内容正文:
Unit 2 Natural disasters
仓颉之初作书盖依类象形故谓之文其形声相益即谓之字文者物象之本字者言孳乳而浸多也著于竹帛谓之仓颉之初作书盖依类象形故谓之文其形声相益即谓之字文者物象之本字者言孳乳而
M3 U2
Natural disasters:Extended reading
Types of natural disasters
earthquake
flood
volcanic eruption
landslide
tsunami
rainstorm
hurricane
…
The last days of Pompeii
The novel imagines life in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii in the year 79,when Mount Vesuvius erupted.
Introduction to Edward Bulwer-Lytton and His Novel
Edward Bulwer- Lytton was born in 1803 and died in 1873. He was a prominent British writer and politician.
He made significant contributions to literature and left a lasting impact on the English language through his works.
His Life and Career
Bulwer- Lytton was known for his vivid descriptions and ability to create immersive historical settings.
His writing often combined romance, adventure, and social commentary, making his novels both entertaining and thought- provoking.
His Writing Style
Besides "The Last Days of Pompeii," he wrote other popular novels such as "Pelham" and "Night and Morning."
His works were widely read during his time and continue to be studied for their literary and historical value.
Other Notable Works
About Edward Bulwer-Lytton
Historical Context
The novel is set in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii in 79 AD, during the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
It provides a fictionalized account of the events leading up to and during the eruption, based on historical records and archaeological findings.
Overview of The Last Days of Pompeii
Plot Summary
The story follows the lives of various characters, including Romans and Greeks, as they experience the final days of Pompeii.
It explores themes of love, ambition, and the fragility of human life in the face of natural disasters.
Overview of The Last Days of Pompeii
Literary Significance
"The Last Days of Pompeii" is considered a classic of historical fiction and has influenced many subsequent works in the genre.
It offers readers a glimpse into ancient Roman society and the devastating impact of natural disasters on human civilization.
Overview of The Last Days of Pompeii
Pompeii was a bustling Roman city with little shops, tiny palaces, a forum, wine bars, and a theatre.
It was a microcosm of the Roman Empire, reflecting its energy, skill, and cultural richness.
Description of Pompeii
Before the Volcanic Eruption
Daily Life and Activities
Trading ships brought imports to the city and carried exports overseas, while golden pleasure boats for the rich added to the port's splendor.
Fishermen's boats moved rapidly in all directions, contributing to the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Before the Volcanic Eruption
Mount Vesuvius as a Presence
The cloud- capped top of Mount Vesuvius loomed over the city, its ashy rocks hinting at past eruptions.
Despite the signs, the people of Pompeii were unaware of the impending disaster that would soon befall them.
Before the Volcanic Eruption
The awful night slowly gave way to a grey dawn, revealing a huge cloud shooting from the top of the volcano.
The cloud resembled a massive tree with a black trunk and fiery branches, changing colors from bright to pale and back again.
The Dawn of the Last Day
During the Volcanic Eruption
Women's cries broke out, and men looked at each other in silence as they felt the earth shaking beneath their feet.
The distant sound of falling roofs added to the sense of impending doom.
The People's Reaction
During the Volcanic Eruption
The mountain- cloud rolled towards the city, dark and rapid, like a river, accompanied by a shower of ashes and burning stones.
The streets, forum, and sea were all affected by the falling debris, causing chaos and destruction.
The Catastrophic Events
During the Volcanic Eruption
The earthquake marked the end of life in Pompeii as people fled in panic, separated from their loved ones.
The city was buried under layers of ash and lava, preserving it for centuries to come.
Nearly seventeen centuries later, Pompeii was systematically unearthed, revealing its well- preserved walls, floor patterns, and half- finished columns.
The remains of the city serve as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of human life.
Today, Pompeii is an international tourist destination, offering valuable insights into ancient Roman life and the impact of natural disasters.
It also serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of preparedness and awareness in the face of potential natural hazards.
Rediscovery and Preservation
The End of Life in Pompeii
Modern Significance
After the Volcanic Eruption
Before the Volcanic Eruption
The excerpt begins with a description of Pompeii as a typical Roman city, full of life and activity.
Mount Vesuvius loomed over the city, its ashy rocks hinting at past eruptions but not arousing suspicion among the inhabitants.
During the Volcanic Eruption
The dawn of the last day was marked by a huge cloud shooting from the volcano, resembling a tree with a black trunk and fiery branches.
The people reacted with fear and confusion as the earth shook, roofs fell, and a shower of ashes and burning stones rained down on the city.
After the Volcanic Eruption
The earthquake signaled the end of life in Pompeii as people fled in panic, separated from their loved ones.
The city was buried and preserved for centuries, only to be rediscovered and studied in modern times.
Question A: Summary of the Excerpt
Use of Vivid Imagery
The author uses vivid descriptions of the volcano's eruption, such as the huge cloud resembling a tree with fiery branches, to create a sense of awe and terror.
The changing colors of the fire, from bright to pale and back again, add to the feeling of unpredictability and danger.
Emotional Reactions of Characters
The cries of women and the silent, stunned reactions of men highlight the sense of fear and confusion that gripped the people of Pompeii.
The description of the earth shaking and the sound of falling roofs further intensify the atmosphere of impending doom.
Chaos and Panic
The scene of people fleeing, running, pressing, and pushing against each other in the darkness emphasizes the chaos and disorientation caused by the disaster.
The separation of loved ones and the hopelessness of reuniting add a poignant layer to the sense of fear and confusion.
Question B: Creating a Sense of Fear and Confusion
Unlike the people of Pompeii, we now have advanced technology and scientific knowledge that allow us to monitor and predict natural disasters more accurately.
Early warning systems, weather forecasting, and geological studies help us prepare for and mitigate the impact of disasters.
01
Advances in Technology and Science
Public awareness campaigns and education programs help people understand the risks associated with natural disasters and how to respond in case of an emergency.
Community preparedness and drills ensure that people are better equipped to handle disasters when they occur.
03
Public Awareness and Education
Modern infrastructure, such as earthquake- resistant buildings and flood defenses, is designed to withstand the effects of natural disasters.
Emergency response plans and evacuation procedures are in place to ensure the safety of people in affected areas.
02
Improved Infrastructure and Planning
Despite these advancements, natural disasters can still be unpredictable and overwhelming, causing significant damage and loss of life.
Climate change and other factors may increase the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, posing new challenges for future preparedness and response efforts.
04
Limitations and Challenges
Question C: Protecting Ourselves from Natural Disasters
仓颉之初作书盖依类象形故谓之文其形声相益即谓之字文者物象之本字者言孳乳而浸多也著于竹帛谓之仓颉之初作书盖依类象形故谓之文其形声相益即谓之字文者物象之本字者言孳乳而
Homework
1. Read the text again and try to retell it.
2. How to understand “Nature is to be respected, not to be conquered. History is to be remembered, not to be buried.”
仓颉之初作书盖依类象形故谓之文其形声相益即谓之字文者物象之本字者言孳乳而浸多也著于竹帛谓之仓颉之初作书盖依类象形故谓之文其形声相益即谓之字文者物象之本字者言孳乳而
Thank You
$$