进
参考例句：
  • The pebble made a ripple on the surface of the lake.石子在湖面上激起一个涟漪。
  • The small ripple split upon the beach.小小的涟漪卷来，碎在沙滩上。
21 recede sAKzB     
vi.退(去)，渐渐远去；向后倾斜，缩进
参考例句：
  • The colleges would recede in importance.大学的重要性会降低。
  • He saw that the dirty water had begun to recede.他发现那污浊的水开始往下退了。
22 radical hA8zu     
n.激进份子，原子团，根号；adj.根本的，激进的，彻底的
参考例句：
  • The patient got a radical cure in the hospital.病人在医院得到了根治。
  • She is radical in her demands.她的要求十分偏激。
23 transformation SnFwO     
n.变化；改造；转变
参考例句：
  • Going to college brought about a dramatic transformation in her outlook.上大学使她的观念发生了巨大的变化。
  • He was struggling to make the transformation from single man to responsible husband.他正在努力使自己由单身汉变为可靠的丈夫。
24 luxurious S2pyv     
adj.精美而昂贵的；豪华的
参考例句：
  • This is a luxurious car complete with air conditioning and telephone.这是一辆附有空调设备和电话的豪华轿车。
  • The rich man lives in luxurious surroundings.这位富人生活在奢侈的环境中。
25 machinery CAdxb     
n.(总称)机械，机器；机构
参考例句：
  • Has the machinery been put up ready for the broadcast?广播器材安装完毕了吗？
  • Machinery ought to be well maintained all the time.机器应该随时注意维护。
26 inmates 9f4380ba14152f3e12fbdf1595415606     
n.囚犯( inmate的名词复数 )
参考例句：
  • One of the inmates has escaped. 被收容的人中有一个逃跑了。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • The inmates were moved to an undisclosed location. 监狱里的囚犯被转移到一个秘密处所。 来自《简明英汉词典》
27 sumptuous Rqqyl     
adj.豪华的，奢侈的，华丽的
参考例句：
  • The guests turned up dressed in sumptuous evening gowns.客人们身着华丽的夜礼服出现了。
  • We were ushered into a sumptuous dining hall.我们被领进一个豪华的餐厅。
28 allurements d3c56c28b0c14f592862db1ac119a555     
n.诱惑( allurement的名词复数 )；吸引；诱惑物；有诱惑力的事物
参考例句：
  • The big cities are full of allurements on which to spend money. 大城市充满形形色色诱人花钱的事物。 来自《简明英汉词典》
29 laden P2gx5     
adj.装满了的；充满了的；负了重担的；苦恼的
参考例句：
  • He is laden with heavy responsibility.他肩负重任。
  • Dragging the fully laden boat across the sand dunes was no mean feat.将满载货物的船拖过沙丘是一件了不起的事。
30 scenic aDbyP     
adj.自然景色的，景色优美的
参考例句：
  • The scenic beauty of the place entranced the visitors.这里的美丽风光把游客们迷住了。
  • The scenic spot is on northwestern outskirts of Beijing.这个风景区位于北京的西北远郊。
31 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。
32 tempted b0182e969d369add1b9ce2353d3c6ad6     
v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词）
参考例句：
  • I was sorely tempted to complain, but I didn't. 我极想发牢骚，但还是没开口。
  • I was tempted by the dessert menu. 甜食菜单馋得我垂涎欲滴。
33 lethargic 6k9yM     
adj.昏睡的，懒洋洋的
参考例句：
  • He felt too miserable and lethargic to get dressed.他心情低落无精打采，完全没有心思穿衣整装。
  • The hot weather made me feel lethargic.炎热的天气使我昏昏欲睡。
34 digestion il6zj     
n.消化，吸收
参考例句：
  • This kind of tea acts as an aid to digestion.这种茶可助消化。
  • This food is easy of digestion.这食物容易消化。
35 interpretation P5jxQ     
n.解释，说明，描述；艺术处理
参考例句：
  • His statement admits of one interpretation only.他的话只有一种解释。
  • Analysis and interpretation is a very personal thing.分析与说明是个很主观的事情。
36 crave fowzI     
vt.渴望得到，迫切需要，恳求，请求
参考例句：
  • Many young children crave attention.许多小孩子渴望得到关心。
  • You may be craving for some fresh air.你可能很想呼吸呼吸新鲜空气。
37 stimulant fFKy4     
n.刺激物，兴奋剂
参考例句：
  • It is used in medicine for its stimulant quality.由于它有兴奋剂的特性而被应用于医学。
  • Musk is used for perfume and stimulant.麝香可以用作香料和兴奋剂。
38 swell IHnzB     
vi.膨胀，肿胀；增长，增强
参考例句：
  • The waves had taken on a deep swell.海浪汹涌。
  • His injured wrist began to swell.他那受伤的手腕开始肿了。
39 folly QgOzL     
n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话
参考例句：
  • Learn wisdom by the folly of others.从别人的愚蠢行动中学到智慧。
  • Events proved the folly of such calculations.事情的进展证明了这种估计是愚蠢的。
40 outlay amlz8A     
n.费用，经费，支出；v.花费
参考例句：
  • There was very little outlay on new machinery.添置新机器的开支微乎其微。
  • The outlay seems to bear no relation to the object aimed at.这费用似乎和预期目的完全不相称。
41 temperament 7INzf     
n.气质，性格，性情
参考例句：
  • The analysis of what kind of temperament you possess is vital.分析一下你有什么样的气质是十分重要的。
