Frankenstein

Simplified Chinese

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WORD PAIR ENGLISH CLASSICS

Frankenstein (Annotated)

With Word Pairs

in English and Simplified Chinese

Word Pair Edition by
Minghua Li

Original novel by Mary Shelley

Word Pair Publishing, LLC

All rights reserved with respect to the original annotations, adaptations, Word Pair content, and other original material in this edition. No part of such copyrighted material may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except as permitted by applicable copyright law.

The original text of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is in the public domain. No copyright is claimed in the original public-domain text.

This annotated edition was created using proprietary Word Pair technology, a patent-pending method that leverages the functionalities of word pairs in text layouts to enhance reading and vocabulary learning.

Published by Word Pair Publishing, LLC

For permissions and inquiries, please contact:

Minghua Li

wordpairbooks@gmail.com

First edition: October 2026

Table of Contents

Before You Begin

开始阅读之前

Editor’s Preface

Note to High School English Teachers.

编者中文序言

Original Introduction to the 1831 Edition

Original Preface to the 1818 Edition

Walton, in Continuation (Part 1)

Walton, in Continuation (Part 2)

Walton, in Continuation (Part 3)

Before You Begin

A few things to know before you start reading:

This edition is designed primarily for readers whose first language is Chinese, but it can serve English-only readers equally well. You do not need to know Chinese to use this edition.

For a new word, each Word Pair provides a simpler English equivalent first, followed by a Chinese equivalent. Readers who do not know Chinese—including native English speakers who want help with new or difficult words—can simply use the English equivalent and ignore the Chinese.

You are reading the original novel.

Mary Shelley’s original text has not been simplified or rewritten. Word Pairs and other reading assistance have been added to help readers understand the original language while preserving the original text.

Additional vocabulary and reading-comprehension practice can accompany your reading.

If you would like to do additional work on new words and further develop and test your reading comprehension as you read, check the Word Pair Publishing website for current information about the following companion test book:

WordPairTest

Vocabulary and Reading Tests

A Companion to the Word Pair Edition of

Frankenstein

See the Endnotes and the Word Pair Publishing website for current information about companion test books.

Additional study materials and reading tools can give you extra benefits from this book.

Visit the Word Pair Publishing website to see which study materials are currently available for Frankenstein. These may include:

Word lists on our website, you can click the words to hear their pronunciation if you find an online dictionary elsewhere that supports this feature.

An AI-generated study guide to the original novel, providing useful background and discussions of its social and historical setting, plot, characters, themes, and other aspects of the work.

Additional reading and study materials developed for this book.

You may also check whether the Word Pair browser extension for AI-powered reading and learning has become available by the time you purchase this book. The extension is being developed to provide additional AI-powered assistance for reading, vocabulary learning, and review.

Visit https://wordpairpublishing.com/ for these study materials and for current information about available Word Pair reading and learning tools.

The Preface explains how to get the most from this edition.
If this is your first Word Pair book, reading the Preface is recommended. It explains the Word Pair system, vocabulary lists, reading assistance, study features, and the ideas behind this edition.

开始阅读之前

在您开始阅读之前，有几点需要了解：

本版本主要为母语为中文的读者设计，但对只使用英文的读者同样适用。您不需要懂中文也可以使用本版本。

对于一个新单词，每一个 Word Pair 都会先提供一个较简单的英文对应词，然后再提供中文对应词。不懂中文的读者——包括希望在阅读新单词或较难单词时获得帮助的英语母语读者——可以只使用英文对应词，而忽略中文。

您阅读的是原著。

Mary Shelley 的原文并未被简化或改写。Word Pairs 以及其他阅读辅助内容是在保留原文的基础上加入的，目的是帮助读者理解原著的语言。

如果您希望进行额外的学习和练习，可以查询配套测试书的信息。如果您希望在阅读过程中对新单词进行更多学习，并进一步提高和测试自己的阅读理解能力，请浏览 Word Pair Publishing 网站，了解以下配套测试书的最新信息：

WordPairTest

Vocabulary and Reading Tests

A Companion to the Word Pair Edition of

Frankenstein

有关配套测试书的最新信息，请参阅本书的后记（Endnotes）并浏览 Word Pair Publishing 网站。

其他学习材料和阅读工具可以让您从本书获得更多益处。

您可以浏览 Word Pair Publishing 网站，查看目前为《Frankenstein》提供的学习材料。这些材料可能包括：

网站上的单词表，您可以自己找到在线字典，点击单词以获得发音帮助。

由 AI 生成的原著study guide，帮助您了解作品的社会与历史背景，以及有关情节、人物、主题和作品其他方面的讨论。

为本书提供的其他阅读和学习材料。

您也可以查看在您购买本书时，用于 AI 驱动阅读与学习的 Word Pair 浏览器扩展程序是否已经推出。这一扩展程序正在开发之中，旨在为阅读、词汇学习和复习提供更多 AI 驱动的帮助。

请浏览 https://wordpairpublishing.com/，查看这些学习材料以及目前已经推出的 Word Pair 阅读与学习工具。

序言将说明如何更好地使用本版本。
如果这是您第一次阅读 Word Pair 图书，建议您阅读序言。序言将介绍 Word Pair 系统、词汇表、阅读辅助、学习功能，以及本版本背后的基本理念。

Editor’s Preface

Have you ever wanted to read a classic novel such as Frankenstein but felt intimidated by difficult vocabulary and old-fashioned sentence structures? If so, you are not alone. Even many native English speakers find classic literature challenging. Unfamiliar words, complex grammar, and historical expressions can make it difficult to enjoy the story itself.

