Page 166 - tourism 2nd term 2021- 2022

When the big dog knocked Jenny down, the little girl cried until her mother
took the child in her arms and caressed her, saying that the dog was only
playing.

muster [v.] [often followed by "up"] to collect or gather together' also [with "in" and
"out"] to enlist in or be discharged from the military service

Mustering up his courage, Nat took a deep breath, straightened his tie,
smoothed down his hair, and went in to ask his boss for a raise.

ANECDOTE

Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804 – 1864), one of America's all-time major authors, had many
disappointments in his literary career. Being of a melancholy nature, he was at to become gloomy
about his future as a writer. Pessimism was Hawthorne's bitterest foe.

Three different times in his life Hawthorne had to give up writing as a Livelihood and take
a government job. At such times he became moody and could see nothing but the grim side of
life. If it had not been for his understanding wife Sophia he might very possibly have abandoned
literature altogether.

On one especially discouraging occasion, Hawthorne returned home with the
announcement that he had just lost his government position.

"What will we do now, Sophia?" he sighed in dismay. "This is the. end."

American literature is beholden to Sophia for what happened next. Instead of upbraiding
her husband for losing his job, she went to the cupboard, took down pen, ink, and paper, and
placed them on the table. Then, caressing her husband affectionately, she smiled and said, "Just
think of it! Now you'll be completely free to write that book you've had in mind and couldn't find
time for."

Sophia's positive attitude caused Hawthorne to muster up enough courage to sit down at
the table ad begin work. The result was The scarlet Letter, Hawthorne's finest novel and one of
the most valuable contributions to America literature.

Oral Exercise

Answer the following questions with new words from this lesson, using the words in
parentheses as a guide.

1. Q: Would you say the future looks bright?

A: [pessimistic]

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