Unit1 The Graduate (1968)II Questions for ThoughtsThe following answers are given only for reference, and the students are encouraged to present their own understandings of or opinions on these questions.1. How do Benjamin Braddock’s parents celebrate his returning home? Does Benlike this idea?2. Who are invited to the party? What do they think of Ben? Why?3. How does Ben behave himself at the party? Why does he finally escape to hisroom upstairs?4. Who is Mrs. Robinson? How does she persuade Ben to drive her home?5. How does Mrs. Robinson make Ben stay with her in her house? What does Benthink of her?6. How does the family celebrate Ben’s birthday? Does Ben have a good time?Why?7. Why does Ben invite Mrs. Robinson to accompany him at the hotel?8. How does Ben manage to get a room at the hotel? Is he prepared for havingan affair with Mrs. Robinson?9．How do Ben’s parents plan for his future? Do they get suspicious of his behavior?10. How would you describe the relationship between Ben and Mrs. Robinson?Why does Ben insist on starting a conversation with her while they are together in the hotel room for the second time?11. What does Mrs. Robinson say about her marriage?12. What promise does Ben make to Mrs. Robinson? Does he promise her willingly?Why?13. Does Ben keep his promise? Why?14. How does Ben behave himself on his first date with Elaine? Why does hedo so?15. How does Elaine get to know that Ben had an affair with her mother? Howdo the daughter and the mother react to the revealing the truth?16. HOW does Ben know that Elaine left for Berkeley? What does he decide todo then?17. Does Ben have a substantial conversation with Elaine after he arrivedin Berkeley? Why? What does he do then?18. Why does Elaine go to visit Ben and then ask Ben to leave her alone? Doesshe believe in Ben’s words about his relationship with her mother?19. How does Mrs. Robinson get to know the affair? What does he decide todo?20. Why does Elaine refuse Ben’s proposal?21. How does Ben get to know that Elaine is going to marry Carl?22. How does Ben find the wedding church and how does he prevent the announcementof the marriage?23. How do Ben and Elaine manage to flee from the church?24. What do you think of Mrs. Robinson? Why does she seduce a boy who is almost20 years younger than herself? And why does she try to stop Ben from seeingher daughter?25. What do you think of Ben? Why does he start an affair with his father’s parent’s wife who is almost twice his age?Ⅴ. Research ActivitiesFour basic aspects of the movie:Background: historical background, social background, the novel on which the movie is based, the author of the novel, production of the movie, etc.Themes: the main ideas that the movie intends to convey to the audience. Conflicts: conflicts within oneself, conflicts with others, conflicts with the society, conflicts between events, conflicts of ideas, etc.Performances: actor, actress, director, playwright, song, music, Academy Awards, etc.These four aspects, however, can never be clear-cut; they are often interrelated. The information provided below serves as some supplementary material only. The students are free to present any material relevant to the four aspects. Their presentations should include both factual information and their own opinions or comments.Scarborough FairBy Simon& GarfunkelAre you going to Scarborough fair? Parsley, sage, rosemary and thymeRemember me to one who lives there; she once was a true love of mineTell her to make me a cambric shirt, Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme Without no seams or needlework, then she’ll be a true love of mineTell her to find me an acre of land, parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme Between the salt water and the sea strand, then she’ll be a true love of mineTell her to reap it in a sickle of leather, parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme And to gather it all in a bunch of heather, then she’ll be a true love of mineAre you going to Scarborough fair? Parsley, sage, rosemary and thymeRemember me to one who lives there; she once was a true love of mineThe Sound of SilenceBy Paul SimonHello darkness, my old friend,I’ve come to talk with you again,Because a vision softly creeping,Left its seeds while I was sleeping,And the vision that was planted in my brainStill remainsWithin the sound of silence.In restless dreams I walked alone,Narrow streets of cobblestone,‘Neath the halo of a street lamp,I turned my collar to the cold and dampWhen my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon lightThat split the nightAnd touched the sound of silence.And in the naked light I sawTen thousand people, maybe more.People talking without speaking,People hearing without listening,People writing songs that voice never shareAnd no one dareDisturb the sound of silence.