  • Success often depends on temperament.成功常常取决于一个人的性格。
42 pivot E2rz6     
v.在枢轴上转动；装枢轴，枢轴；adj.枢轴的
参考例句：
  • She is the central pivot of creation and represents the feminine aspect in all things.她是创造的中心枢轴，表现出万物的女性面貌。
  • If a spring is present,the hand wheel will pivot on the spring.如果有弹簧，手轮的枢轴会装在弹簧上。
43 revolves 63fec560e495199631aad0cc33ccb782     
v.（使）旋转( revolve的第三人称单数 )；细想
参考例句：
  • The earth revolves both round the sun and on its own axis. 地球既公转又自转。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
  • Thus a wheel revolves on its axle. 于是，轮子在轴上旋转。 来自《简明英汉词典》
44 tempts 7d09cc10124deb357a618cdb6c63cdd6     
v.引诱或怂恿（某人）干不正当的事( tempt的第三人称单数 )；使想要
参考例句：
  • It tempts the eye to dream. 这种景象会使眼睛产生幻觉。 来自辞典例句
  • This is the tidbit which tempts his insectivorous fate. 就是这一点东西引诱它残杀昆虫。 来自互联网
45 consecutive DpPz0     
adj.连续的，联贯的，始终一贯的
参考例句：
  • It has rained for four consecutive days.已连续下了四天雨。
  • The policy of our Party is consecutive.我党的政策始终如一。
46 infliction nbxz6     
n.（强加于人身的）痛苦，刑罚
参考例句：
  • Don't immerse yourself in the infliction too long.不要长时间沉浸在痛苦经历中。
  • Instead of rivets there came an invasion,an infliction,and a visitation.但是铆钉并没有运来，来的却是骚扰、混乱和视察。
47 perfectly 8Mzxb     
adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地
参考例句：
  • The witnesses were each perfectly certain of what they said.证人们个个对自己所说的话十分肯定。
  • Everything that we're doing is all perfectly above board.我们做的每件事情都是光明正大的。
48 contented Gvxzof     
adj.满意的，安心的，知足的
参考例句：
  • He won't be contented until he's upset everyone in the office.不把办公室里的每个人弄得心烦意乱他就不会满足。
  • The people are making a good living and are contented,each in his station.人民安居乐业。
49 burlesque scEyq     
v.嘲弄，戏仿；n.嘲弄，取笑，滑稽模仿
参考例句：
  • Our comic play was a burlesque of a Shakespearean tragedy.我们的喜剧是对莎士比亚一出悲剧的讽刺性模仿。
  • He shouldn't burlesque the elder.他不应模仿那长者。
50 cosy dvnzc5     
adj.温暖而舒适的，安逸的
参考例句：
  • We spent a cosy evening chatting by the fire.我们在炉火旁聊天度过了一个舒适的晚上。
  • It was so warm and cosy in bed that Simon didn't want to get out.床上温暖而又舒适，西蒙简直不想下床了。
51 Vogue 6hMwC     
n.时髦，时尚；adj.流行的
参考例句：
  • Flowery carpets became the vogue.花卉地毯变成了时髦货。
  • Short hair came back into vogue about ten years ago.大约十年前短发又开始流行起来了。
52 frivolity 7fNzi     
n.轻松的乐事，兴高采烈；轻浮的举止
参考例句：
  • It was just a piece of harmless frivolity. 这仅是无恶意的愚蠢行为。
  • Hedonism and frivolity will diffuse hell tnrough all our days. 享乐主义和轻薄浮佻会将地狱扩展到我们的整个日子之中。 来自辞典例句
53 inanity O4Lyd     
n.无意义，无聊
参考例句：
  • Their statement was a downright inanity.他们的声明是彻头彻尾的废话。
  • I laugh all alone at my complete inanity.十分无聊时，我就独自大笑。
54 yeast 7VIzu     
n.酵母；酵母片；泡沫；v.发酵；起泡沫
参考例句：
  • Yeast can be used in making beer and bread.酵母可用于酿啤酒和发面包。
  • The yeast began to work.酵母开始发酵。
55 wholesome Uowyz     
adj.适合；卫生的；有益健康的；显示身心健康的
参考例句：
  • In actual fact the things I like doing are mostly wholesome.实际上我喜欢做的事大都是有助于增进身体健康的。
  • It is not wholesome to eat without washing your hands.不洗手吃饭是不卫生的。
56 appreciative 9vDzr     
adj.有鉴赏力的，有眼力的；感激的
参考例句：
  • She was deeply appreciative of your help.她对你的帮助深表感激。
  • We are very appreciative of their support in this respect.我们十分感谢他们在这方面的支持。
57 mania 9BWxu     
n.疯狂；躁狂症，狂热，癖好
参考例句：
  • Football mania is sweeping the country.足球热正风靡全国。
  • Collecting small items can easily become a mania.收藏零星物品往往容易变成一种癖好。
58 garbled ssvzFv     
adj.（指信息）混乱的，引起误解的v.对（事实）歪曲，对（文章等）断章取义，窜改( garble的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句：
  • He gave a garbled account of what had happened. 他对所发生事情的叙述含混不清。
  • The Coastguard needs to decipher garbled messages in a few minutes. 海岸警卫队需要在几分钟内解读这些含混不清的信息。 来自辞典例句
59 farces 91cc88dd69b5bb3e29c8688e007e560e     
n.笑剧( farce的名词复数 )；闹剧；笑剧剧目；作假的可笑场面
参考例句：
  • Its repertoire includes historical plays, comedies, tragedies and farces. 京剧的曲目包括历史剧、喜剧、悲剧和笑剧。 来自互联网
  • He likes to watch farces at weekends to relax himself. 他喜欢在周末看滑稽剧来放松自己。 来自互联网

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