Many readers turn to abridged editions, but abridgments often remove much of the author’s original style, atmosphere, and insight. When reading the unabridged text, students frequently spend so much effort decoding difficult words and sentences that they miss the powerful storytelling, character development, and questions about ambition, responsibility, rejection, and isolation that make Frankenstein an enduring work of literature.

This edition was created to make the original novel more accessible to modern readers. The goal is to help students build vocabulary, improve reading confidence, and experience Mary Shelley's work as authentically as possible. Instead of struggling with every unfamiliar word, readers can focus on understanding and enjoying the story.

This edition of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein has been adapted using the patent-pending Word Pair™ technique.

An AI analysis of the annotated version of Frankenstein counted 7,323 unique English word forms in the main text. Of these, 1,895 words (about 26%) are annotated with vocabulary explanations, while the remaining 5,428 words (about 74%) are not. This means that, despite the annotations, readers will most likely still need a vocabulary of at least 5,000 English words to read this edition comfortably, without having to look up unfamiliar words too frequently.

Why Word Pairs?

Unfamiliar words can interrupt reading even for readers with a substantial English vocabulary. Footnotes and endnotes provide explanations, but require readers to look away from the passage and then find their place again.

With the arrival of computers, popup translations, word-selection searches, and hover definitions made explanations more accessible to readers who found a text difficult to understand. This was a major advance. However, obtaining assistance through clicks, selections, or cursor movements still comes at the cost of interrupting the reading flow.

Existing reading-assistance approaches broadly include three types: marked-word assistance, where moving the cursor over a marked word or link reveals an explanation; selection-based assistance, where selecting a word displays its translation; and parallel-text assistance, where original and translated sentences or paragraphs appear alongside one another. The first two require an action to reveal assistance; the third requires readers to shift between the original and its translation. In each case, understanding depends on consulting information outside the immediate sequence of the original wording.

These interruptions accumulate, consuming time, creating frustration, and sometimes discouraging further reading. Imagine reading 100 pages a day: how many lookups might be needed, and how much time and enjoyment might be lost? Moreover, some uncommon words may appear fewer than ten times in a reader’s lifetime. Readers need to understand them in the passage, but spending time memorizing every such word may offer little practical benefit.

Word Pair technology places a simpler English equivalent beside an unfamiliar word, together with a native-language equivalent in bilingual editions. The original wording remains, while understanding support becomes part of the text’s layout, immediately available without a click, selection, or separate lookup. The Read-and-Go mechanism lets readers understand words they do not plan to memorize and move on, preserving time and attention for the story and for words they choose to learn.

For English language learners (ELLs), easier, more enjoyable reading also creates opportunities to read more and encounter newly learned words repeatedly in meaningful contexts. We call the resulting development word naturalization: a word gradually becomes directly understandable without requiring conscious translation.

How This Edition Helps You

For many words that may be unfamiliar or difficult, the original text has been enhanced with Word Pairs. A Word Pair consists of an original word from the novel and a Word Companion in parentheses, containing a simple English equivalent followed by a colon and a Chinese equivalent. For example, indignation (anger:愤慨) is a Word Pair for the original word "indignation", and the expression "(anger:愤慨)" serves as its Word Companion, providing both a simple English explanation and a Chinese equivalent.

What If I Do Not Know Chinese?

You may notice that each Word Pair includes a Chinese equivalent after the English synonym. The Chinese equivalent is intended as an additional learning aid and can be ignored if you do not read Chinese.

An English-only Word Pair edition uses the same technique without Chinese equivalents. In that format, the Word Pair for the word “indignation” appears as “indignation (anger)” rather than “indignation (anger:愤慨)”. Readers can visit the Word Pair Publishing website for current information about available editions.

How to Use the Vocabulary Lists

Before each chapter, you will find two vocabulary lists.

The first is the “Word List with word pairs: Should-Remember Words.” This list contains 20 relatively common but challenging words selected from the chapter. Each entry includes its Word Pair and pronunciation references. These are the words to prioritize if you want to expand your vocabulary.

The second is the “Word List with word pairs: Read-and-Go Words.” This list includes the remaining challenging words from the chapter. These words are provided to support smoother reading, allowing you to continue reading without frequently stopping to consult a dictionary.

The word lists provide three pronunciation references in square brackets: a dictionary-style respelling, followed by American English IPA labelled AmE and British English IPA labelled BrE.

Each entry in the two Word Lists retains the original word and its Word Companion. Inside the square brackets, three types of pronunciation references are provided in the following order. The first is the Default Pronunciation Respelling, which uses Merriam-Webster’s pronunciation respelling system and appears directly inside the square brackets without a separate label. The notation following AmE is the American English International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), while the notation following BrE is the British English International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). IPA stands for International Phonetic Alphabet. The first pronunciation reference uses a notation system different from IPA and should therefore not be mistaken for phonetic transcription in the International Phonetic Alphabet. Readers can choose to refer to either the American or British pronunciation according to their learning needs.For example, the entry for offspring reads: offspring [ˈȯf-ˌspriŋ; AmE: ˈɑːf.sprɪŋ; BrE: ˈɒf.sprɪŋ] (child: 子女). Here, [ˈȯf-ˌspriŋ] is the default pronunciation respelling, AmE: ˈɑːf.sprɪŋ is the American English IPA transcription, and BrE: ˈɒf.sprɪŋ is the British English IPA transcription. The information in parentheses, (child: 子女), is a Word Companion intended to help readers understand the word in the context of the chapter; it is not part of the pronunciation notation. Combining pronunciation references and vocabulary hints in a single entry allows readers to consult them as needed without having to stop and practice pronunciation every time they read.

