Part III Building the Vocabulary

Consult the English-English dictionary for the following words and phrases:

cruciatingly (p. 67)

to fall into one's lap (p. 67)

to take smb. under the wing (p. 67)

to go downhill (p. 69)

half way through (p. 69)

to make a splash in (p. 70)

scrutiny (p. 71)

to join a sinking ship (p. 71)

to tighten belts (p. 72)

recession (p. 72)

deputy editor (p. 73)

to overturn the ban (p. 75)

to the viewer's elbow (p. 77)

to spare (p. 78)

conservatory (p. 79)

to play safe (p. 81)

to have under the belt (p. 81)

outspoken (p. 82)

legwork (p. 82)

to compile (p. 88)

novelty (p. 88)

candour (p. 88)

swindling (p. 88)

forgery (p. 88)

embezzlement (p. 88)

empathy (p. 89)

pickpocket (p. 89)

audacious (p. 89)

lucrative (p. 89)

discrepancies (p. 90)

to assault (p. 90)

sporadic (p. 91)

tantalizing (p. 92)

to release from (p. 92)

hostage (p. 93)

to detain (p. 93)

to put smb. off (p. 93)

Unit IV (p. P. 94 - 127) Part I First Reading

A. Thinking about the Chapters

What new features did you learn in Michael's character? Is he interesting to you?

B. Understanding the Plot

1. What did Michael get from his publishers? Where did he go?

2. What took place in the tube?

3. What talk took place between Michael and Patrick?

4. What did Michael learn about Hilary Winshaw?

5. What did Patrick think about Michael's book? What was it lacking?

6. Where did Michael go after his meeting with Patrick?

7. Who was Alice Hastings? Mrs. Tonks?

8. What did Michael learn from his talk with Mrs. Tonks?

9. Who was Mr. McGanny? What did he tell Michael and what advice did he give?

10. What took place when Michael was returning home in a taxi?

11. What were the most important events in the life of Henry at the age of 16? What kind of boy was he?

12. What was his secret information that he gave to his diary in November 1946?

13. What role did Uncle Lawrence play in Henry's outlook on the political career?

14. What were the main questions put to Henry by Mr. Beamish in his TV programme?

Part II Second Reading

A. Exploring Themes

1. Why do people like Hilary write books? How did Patrick characterize her book?

2. Translate and explain how this passage characterizes Michael as an author? (p. 104) 'You used to have … would understand that'

3. Explain (p. 106) … 'perfect for the market right now'

4. Do you agree with the idea (p. 120) that 'There was no condition — spiritual, metaphysical, psychological or emotional — which could not be expressed mathematically?'

5. Why do you think the author placed his hero underground and compared him with Orpheus?

6. What is The National Health Service from the point of view of Uncle Lawrence?

7. Characterize Alan Beamish as a reporter

B. Judging for Yourself

1. Do you think Michael will continue writing his book?

2. What sort of book will it be?

3. What can you say about the attitude of Alan Beamish to Henry? Why did he ask all these questions?

C. Making Connections

1. Is there 'market of literature' in this country? Do you read it?

2. What can you say about the National Health Service in this country?