上海新世纪英语高一课文讲解(初三衔接高中)：12---16.doc

12. Rockwell and his works

Norman Rockwell was a famous American illustrator and cover artist. Many of his works had become well-known by the middle of the 20th century. Critics spoke highly of his works. For example, according to one critic, “Most artists affect us by surprising us. Rockwell affects us by giving us exactly what we expect.” The following are just a few examples of his magazine covers.

Cover one One of the best-known of all Rockwell’s covers! This painting is made up of two parts:the upper and the lower. . @Each detail in the lower picture is carefully matched with something in the upper part, so the result is kind of humorous. In this way, the painting presents the children’s moods in a sharp contrast: very happy when setting ou t and very tired and bored when coming back.

Cover two This painting shows Rockwell’s skills as a story teller. It tells an ordinary story about a school boy. The boy is busy with his studies. Outside the window a fishing pole is ready, and the boy’s dog is waiting i mpatiently. To the boy, these last days of schoolwork before the summer vacation seem the longest. . @They appear more so as the final examination is d rawing near. This is an old story of school children, but Rockwell tells it vividly in a simple way.

Cover three In this painting, a young mother is trying hard to make up her mind: to spank or to spare her naughty child. . @The broken clock on the floor suggests that the child has behaved in an entirely natural manner. When a hammer is within his reach, he breaks something with the hammer! At the time the painting was completed, the Rockwells were already parents. So the cover story perhaps describes the artist’s own life experience. . @With this experience, Rockwell could make every detail come alive in this painting.

13. A brief look at two metropolises

NEW YORK In the 19th century, a businessman predicated that New York was going to become the centre of the world. His prediction has partly come true. . @Today, New York is often regarded as one of the financial and cultural capitals of the Western World. The United Nations has it s headquarters in the city as well.

New York, where t he world-famous twin towers of the World Trade Center were once located, is known as a city of skyscrapers. There are parks, great museums, art galleries, grand theatres and cinemas for visitors as well. However, like many other cities in the world, New York also has its own problems---noise, air pollution, crimes, traffic jams, and slums.. @Still, the fast, exciting pace of life in New York City is fascinating and this may be a reason why the city conti nues to fascinate more and more people.

LONDON London was once known as a city of fog. At that time, many Londoners did not expect that their city would change for the better. However, heavy fog is now rarely seen in London.

. @As a city with a long history, London has also gone through many changes. The days are gone when horse-drawn carriages were a common sight in the street. Now London is famous for its excellent underground service and the red double-deckers have become a symbol of the city. . @T he second half of the 20th century saw great changes in the city. Skyscrapers have sprung up; business centres for the 21st century are also growing fast.

However, London has kept its heart. People can still enjoy themselves with a cup of tea in Convent Garden(科文特加登广场). Some of the narrow roads that lead to churches