These pronunciation guides were generated with AI assistance and checked against dictionaries during editing, but errors or inconsistencies may still remain. Treat them as learning aids rather than an absolute guarantee of accuracy. To check a pronunciation, consult a trusted dictionary and its audio, matching the meaning, part of speech and accent. Cambridge Dictionary provides American and British IPA; Merriam-Webster mainly uses its own respelling system. Differences in notation do not necessarily mean differences in sound.

This Word Pair Edition also provides structured vocabulary review for readers who wish to expand their vocabulary through extensive reading. The book is designed so that you can return to it after some time and review previously encountered words. You will likely find that many words that once felt unfamiliar have become easier to recognize and understand. As you continue reading other texts, these same words will reappear in different contexts, further strengthening retention. In addition, repeated exposure to synonyms can improve your writing by giving you a wider range of expressions to convey similar ideas.

Possible Extra Value: Standardized-Test-Style Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension Practice Tests Based on the Original Book Text

This edition’s WordPairTest companion volumes are also being developed for the series. See the Endnotes and the Word Pair Publishing website for current information about a Frankenstein companion volume and other practice materials.

The purpose of designing this test is not primarily to prepare high school students for the actual standardized test, but rather because such exercises greatly help readers deepen their understanding of the original text. Readers can assess how well they comprehend the story.

Moreover, I have long held the ideal of allowing students to prepare for exams while engaged in pleasure reading. Today, when students practice reading comprehension tests solely for exam preparation, the reading material often fails to contribute meaningful knowledge acquisition; it becomes reading solely for answering questions, valuable only for test prep and nothing else. My design integrates standardized-test-like testing within the joyful reading experience itself, enabling readers not only to check their understanding of the original work but gradually to become familiar with possible standardized tests.

In my view, incorporating tests based on interest reading is a win-win for both comprehension and exam preparation.

About the AI

The English equivalents and Chinese equivalents were created using AI tools and checked by me to make sure they fit the context. No changes were made to the original story, so you are reading Mary Shelley’s words—just with some smart support.

A New Way to Read Classics

My hope is that, with this edition, high school students who wish to improve their vocabulary and reading skills can experience the suspense, emotional power, and questions about creation and responsibility in Mary Shelley’s original novel. Whether you are preparing for AP English, seeking a new challenge, or simply hoping to enjoy a great story, this book is designed to support your reading rather than slow it down.

This adaptation is based on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, first published in 1818. The novel follows the revised 1831 text, sourced from Project Gutenberg’s public-domain edition. The Original Introduction to the 1831 Edition and the Original Preface to the 1818 Edition are included under their separate titles.

This Word Pair–adapted version of Frankenstein represents an early stage—Version 1.0—of an ongoing effort to make classic literature more accessible using Word Pair technology and AI-assisted tools. While AI-generated assistance is not yet perfect and occasional errors may remain despite careful review, this edition aims to provide a meaningful and practical reading aid for readers who might otherwise struggle with unfamiliar vocabulary and complex sentence structures. As AI technology continues to improve, further refined versions will follow. In the meantime, I welcome feedback and hope this edition serves as a helpful bridge to classic literature.

I have worked on adapting additional works using the Word Pair technique, creating a series of Word Pair–adapted editions. The selection will primarily focus on classic literature commonly assigned in American high schools, with the goal of making these texts more accessible to readers with limited vocabulary.

Many students encounter difficulty when reading classic literature due to the frequency of unfamiliar words. By using Word Pair editions and regularly reviewing vocabulary in context, readers can gradually strengthen word recognition and improve reading fluency over time. With sustained reading practice across multiple Word Pair editions, readers may significantly expand their vocabulary and develop greater confidence when approaching unadapted texts.

I have been working on Word Pair adaptations of classic literature and related research for more than three years. As this edition is prepared for publication, several additional titles are already completed and will be released in close succession. This will form a series of ten Word Pair editions:

1. Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen

2. A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens

3. A Farewell to Arms, by Ernest Hemingway

4. Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë

5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain

6. The Call of the Wild, by Jack London

7. The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald

8. Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley

9. The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne

10. Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson

Separate volumes of Standardized-Test-Style Vocabulary and Reading Practice Tests are being developed as companions to the Word Pair editions. The Word Pair Edition of A Christmas Carol is an exception. Because of its shorter length, the practice tests are included within that book itself rather than being published separately.

To find other Word Pair editions and their companion WordPairTest books, search Amazon for “Minghua Li.”

You may contact me through Word Pair Publishing, LLC at wordpairbooks@gmail.com.

Happy reading!

Note to High School English Teachers.

Dear High School English Teachers,

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein offers rich opportunities to develop students’ reading, writing, and analytical skills through its narrative structure and its exploration of ambition, responsibility, isolation, and the treatment of others.

