U2 discussion writing-新.ppt

1. What does Chaplin’s story tell us? 2. What is your understanding of  the proverb “All roads lead to  Rome.”? 返回 key Ways of thinking: 1. What do children usually turn out to be  if exposed to a lot of misfortunes? 2. Is the same true for Chaplin? 返回 By the light of our common sense, children subjected to extreme poverty, homelessness and severe stress usually turn out to be self-abandoned (自暴自弃) or cynical (玩世不恭). According to a recent systematic study carried out by social scientists, the children from poor or broken families are thrice as likely as those in decent families to grow inferior to their peers or get into trouble with the law. This is because, as they point out, childhood tends to leave more of its mark on one’s mind. But this rule does not hold true for Charlie Chaplin. As is known to all, Charlie Chaplin, plain in appearance (貌不惊人)and short in stature(身材矮小), suffered from both hunger and his mother’s mental illness throughout his childhood. All these misfortunes, however, did not wear down his desire for happiness and success. Instead, they helped turn out a smart, resourceful and renowned comic. In a 1995 worldwide survey of film critics, Chaplin was voted the greatest actor in movie history. His life has born out the truth that all misfortune is only a stepping stone to success. more 返回 In our eyes, Chaplin’s miserable childhood, complete with British audience’s cold attitude toward his “crude” act on the stage, offered him little hope of success. But he did not like himself to be fate’s plaything and tried to look for other ways out. In 1913 he left his native country for good and found an ideal scope in America for displaying his talents (用武之地), which proved to be a turning point in his struggle toward success. So his story confirms the old saying that all roads lead to Rome. There are diverse ways of attaining success in life, but the point is to make adjustments in accordance with one’s cards. 返回 In other word