КУРСЫ АНГЛИЙСКОГО ЯЗЫКА

The book that changed my life

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        Do you have a book, the complexity and the ambiguity of which beckons you back to reread it again and again? Rather debatable Thomas Mann’s novella “Death in Venice” became such one for me this year. It would be better to say that this book broadened my mind, but not changed the life, nothing like “yellow book” for Dorian Gray.

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         Venice’s beach resort, the Lido, the suffocating heat of sirocco and the impending epidemic of plague serve as a scene for the tragedy of the mythical character to the highly-praised German writer Gustav von Aschenbach.

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        At the beginning Thomas Mann gives a detailed description of Aschenbach’s routine with its ordered and rational way of living and a total repression of all emotions and desires, living to the Apollonian principles. Feeling tired of this, the aging novelist sets forth to Venice to have a rest. A young Polish boy, Tadzio, whom the aging writer meets in the Grand Hôtel des Bains, where he stays, becomes a symbol of a Greek harmonic beauty which Gustav von Aschenbach couldn’t reach in his works of art.

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        It is important to stress that this book should be regarded in accordance with Nietzche’s teachings on the dualism of Apollonian and Dionysian in the personality. Not incidentally Mann chooses a little boy as an artist’s infatuation, going to extremes in this way he underlies the liberation of the Dionysian principle: feelings and desires seize Aschenbach, he can’t control it anymore.

 

         The novelist reveals the triumph of the elemental forces, mystical ecstasy and the establishment of death as the essence of art itself. This is a story that could be written only at the turn of the XX century, foreshadowing the decaying of society and further devastating world wars.

© Alyona Pilyugina

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Paper books will never become obsolete

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         Contemporary life is impossible without reading. Good books improve our standard of living and form our moral values. They tone up our intellectual taste and they make our outlook broader. Books enrich our experience and sharpen our intellect.

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        As for me, on one hand, I appreciate paper books. I can leaf through them and find the neces-sary information. There is nothing like the physical sensation you get when you hold a book in your hands and read it. You can feel the smell of paper and ink, in which time itself is sealed; the sound of rustling pages, which reminds you of the rustling of leaves on a tree in a calm, warm day.

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        On the other hand, I use my e-book because it is more practical and transportable. It is capable of storing hundreds of books, which is convenient for traveling or studying.

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       Nevertheless, I have a visual memory and it is easier for me to read and look for necessary pages in paper books than in their electronic variants. And I think that reading on paper instead of an electronic screen is better for memory retention and focus. But, as it is said “Tastes differ”, so everyone chooses what is more convenient for him or her.

© Alina Byshova

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TV series review / Friends

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       To begin with, I’m not really into films. I don’t look forward to new movies of popular franchises and I usually watch some old films from time to time. Hence, my choice mustn’t be surprising.

            

        I have watched series “Friends” for about 10 times. Or rather I was forced to do it, because my mum and grandma love it very much. And as the time passed I enjoyed it too. Reasons are obvious. First of all, I like all the cast of the soap opera. Everyone is unique and bright in his own way, even secondary characters. The story of each person is full of details and events influencing its character and we become familiar with it as we watch each episode. Besides, unlike modern serials, this one has no deaths of the main heroes and the main couple – Ross and Rachel who I really like – were together. In “Friends” you won’t find any killers, dead children, animals or sexual violence – the plot is perfect for those who wants to laugh and forget about some problems. You may think that this soap opera is irrelevant and it doesn’t dwell on any serious things and events. Certainly, it does! Watching “Friends” you will think about the relationships, family, love, the people who are close to you and even environmental problems! I mean the episode where Phoebe collected withered Christmas trees. Oh, by the way, her songs are much wiser than you think and don’t you dare to object.)

            

      Another thing I like about “Friends” is the absence of strict plot. As sure enough, key events develop in the course of events, but in fact, you needn’t follow chronological sequence. Every episode is separated in some way: it has its beginning and its end. Something comical happens to every character, but all of them end up together either in Monika’s flat or in the “Central Perk” – their favourite coffee-shop. Oh, yes, the city. Main events take place in New York. As the person who admires both rural life and big cities I appreciate its sights and some domestic scenes. The interior of each location is also worth saying: flats, cafes and restaurants are very unusual and cosy.

            

       Speaking about some characters, the Ugly Naked Guy who lived next door was probably the main intrigue of all the series. The friends watched him making a snowman, doing some household chores and doing gymnastics. One day they thought he died. And I must say they acted the way really good neighbours would act. They made a very long stick of drinking straws and tried to poke him through the window. As it turned out, he was just sleeping. And this episode is one of the funniest!

             

        After all, the great advantage of the serial is the fact that it is American. “Friends” is the best way to check your listening skills and combine work and leisure while watching and trying to understand every word. Its release date gives us the opportunity to see America of mid-nineties, to learn something interesting about customs and traditional leisure or holidays of the USA. On the whole, watch it if you look back on some happy days with nostalgia or just have spare 20 minutes to relax. You’re sure to like it!

© Daria Mochalova

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