One of the persistent challenges students face when reading classic literature is vocabulary and sentence structure. Limited class time often requires a fast reading pace, which can make it difficult for some students to fully engage with the original text while also focusing on higher-level analysis and discussion.

The Word Pair Edition is designed to support independent reading of the original text by providing contextual vocabulary assistance directly alongside Shelley’s language. The goal is to help students maintain comprehension while continuing to engage with authentic literary language, so they can participate more confidently in classroom discussion and analysis.

I welcome feedback, questions, and suggestions from educators. If you have insights on how this edition could better support your students, I would be glad to hear from you.

You may contact me through Word Pair Publishing, LLC at wordpairbooks@gmail.com.

编者中文序言

本改编书面向母语为中文、英语词汇量已超过5000、但仍难以顺畅阅读 Mary Shelley《Frankenstein》原著的读者。AI 对《Frankenstein》这本带注释词对的英文版进行了词汇统计。结果显示，正文中共有 7,323 个不同的英语单词形式。其中，1,895 个单词（约占 26%）附有注释词对，其余 5,428 个单词（约占 74%）没有注释词对。这意味着，尽管本书提供了注释词对，读者要想比较轻松、流畅地阅读，很可能仍需要掌握至少 5,000 个英语单词，否则就可能需要频繁查阅生词。

我曾经有几年带领一些中学生和大学生做以阅读为基础的英语学习路径的实验研究，《Pride and Prejudice》是必选的作品。开始读的是简写本，学生能够欣赏，但总觉得比原著的韵味差远了。后来也带领一些学生尝试阅读原著，虽然能够勉强读下来，但生词实在太多，而且有不少句子和今天的英语很不一样，读起来很费力。

可以说，生词和难句占去了太多时间，以至于阅读的欣赏受到很大限制。原本应该好好欣赏的精彩对话、人物刻画、英国那个历史时期的社会生活和结构，以及作品的主题、构思和有趣片段，都没有来得及充分体会。结果就是，时间几乎都花在生词和难句上了，这确实有点本末倒置。不过话又说回来，如果不先解决这些障碍，也确实很难读得更好。

现在，随着 AI 技术的发展，我们有了减轻生词负担的新方法。本书延续上述阅读实践所追求的目标，采用我正在申请专利的 Word Pair 技术，改编 Mary Shelley 的《Frankenstein》，让英语词汇量已经超过5000、但仍受生词限制的读者，也能够更流畅地阅读原著。改编后的书没有改动原著一个词，而是在阅读视线自然流动中，于估计的生词处插入 Word Pair，同时保留这些生词在原文中的存在。这样，读者就可以把更多时间放在欣赏和分析原著本身上，体会作品的叙事、人物情感，以及有关创造、责任、孤独和人与人之间关系的思考。

以下例句选自本书 Chapter 1：

His daughter attended him with the greatest tenderness; but she saw with despair that their little fund was rapidly decreasing, and that there was no other prospect of support. But Caroline Beaufort possessed a mind of an uncommon mould (character: 性格); and her courage rose to support her in her adversity (hardship: 逆境). She procured plain work; she plaited (braided: 编织) straw; and by various means contrived to earn a pittance (small amount: 薄酬) scarcely sufficient to support life.

这段例句中有4个 Word Pair：mould (character: 性格)、adversity (hardship: 逆境)、plaited (braided: 编织) 和 pittance (small amount: 薄酬)。每个 Word Pair 左边的词是原著里一个可能的生词，右边括号里的内容是这个生词的 Word Companion。Word Companion 中的英文词，是 AI 根据上下文生成的、尽量简短又容易理解的英文对应词；如果找不到合适的单个英文词，就会用尽可能简短的英语短语来表示它的意思，例如 pittance 后面的 small amount。冒号“:”后面的中文，是 AI 根据上下文生成的中文对应词，帮助母语是中文的读者更快地理解，不必被生词打断阅读。比如，adversity (hardship: 逆境) 里，adversity 是生词，(hardship: 逆境) 是它的 Word Companion，其中 hardship 是更容易理解的英文对应词，“逆境”是对应的中文意思。mould 在这个语境中指人的性格，因此用 character 和“性格”来帮助读者理解，而不是让读者在这里套用它的其他意思。

在估计的生词右边添加 Word Companion，可以让英语词汇量还不够阅读原著、但英语又是母语的读者，用更简单的英文对应词无停顿地读下去；同时，也让母语是中文的读者借助这个中文对应词快速越过生词障碍，继续流畅阅读，把注意力放在作品的内容和表达上。

通过 Word Pair，读者可以在保留原著语言的同时，减轻生词带来的阅读负担，继续流畅阅读，不至于被生词淹没了阅读兴趣。这就是我做这本原著改编的目的，也是本改编书给英语词汇量还达不到轻松阅读原著的读者的价值。

本书还提供了一个额外的价值，那就是生词学习帮助。之所以说这是额外的价值，是因为本书的主要目的，是提供一个减轻太多生词严重妨碍阅读原著这一困难的路径。但是，阅读也是增加词汇的重要途径。对于有意增加一点时间来积累词汇的读者，本书提供的词汇学习帮助将是很有价值的。对于没有这个意向的读者，请忽略本书提供的词汇学习帮助，不要受到牵制。

