The creator of Sherlock Holmes was once tasked to solve a real-life crime. He helped the wrongly convicted man go free. Do you remember that Doyle also participated in the search for Agatha Christie? He took one of her gloves to a spirit medium to find her location. The visionary supposedly said that Agatha Christie was still alive but was in the twilight state, and that shed show up next Wednesday. Believe it or not, but she was found a week later, safe and alive, claiming memory loss. After that, how can one not believe in miracles?
Apart from detective novels and science fiction, Arthur Conan Doyle also wrote poems, plays, and historical novels. Among his most well-known books are The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, A Study in Scarlet, The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Lost World, and many others.
The genius writer lived a rich life filled with many ups and downs. He died in 1930, surrounded by his family. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle will always be remembered as one of the greatest writers of all time.
Vocabulary
all-rounder [ˌɔːlˈraʊndə] всесторонне одаренный, развитый человек
boundless energy [ˈbaʊndləs ˈenəʤɪ] безграничная, неиссякаемая энергия
contradiction [ˌkɑːntrəˈdɪkʃn] противоречие
fairy [ˈfeəri] фея, волшебница
ghost [gəʊst] привидение, призрак
the supernatural [ðiː ˌsuːpəˈnætʃrəl] сверхъестественное
fictional character [ˈfɪkʃənl ˈkærəktə] вымышленный персонаж
prosperous family [ˈprɑːspərəs ˈfæməlɪ] благополучная, состоятельная семья
well-respected [wel rɪˈspektɪd] авторитетный, многоуважаемый
have a passion (for) [həv ə ˈpæʃn fɔː] обожать, страстно увлекаться чем-то, иметь страсть к чему-то
inherit [ɪnˈherɪt] унаследовать, перенять
health issues [helθ ˈɪʃuːz] проблемы со здоровьем
frustrated [ˈfrʌstreɪtɪd] разочарованный, отчаявшийся
provide for [prəˈvaɪd fɔː] материально обеспечивать
asylum [əˈsaɪləm] приют
nursing home [ˈnɜːsɪŋ həʊm] дом престарелых
boarding school [ˈbɔːdɪŋ skuːl] школа-интернат, пансион
corporal punishment [ˈkɔ:p(ə)rəl ˈpʌnɪʃmənt] телесное наказание
compete [kəmˈpiːt] состязаться, соревноваться
follow in ones footsteps [ˈfɑːləʊ ɪn wʌnz ˈfʊtsteps] идти по стопам кого-то
bachelors/masters degree [ˈbætʃələz ˈmæstəz dɪɡriː] степень бакалавра/магистра
have an impact (on) [hæv æn ˈɪmpækt ɑːn] оказать сильное влияние (на)
be inspired (by) [biː ɪnˈspaɪəd bai] вдохновляться
observation skills [ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃᵊn skɪlz] наблюдательность
deductive skills [dɪˈdʌktɪv skɪlz] дедуктивные способности
destiny [ˈdestɪnɪ] судьба
manuscript [ˈmænjəskrɪpt] рукопись
lose heart [luːz hɑːt] унывать, падать духом, опускать руки
attempt [əˈtempt] пытаться
posthumously [ˈpɒstjʊməsli] посмертно
get discouraged [get dɪsˈkɜːrɪdʒd] впадать в уныние
try ones hand (at) [traɪ wʌnz hænd æt] попробовать свои силы в чем-либо
earn extra money [ɜːn ˈekstrə ˈmʌnɪ] подзаработать, обеспечить себе дополнительный доход
devote time (to) [dɪˈvəʊt taɪm tu: ] посвятить время
business is blooming [ˈbɪznəs ɪz ˈbluːmɪŋ] дела идут в гору, бизнес процветает
surgeon [ˈsɜːʤən] хирург
surgery [ˈsɜːʤərɪ] хирургия, хирургическая операция
patient [ˈpeɪʃnt] пациент
tight-knit family [ˌtaɪt ˈnɪt ˈfæməlɪ] дружная, сплоченная семья
raise / bring up children [reɪz brɪŋ ʌpˈʧɪldrən] растить, воспитывать детей
become a household name [bɪˈkʌm ə ˈhaʊshəʊld neɪm] стать именем нарицательным
catchphrase [ˈkæʧfreɪz] коронная, крылатая фраза
plot twist [plɒt twɪst] поворот сюжета
provoke public outrage [prəˈvəʊk ˈpʌblɪk ˈaʊtreɪʤ] вызывать возмущение общественности
resurrect [ˌrezəˈrekt] воскрешать
proper treatment [ˈprɒpə ˈtriːtmənt] правильное, надлежащее лечение
make a miracle [meɪk əˈmɪrəkl] сотворить чудо
measured life [ˈmeʒəd laɪf] размеренная жизнь
supposedly [səˈpəʊzɪdlɪ] предположительно, якобы
hoax [həʊks] мистификация, выдумка, обман
transparent [trænˈspærənt] прозрачный
mythical creature [ˈmɪθɪkl ˈkriːʧə] мифическое существо
be confused [bi kənˈfjuːzd] смущаться, растеряться
confess [kənˈfes] признаваться, сознаваться
be embarrassed [biː ɪmˈbærəst] стесняться, смущаться
wrongly convicted [ˈrɔːŋli kənˈvɪktɪd] несправедливо осужденный
spirit medium [ˈspɪrɪt ˈmiːdɪəm] медиум; ясновидящий, который общается с духами
twilight state [ˈtwaɪlaɪt steɪt] сумеречное состояние[2]
show up [ʃəʊ ʌp] появляться
ups and downs [ʌps ən daʊnz] взлеты и падения, плюсы и минусы
Exercises
Exercise 1. Answer the following questions:
1) When and where was Arthur Conan Doyle born?