“Fools” said I, “You do not knowSilence like a cancer grows.Hear my words that I might teach you,Take my arms that I might reach you.”But my words like silent raindrops fell,And echoedIn the wells of silenceAnd the people bowed and prayedTo the neon god they made.And the sign flashed out its warning,In the words that it was forming.And the sign said, “The words of the prophetsAre written on the subway wallsAnd tenement halls.”And whispered in the sound of silence.Unit 2 Kramer vs. KramerⅡ.Questions for ThoughtsThe following answers are given only for reference, and the students are encouraged to present their own understandings of or opinions on these questions.1. Why does Joanna looks so sad while she is kissing her son good night? Whathas she decided to do?2. Is Ted prepared for this? Why is he so insensitive?3. What does Margaret tell Ted about Joanna? Has Ted become aware of the problem?Why or why not?4. How does Ted cook breakfast for Billy and himself for the first time? Whydoes Ted talk so much while cooking?5. Who is Mr. O’Conner? What is his attitude when he hears about Ted’s problem?6. When and how does Joanna explain her leaving to Billy?7. When Ted reads Joanna’s letter to Billy, how does Ted feel and how does Billyunderstand it?8. How is it for Ted to be a father and a mother at the same time? What doeshe do to make Billy happy?9. How does Ted explain to Billy one evening that Joanna’s leaving is his fault,not Billy’s?10. Does the family problem affect Ted’s work in the company? How doesMr. O’Conner treat Ted at his difficult time?11. Why does Joanna come back to New York? Where has she been? What hasshe been doing?12. How does Ted react when Joanna brings up the problem of the custodyof Billy? Why does Ted disagree to give the custody to Joanna?13. According to the family law attorney, what are the things that Ted should getprepared for if he decides to retain the custody? What kind of a pros-and-cons list does Ted work out?14. How does Joanna explain to the court why she wants to leave her husbandand son in the first place?15. In what way does Joanna believe that her experience in California helpsto regain her self-esteem?16. At the court, how does Ted argue for his right in his son’s life?17. Has Ted really changed as Margaret says?18. In what way does the legal battle make things rather tough and bitterfor both Joanna and Ted?19. What is the final verdict? Why doesn’t Ted appeal?20. How does Ted explain the court’s decision to Billy? How does the boy take it?21. Why does Joanna change her idea of taking Billy away from Ted?22. What does the director intend to convey in the movie?Answer to this question may vary.ⅴ. Research ActivitiesFour Basic Aspect of the MovieBackground: historical background, social background, the novel on which the movie is based, the author of the novel, production of the movie,etc.Themes: the main ideas that the movie intends to convey to the audience. Conflicts: conflicts within oneself, conflicts with others, conflicts with the society, conflicts between events, conflicts of ideas, etc.Performances：actor, actress, director, playwright, song, music, Academy Awards, etc.These four aspects, however, can never be clear-cut; they are often interrelated. The information provided below serves as some supplementary material only. The students are free to present any material relevant to the four aspects. Their presentations should include both factual information and their own opinions or comments.Unit 3 Splendor in the Grass (1961)II. Questions for ThoughtsThe following answers are given only for reference, and the students are encouraged to present their own understandings of or opinions on these questions.1. What’s the relationship between Deanie and Bud? In what way are they attractiveto each other?2. What is troubling Bud while being together with Deanie?3. What is Deanie’s confusion about love?4. What does Deanie’s mother, Mrs. Loomis, say about sex and virginity? How doesher advice Deanie to behave in front of boys?5. How does Bud’s father, Mr. Stamper, deal with his son’s romance with Deanie?6. What future does Bud’s father design for Bud? What does Bud himself like todo? Does his father listen to him? Why?7. What does Bud’s sister Ginny do that makes her become the talk of the town?8. According to Bud’s father, there are two kinds of girls—nice girls and badgirls. Do Deanie and Ginny represent these two kinds? Please give your comments.Answer to this question may vary.9. How does Ginny’s tragedy affect Bud? Why does Bud suddenly stop seeing Deanie?10. What happens to Deanie when she is asked by the teacher to explain the poem by William Wordsworth？