本书每一个 Chapter 正文开始前都有两个 Word List，词汇都是用 AI 汇集该 Chapter 中的生词构成的，我做了一点筛减。

因此建议，希望在阅读过程中记住一些词汇的读者，可以把学习词汇的时间主要放在 Word List with word pairs: Should-Remember Words 上。这个词表每章选出20个相对较常用、值得优先学习的生词。其余生词放在 Word List with word pairs: Read-and-Go Words 中，主要是为了帮助读者理解当前的内容，顺畅地继续阅读。对于这些词，读懂它们在文中的意思后就可以继续往下读，不必逐一花时间记忆。这就是我把它们编入 Read-and-Go Words 的原因。

例如，以下是本书《Frankenstein》Chapter 1 的两个 Word List：

Word List with word pairs: Should-Remember Words

1. upright [ˈəp-ˌrīt; AmE: ˈʌp.raɪt; BrE: ˈʌp.raɪt] (honest: 正直的)

2. ample [ˈam-pəl; AmE: ˈæm.pəl; BrE: ˈæm.pəl] (broad: 宽阔的)

3. reverence [ˈrev-rən(t)s; AmE: ˈrev.ɚ.əns; BrE: ˈrev.ər.əns] (deep respect: 尊敬)

4. offspring [ˈȯf-ˌspriŋ; AmE: ˈɑːf.sprɪŋ; BrE: ˈɒf.sprɪŋ] (child: 子女)

5. caresses [kə-ˈres-əz; AmE: kəˈres.ɪz; BrE: kəˈres.ɪz] (gentle touches: 爱抚)

6. mould [ˈmōld; AmE: moʊld; BrE: məʊld] (character: 性格)

7. perpetually [pər-ˈpe-chə-wə-lē; AmE: pɚˈpetʃ.u.ə.li; BrE: pəˈpetʃ.u.ə.li] (constantly: 始终)

8. rambles [ˈram-bəlz; AmE: ˈræm.bəlz; BrE: ˈræm.bəlz] (travels: 游历)

9. sustenance [ˈsə-stə-nən(t)s; AmE: ˈsʌs.tən.əns; BrE: ˈsʌs.tən.əns] (nourishment: 食物)

10. relinquished [ri-ˈliŋ-kwisht; AmE: rɪˈlɪŋ.kwɪʃt; BrE: rɪˈlɪŋ.kwɪʃt] (gave up: 放弃)

11. adversity [ad-ˈvər-sə-tē; AmE: ədˈvɝː.sə.t̬i; BrE: ədˈvɜː.sə.ti] (hardship: 逆境)

12. restorative [ri-ˈstȯr-ə-tiv; AmE: rɪˈstɔːr.ə.t̬ɪv; BrE: rɪˈstɔː.rə.tɪv] (tonic: 补剂)

13. abode [ə-ˈbōd; AmE: əˈboʊd; BrE: əˈbəʊd] (home: 住所)

14. radiance [ˈrā-dē-ən(t)s; AmE: ˈreɪ.di.əns; BrE: ˈreɪ.di.əns] (brightness: 光芒)

15. exotic [ig-ˈzä-tik; AmE: ɪɡˈzɑː.t̬ɪk; BrE: ɪɡˈzɒt.ɪk] (foreign plant: 异卉)

16. sensibility [ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē; AmE: ˌsen.səˈbɪl.ə.t̬i; BrE: ˌsen.səˈbɪl.ə.ti] (sensitivity: 感受力)

17. confiscated [ˈkän-fə-ˌskāt-əd; AmE: ˈkɑːn.fə.skeɪ.t̬ɪd; BrE: ˈkɒn.fɪ.skeɪ.tɪd] (seized: 没收)

18. rustic [ˈrə-stik; AmE: ˈrʌs.tɪk; BrE: ˈrʌs.tɪk] (rural: 乡村的)

19. oblivion [ə-ˈbli-vē-ən; AmE: əˈblɪv.i.ən; BrE: əˈblɪv.i.ən] (obscurity: 默默无闻)

20. inmate [ˈin-ˌmāt; AmE: ˈɪn.meɪt; BrE: ˈɪn.meɪt] (resident: 居住者)

Word List with word pairs: Read-and-Go Words

1. cherub [ˈcher-əb; AmE: ˈtʃer.əb; BrE: ˈtʃer.əb] (angel: 小天使)

2. inexhaustible [ˌin-ig-ˈzȯ-stə-bəl; AmE: ˌɪn.ɪɡˈzɑː.stə.bəl; BrE: ˌɪn.ɪɡˈzɔː.stə.bəl] (endless: 用之不竭的)

3. indefatigable [ˌin-di-ˈfa-ti-gə-bəl; AmE: ˌɪn.dɪˈfæt̬.ɪ.ɡə.bəl; BrE: ˌɪn.dɪˈfæt.ɪ.ɡə.bəl] (tireless: 不知疲倦的)

4. interment [in-ˈtər-mənt; AmE: ɪnˈtɝː.mənt; BrE: ɪnˈtɜː.mənt] (burial: 埋葬)

5. disconsolate [dis-ˈkän(t)-sə-lət; AmE: dɪsˈkɑːn.sə.lət; BrE: dɪsˈkɒn.səl.ət] (bleak: 凄凉的)

6. doting [ˈdō-tiŋ; AmE: ˈdoʊ.t̬ɪŋ; BrE: ˈdəʊ.tɪŋ] (extremely fond: 溺爱的)