2) What kind of family was Arthur Conan Doyle born into?
3) What was his mother passionate about?
4) What was his fathers occupation?
5) What was Doyles personality like?
6) Did Arthur like going to a boarding school?
7) Did Doyle follow in his fathers footsteps?
8) What sports was Doyle good at?
9) Who was Dr. Bell? And how would you describe his personality?
10) How old was Arthur Conan Doyle when he wrote his first book? When was it published?
11) How many times did Arthur Conan Doyle get married? How many children did he have?
12) How did Arthur Conan Doyle meet his first wife?
13) What happened to his first wife, Louisa?
14) What was his reaction when he realized how serious her condition was?
15) Why did he become interested in spiritualism?
16) When was his first novel published? And what was it called?
17) Was Sherlock Holmes character inspired by a real person?
18) What image pops up in your mind when you hear the name Sherlock?
19) What kind of stories did Arthur Conan Doyle write?
20) Were the Cottingley Fairies real of fake?
21) What are Doyles greatest books of all time?
22) In your opinion, what are the best mystery novels of all time?
23) What are your favorite mystery novels?
24) Who are your favorite writers and why?
25) What book genres do you love?
26) Did someone read to you when you were a child?
27) Are there any genres you dislike?
Exercise 2. Find the equivalents of the following words and phrases in the text:
вымышленный персонаж; блестящий рассказчик; испытывать финансовые трудности; получить степень бакалавра; его талант не был полностью раскрыт; многоуважаемая творческая семья; какой образ возникает в вашем представлении; это лишь предположения; крылатое выражение; тяжело переживать утрату; страсть к чтению; неприятный опыт; посвятить себя медицине; журнал в мягкой обложке; расследовать преступление; как ни странно; пышная свадьба; дела не шли в гору
Exercise 3. Give the Russian equivalents of the following words and phrases:
to be born into a prosperous family; to have a strong impact (on); to be surrounded by family; to earn some extra money; to be raised in the environment of love; to devote time (to); to extend life; to live a measured, quiet life; a science fiction novel; to be inspired (by); to be common; exceptional skills; to try ones hand (at); life filled with ups and downs; to live another thirteen years; things changed drastically; to show an interest (in)
Exercise 4. Match each word with its synonym:
Detective Riddle No. 2
Do you like solving mysteries? If so, put your detective hat on and have fun! Read the story carefully and collect all the clues that lead to the suspect. Find all the information needed to solve the mystery.
Collect the evidence, check out alibis, and interrogate each suspect to solve the crime.
Possible suspects: Jessica, Linda, Grace, Jane, Jeremy.
The night before the wedding, Mary was having some close friends over: Jessica, Linda, and Grace. They were watching romantic comedies, singing songs, and gossiping. Mary was so excited and happy because her dream was about to come true. She had been dating Mark since high school, and he finally proposed to her.
Everyone was laughing, cheering, and clapping their hands when Mary showed her elegant wedding dress to them. She looked like a queen in it. She said that it was a present from her mom Jane. As a parent, Jane wanted only the best for her daughter. Her eyes were filled with tears of happiness, and she was proud of Mary. Jane was on good terms with Mark and hoped they would make a loving couple. Everyone seemed to be having fun. Actually, all of them had their own secrets.
Jessica was secretly in love with Mark but kept her feelings hidden. Mark lived in her neighborhood and sometimes gave her a ride home. They had much in common: they had exactly the same taste in music, films, sports, etc. Jessica hoped that one day he and Mary would split up. She was not going to give up.
Linda disliked Mark, and she had her own deeply personal reasons as well. First, Lindas brother Jeremy was in love with Mary. Second, Mark pretended to be something he wasnt. He was a gambler and constantly lost large sums of money. Linda had discussed it with Mary, but she didnt want to believe her. So, Linda made peace with Marys choice. She hoped that Mark would change after marriage.
Grace had a secret as well. She saw Mark with another girl last week, but she didnt tell Mary about it. She didnt want to upset her best friend or destroy other peoples relationship.
When the party ended and all the guests left, Mary immediately went to bed. She woke up about five hours after her alarm was supposed to go off. She felt dizzy and sick. When she went into the dining room, she had a strange feeling that something really bad might have happened. When she looked at her watch, Mary realized that she overslept and was late for her own wedding. She also discovered that her wedding dress had been ruined. Mary felt even worse and called an ambulance. The doctors found it was an attempted poisoning and called Sherlock Holmes. When the detective came to the crime scene, he immediately got a clue. The offender endangered Marys life and secretly put sleeping pills into her cocktail. Who was the criminal?
