英国文学选读summary.docx

SummaryRobinson CrusoeIt is a story abouta youth , named Robinson Crusoe ,who brokes his parentsexpection that being a lawyer and by his own hands becomes a successful bussines man in Brazil. However ,on one of his trade voyage A terrible shipwreck occurs and Robinson is the only survivor. He manages to make it to the shore of an island Robinson remains on the island for twenty-seven years. In that time, he recreates his English life, building homes, necessities, learning how to cook, raise goats and crops. About 15 years later ,he sees a footprint, and later observes cannibalistic savages eating prisoners. They dont live on the island; some years later they return.Using his guns, Crusoe scares them away and saves a young savage whom he names Friday.For some years the two live happily.Then after a few years, a exploring boat of Portuguese men comes ashore . Crusoe makes an agreement with the captain.Friday and he are finally taken to England. And Robinson returns to the English countryside and settles there, marrying and having three children. When his wife dies, he once more goes to the sea.HamletThetragedyofHamletisatragedyoflosses.Asonslossofhisfather.Achildsabandonmentbyhismother.Amansrejectionbyhislover.Alossoffriendship.Thelossoflives,andfinallythelossofacountry.Alloftheselossesaretragicwithinthemselvesbuttheultimatetragedyisthateachonecontainedwithinitselftheseedsofitsownmaking.TheseedsofdestructionaresownandgrowtoproducethetragediesoflossthatliescatteredthroughtheplayliketheflowersonOpheliascoffin The History of Tom Jones, a Foudling Tom Jones is a foundling discovered on the property of a very kind, wealthy landowner, Squire Allworthy, in Somerset in Englands West Country. Tom grows into a vigorous and lusty, yet honest and kind-hearted, youth. He develops affection for his neighbours daughter, Sophia Western. On one hand, their love reflects the romantic comedy genre that was popular in 18th-century Britain. However, Toms status as a bastard causes Sophias father and Allworthy to oppose their love; this criticism of class friction in society acted as a biting social commentary. The inclusion of prostitution and sexual promiscuity in the plot was also original for its time, and also acted as the foundation for criticism of the books lowness.The Merchant of VeniceIn this play, the Renaissance motifs of masculine friendship and romantic love are portrayed in opposition to the bitter inhumanity of a usurer named Shylock. Although the play ends happily for everyone except the revengeful Shylock, it is not a light-hearted comedy. On the surface, Shakespeares view of Shylock reflected the attitudes of the day. But the dramatist treated the moneylender as a very human and even sympathetic person. The character of Portia exemplifies the image of the quick-witted, warm, and responsive young woman who is successfully judged the law case of Shylock.Gullivers TravelsThe emperor of Lilliput, attended by several of the nobility, comes to see the author in his confinement. The emperors person and habit described. Learned men appointed to teach the author their language. He gains favour by his mild disposition. His pockets are searched, and his sword and pistols taken from him.The author diverts the emperor, and his nobility of both sexes, in a very uncommon manner. The diversions of the court of Lilliput described. The author has his liberty granted him upon certain conditions.Mildendo, the metropolis of Lilliput, described, together with the emperors palace. A conversation between the author and a principal secretary, concerning the affairs of that empire. The authors offers to serve the emperor in his wars.The author, by an extraordinary stratagem, prevents an invasion. A high title of honour is conferred upon him. Ambassadors arrive from the emperor of Blefuscu, and sue for peace. The empresss apartment on fire by an accident; the author instrumental in saving the rest of the palace.Of the inhabitants of Lilliput; their learning, laws, and customs; the manner of educating their children. The authors way of living in that country. His vindication of a great lady.The author, being informed of