当代研究生英语课件(下)Unit6-TextA.pptVIP

Unit 6 Content 1. Watch a video clip about popping the question:  Main Idea First reading: Scan the text and try to catch the main idea. The following words are for your reference to organize the idea: attitude changes courtship marriage World War I the fifties the sixties the seventies today Text Study Para. 1-2 1 There have been major changes in attitudes toward courtship and marriage among those middle-class, educated Americans who are celebrated in the media and who are style setters for American life. Courtship was once a regular part of American life; it was a long period, sometimes lasting for many years, and also a tentative one, during which a future husband or wife could still turn back but during which their relationship became more and more exclusive and socially recognized. Courtship both preceded the announcement of an engagement and followed the announcement, although a broken engagement was so serious that it could be expected to throw the girl into a depression from which she might never recover. 2 There were definite rules governing the courtship period, from the “bundling” permitted in early New England days, when young couples slept side by side with all their clothes Paras. 2-3 on, to strict etiquette that prescribed what sort of gifts a where expensive presents were customary. Gifts had to be either immediately consumable, like candy or flowers, or indestructible, like diamonds—which could be given back, their value unimpaired, if there was a rift in the relationship. Objects that could be damaged by use, like gloves and furs, were forbidden. A gentleman might call for a lady in a cab or in his own equipage, but it was regarded as inappropriate for him to pay for her train fare if they went on a journey. 3 How much chaperoning was necessary, and how much privacy the courting couple was allowed, was a matter of varying local custom. Long walks