Edgar Allan Poe
(January 19, 1809 October 7, 1849)
Some people are born under a lucky star, while others are forced to resist the heavy blows of fate all their life. Thats how the world really works. However, we all must realize that hardships are a part of the precious gift called life. They make us stronger and wiser. They purify our souls. As the saying goes, When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile. Unfortunately, the life of Edgar Allan Poe was filled with losses, trials, and sadness and ended in а horrible tragedy. He died very young, but he managed to leave a significant mark on the world of literature. Poes contribution to the development of detective fiction was so great that, according to many, without him, we wouldnt even have Sherlock Homes. Years later, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle would say that Edgar Poe was a model for all time. The legendary writers last moments were the biggest mystery covered in darkness. The causes of Edgar Poes mysterious death are still unknown, though they have been the topic of persistent speculation over the years. Many theories exist, including serious illness and even murder. However, the circumstances of the incident and the sequence of events remain unclear. As I see it, the undisputed father of the detective story left behind him a mystery so puzzling that even the most illustrious detective Auguste Dupin, a fictional character created by Edgar Allan Poe, wouldnt be able to solve it. Lets together touch the enigmatic life of the greatest writer of all time and the man of extraordinary fate.
Edgar Allan Poe, an American writer, poet, literary critic, and the inventor of the detective novel, was born in Boston, on January 19, 1809, into the family of traveling actors Elizabeth and David Poe. Since childhood his life was full of tragic events. The legendary writer never really knew his parents. Just a year after Edgar Poes birth, his father abandoned their family and never returned. No one knows exactly about his fate, but reportedly he died the same year the writers mother did. By the age of three, little Edgar was orphaned. He was unofficially adopted by John Allan and his wife Frances, a well-to-do childless couple. His older brother Henry and younger sister Rosalie went to live with other families.
Poe was never reunited with his siblings as a family. Sadly, things werent easy for Rosalie and Henry, as if fortune turned back on them. For many years, Henry sailed around the world. On returning to Baltimore, he started writing short stories and poems. One of his works called The Pirate described the first relationship between Edgar Poe and his adolescent sweetheart Sarah Elmira Royster. Unfortunately, Henry died very young, when he was just twenty-four years old. Interestingly, his sisters life was also covered in mystery and misfortunes. Even her exact date of birth was unknown. There was speculation that Rosalie was not the true child of either David or Eliza Poe, and that her real father was supposedly the prominent actor John Howard Payne. Even Edgar Poe added fuel to the fire when he once said that Rosalie was actually his older sister. Rumors persist that when Rosalie was still a child, a wealthy resident of Richmond left her an enormous fortune. She was the sole heiress in his will, which gave rise to many curious speculations, rumors, and legends. As for her foster family, no one knows exactly whether she was treated like a family member or merely a ward. Unfortunately, Rosalies adult life was also a failure. She was said to walk the streets trying to sell postcards of her famous brother. As I see it, she was devastated and scared. Being unemployed, it was the only possible way to earn her living. She had no one to rely on and was left alone to survive in this world. Eventually, she lost heart. Rosalie spent her last days in a charity home.
Lets go back to the childhood of Edgar Poe. Taking pity on the baby, John and Frances Allan became his foster family, but they never adopted him officially. Poe seemed to have a strong bond with his foster mother, but he couldnt find a common language with his foster father. In fact, John Allan was a wealthy merchant and wanted Edgar to follow in his footsteps. He didnt approve of his passion for literature. Edgar, in turn, had no interest in taking up the family business. Its not surprising that they didnt get along well with each other. Though its commonly believed that opposites attract, in reality, the reverse is true. As I see it, Edgar Poe lived for his ideas and, like most writers, needed inspiration and privacy. Poe was a dreamer who lived in his little world, while his foster father was more down-to-earth and focused on material goods. Money had always been a touchy subject for John Allan, and he often accused Edgar of being ungrateful. No matter how complicated the relationship between Edgar and his foster father was, he got education at expensive boarding schools. Frances Allan was the complete opposite of her husband. She always gave Edgar care and attention and even encouraged his desire to become a poet.
In his teens, Poe fell in love with his neighbor Sarah Elmira Royster. They were secretly engaged to get married soon. Unfortunately, their plans were not destined to come true. At the time, they were too young: Sarah was fifteen and Edgar was sixteen. Besides, Sarahs father was against their relationship and disapproved of his daughters choice. Later, Mr. Royster would confess that his disapproval was only because of their young age. Personally, I believe that Edgar was seen as an unsuitable match for his daughter because he was an orphan. So, when Poe went to the University of Virginia, he sent love letters to his sweetheart but got no answer. As it turned out later, Mr. Royster intercepted and destroyed his letters, and Sarah thought that Edgar had forgotten her. Heartbroken, she married Alexander Shelton, a merchant from a well-to-do family. Nobody knows how the life of Edgar and Sarah would have turned out if Mr. Royster hadnt interfered with their relationship. However, its definitely clear that those events changed the course of Poes life forever. What may come as a surprise is that fate brought them together anyway, but that was many years later.