7. penury [ˈpen-yə-rē; AmE: ˈpen.jʊ.ri; BrE: ˈpen.jʊ.ri] (poverty: 贫困)

8. pittance [ˈpi-tᵊn(t)s; AmE: ˈpɪt.əns; BrE: ˈpɪt.əns] (small amount: 薄酬)

9. unworthiness [ˌən-ˈwər-t͟hē-nəs; AmE: ʌnˈwɝː.ð.i.nəs; BrE: ʌnˈwɜː.ði.nəs] (badness: 卑劣)

10. inexpressible [ˌi-nik-ˈspre-sə-bəl; AmE: ˌɪn.ɪkˈspres.ə.bəl; BrE: ˌɪn.ɪkˈspres.ə.bəl] (unspeakable: 无法形容的)

11. recompensing [ˈre-kəm-ˌpen(t)s-iŋ; AmE: ˈrek.əm.pens.ɪŋ; BrE: ˈrek.əm.pens.ɪŋ] (compensating: 补偿)

12. vagrants [ˈvā-grənts; AmE: ˈveɪ.ɡrənts; BrE: ˈveɪ.ɡrənts] (wanderers: 流浪者)

13. reverential [ˌre-və-ˈren-chəl; AmE: ˌrev.əˈren.ʃəl; BrE: ˌrev.ərˈen.ʃəl] (respectful: 虔诚的)

14. rankling [ˈraŋ-k(ə-)liŋ; AmE: ˈræŋ.klɪŋ; BrE: ˈræŋ.klɪŋ] (irritating: 令人痛苦的)

15. unbending [ˌən-ˈben-diŋ; AmE: ʌnˈben.dɪŋ; BrE: ʌnˈben.dɪŋ] (stubborn: 坚定的)

16. brambles [ˈbram-bəlz; AmE: ˈbræm.bəlz; BrE: ˈbræm.bəlz] (thorny bushes: 荆棘)

17. deplored [di-ˈplȯr-d; AmE: dɪˈplɔːrd; BrE: dɪˈplɔːd] (regretted: 痛惜)

18. plaited [ˈplā-təd; AmE: ˈpleɪ.t̬ɪd; BrE: ˈplæt.ɪd] (braided: 编织)

19. mischances [mis-ˈchan(t)-səz; AmE: mɪsˈtʃæn.sɪz; BrE: mɪsˈtʃɑːn.sɪz] (accidents: 不幸)

20. chamois [ˈsha-mē; AmE: ˈʃæm.i; BrE: ˈʃæm.wɑː] (goat-antelope: 岩羚)

21. Genevese [ˌje-nə-ˈvēz; AmE: ˌdʒen.əˈviːz; BrE: ˌdʒen.əˈviːz] (person from Geneva: 日内瓦人)

22. syndics [ˈsin-diks; AmE: ˈsɪn.dɪks; BrE: ˈsɪn.dɪks] (magistrates: 行政官)

23. wretchedness [ˈre-chəd-nəs; AmE: ˈretʃ.ɪd.nəs; BrE: ˈretʃ.ɪd.nəs] (misery: 悲惨)

在第一个词表中，例如 upright (honest: 正直的)、adversity (hardship: 逆境) 和 abode (home: 住所)，都是读者可以优先留意和复习的 Word Pair。阅读正文时，可以先借助括号里的英文和中文理解原词；读完一章以后，再回到词表，看看自己是否已经能够不依赖 Word Companion 理解这些词。如果其中有些词您已经熟悉，就可以把更多时间留给还不熟悉的词。

第二个词表中的词同样有助于理解原著，但不要求读者把它们都记下来。例如，interment (burial: 埋葬) 可以帮助读者迅速理解叙述中的事件；Genevese (person from Geneva: 日内瓦人) 和 syndics (magistrates: 行政官) 可以帮助读者理解人物身份和背景。遇到这些词时，可以通过 Word Companion 明白意思，然后继续阅读。如果您对某个词特别感兴趣，也可以自行选择学习它。两类词表的区别在于学习时间的分配，而不是其中一类需要读懂、另一类可以不懂。

两个 Word List 中的每个词条都保留了原词及其 Word Companion，方括号内则依次提供三种发音参考。第一项是默认发音标记（Default Pronunciation Respelling），采用韦氏词典（Merriam-Webster）的重拼式发音标注体系，直接放在方括号内，不另加标签。AmE 后面是美式英语国际音标（American English IPA），BrE 后面是英式英语国际音标（British English IPA）。IPA 是 International Phonetic Alphabet（国际音标）的缩写。第一项默认发音标记采用不同于 IPA 的标注体系，因此不应将其误认为国际音标。读者可以根据自己的学习需要，选择参考美式或英式发音。

例如，offspring 这一词条为：offspring [ˈȯf-ˌspriŋ; AmE: ˈɑːf.sprɪŋ; BrE: ˈɒf.sprɪŋ] (child: 子女)。其中，[ˈȯf-ˌspriŋ] 是默认发音标记，AmE: ˈɑːf.sprɪŋ 是美式国际音标，BrE: ˈɒf.sprɪŋ 是英式国际音标。括号中的 (child: 子女) 则是帮助理解本章语境的 Word Companion，不属于发音标记。把发音参考和意思解释放在同一个词条中，是为了方便读者在需要时查阅，不必在每次阅读时都停下来练习发音。