Why does she feel so strongly about the poem？What is her interpretation of the lines？11. What is Mrs. Loomis suspicious of when she finds Deanie trying miserably to relax herself in the bathtub? How does Deanie react to her mother’s suspicious? Why does Deanie shout repeatedly to her mother that she is not spoiled?12. How does Deanie show up at the Bon Voyage Grads dance?Why does she do so?13. Why does Bud refuse Deanie at the parking lot? How does Deanie take his denial? What drives her to commit suicide?14. How does Bud feel when he sees Deanie lying in the hospital bed murmuring his name? Is Bud the cause of Deanie’s insanity? Why or why not?Answers to these questions may vary.15. How does Bud spend his time at Tale University? What does he do to disappoint his father?16. Why does Mr. Tamper commit suicide?17. Who does Deanie meet at the Wichita hospital? How does Deanie gradually get recovered?18. Why does Deanie decide to marry Johnnie Masterson when she leaves the hospital? What does her doctor suggest her to do when she goes back home? Why?19. Has Deanie’s mother reflected on her way of raising Deanie? How does she explain this to her daughter?20. when Deanie decides to see Bud, who tells her where he is, why does Deanie kiss her father?21. How does Deanie feel when she sees the changes in Bud’s life?(Answers to this question may vary.)22. Who should be blamed for the painful shattering of Deanie and Bud’s intense, youthful first love?Answers to this question may vary.23. What does the movie’s title imply?Answers to this question may vary.v. Research ActivitiesFour basic aspects of the movieBackground: historical background, social background, the novel on which the movie is based, the author of the novel, production of the movie, etc. Theme: the main ideas that the movie intends to convey to the audience. Conflict: conflicts within oneself, conflicts with others, conflicts with the society, conflicts between events, conflicts of ideas, etc. Performances: actor, actress, director, playwright, song, music, Academy Awards, etc.There four aspects, however, can never be clear-cut; they are ofteninterrelated. The information provided below serves as somesupplementary material only. The students are free to present anymaterial relevant to the four aspects. Their presentation shouldinclude both factual information and their own opinions or comments.Unit 4 Dead Poets SocietyII. Questions for ThoughtsThe following answers are given only for reference, and the students are encouraged to present their own understanding of or opinions on these questions1. Why do parents try to send their sons to the Welton Academy? What are the four pillars of the Academy?2. Who is introduced at the school opening ceremony as a new teacher?3. Why does Mr. Perry ask his son Neil Perry to drop some of the extracurricular activities? What tone does he when talking to his son? Why?4. What suggestions do the other boys put forward then? How does Neil act on it?5. What is the general classroom teaching at Welton like? Are the students attracted and stimulated by their teachers? Why or why not?6. In Mr. Keating’s first class, what teaching approach does he apply? What message does he try to convey to the boys? How do the boys like it?7. How would the boys address Mr. Keating if they are more daring? What is the sentiment of Carpe Diame?8. In his second class, which part of the literature textbook does Mr. Keating ask the boys to rip out? Why?9. Why are the romanticism and poems worth learning? How does Mr. Keating explain to the boys?10. What is Dead Poets Society according to Mr. Keating11. How is Neil Perry stimulated and what is he going to do?12. In Mr. Keating’s next class, what dose he intend to convey to the boys by standing on his desk?13. On anther day, why does Mr. Keating ask his boys to read aloud a famous line of a poem before they kick the soccer ball on the field?14. One day in a courtyard, why does Mr. Keating ask the boys to walk differently? What does he say to them about the importance of their own stride?15. How does the school authority respond to Mr. Keating’s way of teaching? What does the school master suggest him to do? What is Mr. Keating’s argument?16. Todd is a quiet and shy boy. How does Mr. Keating stimulate him to contribute