Mr. Enderby
Make up a list of juridical terms (words and word-combinations). Learn their meaning and pronunciation.
Explain the meaning of the following word-combinations and phrases. Recall the situations in which they are used in the novel:
|
|
Translate in writing: “She had supposed wrong. … in her usual spectacular fashion.” (p. 452).
Say it in Ukrainian:
“Many hands make light work, I always say.”
“She was adamant that there should be no argument about these, nor question of rightful possession.”
“If you ask me, the boot’s on the other boot.”
“We can make some sort of a rough calculation.”
“So work that sum out, if you’re capable of such advanced arithmetic, which I doubt.”
“I always said he had some sinister hold over Mother.”
“All right, so she was generous to a fault, but never unthinkingly so.”
“This house will go for a bomb.”
“Did he get a clean bill of health?”
“But for all that, they seem to have their heads screwed on.”
Make up a list of words and phrases which describe feelings and emotions. Observe how they are revealed in the body language of the characters.
Answer the questions:
Why did Olivia feel unnecessary after the tea-party was over? What did other people do?
Describe Mr. Enderby and his manner. What was Olivia’s opinion of him?
How did Penelope dispose of her possessions? What did she bequeath to:
Mrs. Plackett
Doris
Nancy
Olivia
Noel
Antonia
Danus
Why was the matter of Aunt Ethel’s earrings brought up?
What was written in the codicil? What impression did the reading produce on Noel, Nancy and Olivia? Why did Olivia feel “a pang of sympathy” for her brother?
Why did Penelope leave the sketches to Danus?
What arguments did Olivia give to silence Noel and Nancy? Why did she apologize afterwards?
What made Nancy agreeable? How did the sisters part? Comment on the words: “in for a penny, in for a pound”.
Speak of Noel’s departure. What feelings does it evoke?
Why did Mr. Enderby want to speak to Danus?
How did Olivia dispose of Penelope’s clothes? What did she find in the drawer of her bedside table? What answers did she receive?
What made Olivia cry? Comment on the words: “the hard shell of self-control broke up and disintegrated”. Did tears bring relief?
What did Olivia learn about Richard? What impression did his letter produce on her? (Also see Chapter 11, pp. 336-337)
To what decision did Olivia come? How did she visualize her future meeting with Doris?
What did Olivia do with the book and the letter? Do you justify her actions?
Why do the readers see the events through Olivia’s eyes? Do you agree with her interpretations?