这些发音参考借助 AI 工具生成，并在本书编辑过程中参照词典进行了核查，目的是给读者提供方便的学习帮助。AI 工具和编辑核查都不能保证完全没有错误；不同词典也可能采用不同的标音方式，或列出不同的可接受读法。因此，读者应把这些标记视为发音参考，而不是绝对的权威保证。

如果希望进一步确认某个词的发音，可以查阅可靠的在线词典，例如 Cambridge Dictionary 或 Merriam-Webster，并结合词典录音练习。比较时，要注意选取与本书语境相符的词义和词性，并区分美式与英式发音。Cambridge Dictionary 提供美式和英式 IPA；Merriam-Webster 主要使用自己的字典式拼读标记。两种标记在外形上不同，并不一定表示实际发音不同。

这个Word Pair版本对于有意通过阅读增加词汇量的读者还具有反复词汇复习的价值。你可以过一段时间把这本书拿出来，复习一下其中的词汇。你会发现你已经记住很多过去的生词。特别是，你还不断地阅读别的作品，这里的生词在别的书本里也出现过，你会发现这样的生词你特别容易记得。不断地看看同义词，对于你的写作也是很有帮助，让你在表达相同意思的时候有多一些的词汇选择。

本改编书还提供了另一个可能的额外价值，那就是选择原著文本的若干句子和段落作成标准考试那样的词汇和阅读理解习题。有关《Frankenstein》配套测试书及其他练习材料的最新信息，请浏览 Word Pair Publishing 网站。设计这类测试的目的并非只是为了帮助高中生应对以后的标准考试，而首先是因为这样的题目对读者理解原著文本有很大的帮助，读者可以测试自己对原著的理解程度。

其次，我也一直有一个理想，就是如何可以让学生在兴趣阅读的过程中也做了考试的准备。如今，当学生为了准备考试的时候去做阅读理解测试准备，大多数情况下阅读内容并不会构成知识点吸收，就是为了答题而读，除了备考也就没有什么别的价值。但是，我的设计是在本身就要做的兴趣阅读基础上做一些类似于标准测试的题目，既可以帮助自己检验阅读原著的理解程度，又可以慢慢地准备未来考试。我认为，在兴趣阅读基础上做点测试是对阅读和备考是一箭双雕的好事。

本书改编自 Mary Shelley 的《Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus》。原著最初于1818年出版，本书小说正文采用1831年修订版的文本，原文取自 Project Gutenberg 的公共领域版本。本书分别保留了 Original Introduction to the 1831 Edition 和 Original Preface to the 1818 Edition 的标题。如前所述，改编书没有对原著文本做任何改变；加入的 Word Companion 以括号与原文区分，章前的生词词汇表也是额外的阅读辅助内容，读者可以辨认哪些是原著文本，哪些是我加入的。借助 AI 新技术，我们希望走出一条新路：既保持原著文本，不依赖简写本，又让词汇量还不够大的读者能够更流畅地阅读原著。希望我们一起努力，把这条道路发扬光大。

我已经用三年多的时间来研究和制作经典文学的 Word Pair 改编本。随着这一版即将出版，另外几部作品也已经完成，并将陆续推出。这样将形成一个由十部 Word Pair 版本组成的系列，这些版本所对应的原著是：

1. Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen

2. A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens

3. A Farewell to Arms, by Ernest Hemingway

4. Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë

5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain

6. The Call of the Wild, by Jack London

7. The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald

8. Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley

9. The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne

10. Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson

我们正在为这些 Word Pair 改编本制作 WordPairTest Series 中的独立配套测试书，提供 Vocabulary and Reading Practice Tests。A Christmas Carol 的 Word Pair 改编书是个例外：因为篇幅较短，这类测试题合并放在改编书里。

如需寻找其他词对版经典文学作品及其配套的 WordPairTest 测试书，请在 Amazon 上搜索 “Minghua Li”。

欢迎与我交流，您可以通过 Word Pair Publishing, LLC 与我联系：wordpairbooks@gmail.com

阅读快乐！

Original Introduction to the 1831 Edition

by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

Word List with word pairs: Should-Remember Words

1. component [kəm-ˈpō-nənt; AmE: kəmˈpoʊnənt; BrE: kəmˈpəʊnənt] (making up the whole: 组成的)

2. animation [ˌa-nə-ˈmā-shən; AmE: ˌænəˈmeɪʃən; BrE: ˌænɪˈmeɪʃən] (life: 生命)

3. infinitely [ˈin-fə-nət-lē; AmE: ˈɪnfənətli; BrE: ˈɪnfɪnətli] (extremely: 无限地)

4. fostered [ˈfȯs-tərd; AmE: ˈfɔstərd; BrE: ˈfɒstəd] (nurtured: 培养)

5. sensations [sen-ˈsā-shənz; AmE: sɛnˈseɪʃənz; BrE: senˈseɪʃənz] (feelings: 感觉)

6. commenced [kə-ˈmenst; AmE: kəˈmenst; BrE: kəˈmenst] (started: 开始)

7. speculative [ˈspe-kyə-lə-tiv; AmE: ˈspekjələtɪv; BrE: ˈspekjələtɪv] (searching: 探究的)

8. renowned [ri-ˈnau̇nd; AmE: rɪˈnaʊnd; BrE: rɪˈnaʊnd] (famous: 著名的)

9. succession [sək-ˈse-shən; AmE: səkˈseʃən; BrE: səkˈseʃən] (series: 系列)