his own verse in the classroom?17. Why do Todd’s parents send their son a study board as the birthday gift, the same birthday gift as last year? Why does Todd feel so depressed about it? What does he do with the study board at last? What does that indicate?18. Why is Neil so excited about being able to play a role in the play? Does he worry about his father’s certain objection?19. Does Neil’s father find out about his son’s decision later? What does Neil’s father force him to do?20. Why does Neil go to Mr. Keating’s room the night before the play? What does Mr. Keating suggest Neil to do? Does Neil act on the teacher’s suggestion? Why or why not?21. Neil’s performance a success? How is he welcomed and appreciated by the peer performers and the audience? How does his father feel instead? What does he say to Neil?22. why does Neil commit suicide? Who should be blamed, his father, Mr. Keating, the school, or Neil himself? Please comment on it.23. what happens to Mr. Keating after the incident? Should the school authority put the blame on Mr. Keating? why or why not?Answers to the last two questions may vary.24. How does Todd show his protest of Mr. Keating’s dismissal? Do the other boys follow suit? What gives them the courage to do so?25. What the essence of Mr. Keating’s teaching? Do the boys seize it?Answers to these questions may vary.Unit 5 Philadelphia (1993)II. Questions for ThoughtsThe following answers are given only for reference, and the students are encouraged to present there own understandings of or opinions on these questions.1. Why does Andrew go to the hospital for a blood test? What seems to be his problem?2. Why does the law firm Wyant Wheeler give the High Line case to Andrew?3. When shaking hands with Andrew, Walter Kenton notices the lesion on Andrew’s face. How does he react? Does Andrew tell him what it is? Why?4. Why does the High Line complaint suddenly vanish during Andre’s leave? Doesthis happen accidently? Why?5. What is the relationship between Andrew and Miguel? How can you tell?6. For what reason is Andrew fired by the firm? What does Andrew think is the realreason the firm fires him? What does he decide to do?7. When Andrew comes to Joe, asking for help, does Joe agree to accept his client?Why? What kind of opinion does Joe hold toward homosexuals and people who are infected with AIDS?8. Why does Andrew go to the library? Why does the librarian suggest Andrew usethe private research room? How does Andrew react to his suggestion?9. Joe happens to be in the library that evening. Why does Joe later decide torepresent Andrew in his suit against Wyant Wheeler?10. What do the family members say about Andrew’s decision to go to the trial?11. What are the points Joe presents to the jury in his opening speech at the court?How does Belinda, the defendant lawyer, refute his points?12. How does Joe examine Mr. Laird about his comments on Andrew’s working ability? What is he trying to prove?13. What is the public opinion toward homosexuality? How does Joe reply to thequestion raised by a lady reporter regarding the special treatment for homosexuals?Does he personally believe what he says?14. How do Joe’s colleagues look at Joe after he takes the case for Andrew? Howdoes Joe resist to the pressure of such opinion?15. Maria Torres, a witness who used to be infected with AIDS through bloodtransfusion. How does she get involved in this case? How does her previous employer, one of the board members at Wyant Wheeler now, threat her at that time?16. Why does Joe invite African American Anthea Burton at Wyant Wheeler to the courtas a witness?17. Why does Joe suddenly ask witness Jamey Collins the question whether he is agay? What seems to be the other issue that is actually being discussed at the court besides AIDS?18. How does Joe attack Walter Kenton at the court regarding the issue homosexuality?19. Does the deadly disease scare Andrew? How hard does he fight for the justiceof the law?How hard does he fight for the justice of the law?20. Why do Andrew and Miguel hold a gay party one evening before the final trialon Monday?21. What opera does Andrew listen to when he is with Joe alone after the party? Whydoes he love to listen to this opera? Is Joe impressed somehow by the opera? Why?22. What does Andrew love the law the most according to his answer to Joe at thecourt?23. What is the final verdict? What does the director intend to tell in his movie?V. Research ActivitiesFour basic aspects of the movieBackground: historical background, social background, the novel on which the movie is based, the author of the novel, production of the movie, etc.Themes: the main ideas that the movie intends to convey to the audience. Conflicts: conflicts within oneself, conflicts with others, conflicts with the society, conflicts between events, conflicts of ideas, etc.Performances: actor, actress, director, playwright, song, music, Academy Awards, etc.These four aspects, however, can never be clear-cut; they are often interrelated. The information provided below serves as some supplementary material only. The students are free to present any material relevant to the four aspects. Their presentations should include both factual information and their own opinions or comments.Unit 6 American BeautyⅡ. Questions for ThoughtsThe following answers are given only for reference, and the students are encouraged to present their own understandings of or opinions on these questions.1．Is the Burnham’s family a typical American middle-class family? How can you tell?2. What kind of life does Lester think he is living? What problems is Lesterfaced with in his career and family?3. Is Carolyn satisfied with her life? What is her idea of success?4. Why does Jane feel bitter about her life?5. Who is Angela? How are Jane and Angela different from each other inappearance and in personality? How can these two girls keep a friendship?6. How does Lester get to know Angela? What does she say one day that seemsto help him get back his vitality he has lost for long? What does he do to regain his vitality?7. Where does Lester meet Ricky, his new neighbor? Why does he think Ricky ishis personal hero?8. Why does Lester finally quit his job with the magazine and takes a job at a fastfood restaurant?9. What does Carolyn do to get herself out of the deep disappointment with her life?10. What has Carolyn found out from her close relationship with King? Is he reallyas successful in his life and career as she expects?11. Why does Ricky become so obsessed with his video camera? Why does that flyingwhile plastic bag attract him? What is beauty in his eyes?12. How do Ricky and Jane gradually become friends? How does Ricky help Jane outof her bitterness？13. Who is Colonel Fits? Why does he collect guns and keep a plate with a swastika?14. In what way does Colonel Fits treat his son, Ricky? Is Ricky obedient to hisfather?15. What attitude does Colonel Fits hold toward the gay neighbors? Why?16. What does Colonel Fits suspect about the relationship between his son and Lester?17. Why does Colonel Fits go to Lester’s garage on that storming night?18. Why does Angela feel hurt when Ricky says she is just ordinary?19. Why is Lester surprised when Angela says this is her first time?20. Can you explain the two sentences by Lester “You are beautiful. You are sobeautiful”?21. Who kills Lester? Why?22. What does the title “American Beauty” refer to?23. What does the color of rose symbolize in this film?Unit 7 The Shawshank RedemptionⅡ.Questions for ThoughtsThe following answers are given only for reference, and the students are encouraged to present their own understandings of or opinions on these questions.1. Who is Andy? Why is he brought to the court? How does Andy defend for himself?How does the court rule his case?2. Who is Red? How does he describe Andy at his first sight at him in ShawshankPrison? How does Andy impress Red later? How unusual is this new guy in Red’s eye?3. After 20 years’service in prison, Red is brought to a parole hearing. What question is raised? How does he answer the question? Why is his application rejected?4．What hardships has Andy experienced during his first two years in Shawshank? Why does he remain silent to the unfair verdict by the government and the abuses by the inmates?5. Why does Andy walk to the chief prison guard giving him advice on the tax matter at the risk of his life? What does the beautiful smile on his face tell when he is watching his fellow inmates drinking the beer earned by hum?6. Why does Warden Norton offer Andy a better job, working in the prison library?7. After 50 years in prison, old Brooks is finally on parole. However, is he happy with the life outside? Why does he commit suicide at the halfway house?8． what does Andy do to build up the library? Why is he so developed to it?9． why does Andy venture to the guard office and broadcast Mozart all over the prison? How does the music affect the prisoners?10．how is Andy punished for playing Mozart’s music、what supports him during the punishment?11． why is red rejected again at the parole hearing after 30 years service? Why does Andy buy him a harmonica as a gift?12．What program does Norton put on this year to impress the public that he is a caring and democratic warden? What dirty deals does he make behind the scenes?13 .How does Andy help Norton accumulate the filthy wealth arousing any suspicion?Why does Andy do so?14. What is the astonishing news that Tommy, the new comer, breaks to Andy? Is Nortonwilling to help Andy find out the real killer of his wife? Why?15. Why does Andy continue to work for Norton after he is released from the solitaryconfinement?16. Where is Zihuatanejo? Why does Andy dream for the place? What does Red thinkof his idea of living in Zihuatanejo?17. What does Red promise Andy to do if someday he gets out of Shawshank?18. Why do Red and some other inmates feel that Andy is a bit strange that day? Whydoes Red say that storming night is the longest night of his life?19. What surprises Norton and the guards the next morning? What do they find in Andy’s cell?20. How does Andy escape the night? What is it that supports him to strive?.21 how does Andy take revenge against Norton? What happens to Norton at last?22. Where is Andy heading for after he finishes his prison journey?23. At the third parole hearing after 40 years` service, Red`s application is approved. Why?24. Why doesn`t Red enjoy his life out of Shawshank? What is the one thing that stopshim from committing suicide?25. What is written in the letter Andy leaves for Red in the secret hole in thehayfield? Why does Andy make such an arrangement?26. What does Andy mean by saying that “I guess it comes down to a simple choice,really. Get busy living or get busy dying?”Answers to this question may vary.V．Research ActivitiesFour basic aspects of the movieBackground: historical background, social background, the novel on which the movie is based, the author of the novel, production of the movie, etc.Themes: the main ideas that the movie intends to convey to the audience. Conflicts: conflicts within oneself, conflicts with others, conflicts with the society, conflicts between events, conflicts of ideas, etc.Performances: actor, actress, director, playwright, song, music Academy Awards, etc.These four aspects, however, can never be clear-cut; they are often interrelated. The information provided below serves as some supplementary material only. Thestudents are free to present any material relevant to the four aspects. Their presentations should include both factual information and their own opinions or comments.Unit 9 Jungle Fever (1991)Ⅱ.Questions for ThoughtsThe following answers are given only for reference, and the students are encouraged to present their own understandings of or opinions on these questions.1. Who is Flipper?2. Does he have a happy family? How does he get along with his wife and his daughter?3. What kind of neighborhood does Flipper come from? How do his parents impress you?4. Who is Angie? What kind of family and neighborhood does she come from?5. How does Flipper feel when he is introduced to his new secretary Angie in the office? Why?6. How does Flipper get along with Angie? What happens between them one evening after dinner in the office? Why does it happen?7. How does Flipper do in his company? How do the heads of the company respondto his application for the promotion? What might be the reason for the refusal?8. What plan does Flipper have for his future? Does his best friend Cyrusbelieve it’s wise for him to quit? Why?9. What does Flipper confide to Cyrus one day? What is Cyrus’s response?10.What does Cyrus mean by saying that both Flipper and Angie get a “Jungle Fever?”11.How do Angie’s two girl friends react when she confides to them about the affairshe has with Flipper? How do they regard the interracial affair?12.How does Drew, Flipper’s wife, react when she learns about her husband’s affairwith the white secretary? What makes her so furious, the affair itself or any other factor as well?13.What are the attitudes of Drew’s black girl friends towards the interracialaffair?14.How do Flipper’s parents regard his affair? What does Flipper’s father do?15.When word gets to Angie’s neighborhood about her romance with Flipper, whatdoes her father do to her and what do the neighbors think of her? Why are they so enraged?16.Why do the policemen come when Flipper and Angie are teasing each other in thestreet of the white neighborhood?17.Is the relationship between Flipper and Angie flowering? Are they stillattractive to each other as much as before?18.Why does Flipper say that he will never have any child with Angie?19.Why does Flipper decide to break up with Angie? How does he explain to her? Howdoes Angie take it?。