10. singular [ˈsiŋ-gyə-lər; AmE: ˈsɪŋgjələr; BrE: ˈsɪŋgjələ] (unusual: 奇怪的)

11. imagery [ˈi-mə-j(ə-)rē; AmE: ˈɪmɪdʒəri; BrE: ˈɪmɪdʒəri] (visuals: 意象)

12. habitual [hə-ˈbi-chə-wəl; AmE: həˈbɪtʃuəl; BrE: həˈbɪtʃuəl] (regular: 习惯性的)

13. transcript [ˈtran-ˌskript; AmE: ˈtrænˌskrɪpt; BrE: ˈtrænˌskrɪpt] (record: 抄本)

14. refuge [ˈre-fyüj; AmE: ˈrefjuːdʒ; BrE: ˈrefjuːdʒ] (shelter: 避难所)

15. recreation [ˌre-krē-ˈā-shən; AmE: ˌrekriˈeɪʃən; BrE: ˌrekriˈeɪʃən] (leisure: 娱乐)

16. armour [ˈär-mər; AmE: ˈɑrmər; BrE: ˈɑːmə] (protection: 盔甲)

17. phantom [ˈfan-təm; AmE: ˈfæntəm; BrE: ˈfæntəm] (ghost: 幽灵)

18. doctrines [ˈdäk-trənz; AmE: ˈdɑktrɪnz; BrE: ˈdɒktrɪnz] (beliefs: 学说)

19. harmony [ˈhär-mə-nē; AmE: ˈhɑːrməni; BrE: ˈhɑːməni] (balance: 和谐)

20. divine [də-ˈvīn; AmE: dɪˈvaɪn; BrE: dɪˈvaɪn] (godlike: 神圣的)

Word List with word pairs: Read-and-Go Words

1. furnish [ˈfər-nish; AmE: ˈfərnɪʃ; BrE: ˈfɜːnɪʃ] (provide: 提供)

2. embody [im-ˈbä-dē; AmE: ɪmˈbɑdi; BrE: ɪmˈbɒdi] (represent: 体现)

3. bleak [ˈblēk; AmE: bliːk; BrE: bliːk] (bare: 荒凉的)

4. hideous [ˈhi-dē-əs; AmE: ˈhɪdiəs; BrE: ˈhɪdiəs] (ugly: 极其丑陋的)

5. relinquished [ri-ˈliŋ-kwisht; AmE: rɪˈlɪŋkwɪʃt; BrE: rɪˈlɪŋkwɪʃt] (abandoned: 放弃)

6. pastime [ˈpas-ˌtīm; AmE: ˈpæsˌtaɪm; BrE: ˈpɑːstaɪm] (hobby: 消遣)

7. contrive [kən-ˈtrīv; AmE: kənˈtraɪv; BrE: kənˈtraɪv] (create: 设计)

8. scribbled [ˈskri-bəld; AmE: ˈskrɪbəld; BrE: ˈskrɪbəld] (wrote: 乱涂)

9. incessant [in-ˈse-sənt; AmE: ɪnˈsesənt; BrE: ɪnˈsesənt] (constant: 不断的)

10. bestow [bi-ˈstō; AmE: bɪˈstoʊ; BrE: bɪˈstəʊ] (give: 赋予)

11. illustrious [i-ˈləs-trē-əs; AmE: ɪˈlʌstriəs; BrE: ɪˈlʌstriəs] (famous: 杰出的)

12. retrospection [ret-ro-ˈspek-shən; AmE: ˌretrəˈspekʃən; BrE: ˌretrəˈspekʃən] (hindsight: 回顾)

13. woes [ˈwōz; AmE: woʊz; BrE: wəʊz] (sorrows: 悲痛)

14. commonplace [ˈkäm-ən-ˌplās; AmE: ˈkɑmənˌpleɪs; BrE: ˈkɒmənpleɪs] (ordinary: 平庸的)

15. averse [ə-ˈvərs; AmE: əˈvərs; BrE: əˈvɜːs] (reluctant: 厌恶的)

16. picturesque [ˌpik-chə-ˈresk; AmE: ˌpɪktʃəˈresk; BrE: ˌpɪktʃəˈresk] (scenic: 风景如画的)

17. adjuncts [ˈa-ˌjəŋ(k)ts; AmE: ˈæˌdʒʌŋkts; BrE: ˈædʒʌŋkts] (additions: 附属物)

18. authorship [ˈȯ-thər-ˌship; AmE: ˈɔθərˌʃɪp; BrE: ˈɔːθəʃɪp] (writing: 写作)

19. intrusion [in-ˈtrü-zhən; AmE: ɪnˈtruːʒən; BrE: ɪnˈtruːʒən] (interference: 侵扰)

20. parentage [ˈper-ən-tij; AmE: ˈpɛrəntɪdʒ; BrE: ˈpeərəntɪdʒ] (ancestry: 出身)

21. progeny [ˈprä-jə-nē; AmE: ˈprɑdʒəni; BrE: ˈprɒdʒəni] (offspring: 后代)

22. dilate [ˈdī-ˌlāt; AmE: daɪˈleɪt; BrE: daɪˈleɪt] (expand: 详述)

23. commune [kə-ˈmyün; AmE: kəˈmjuːn; BrE: kəˈmjuːn] (talk: 交流)

24. appendage [ə-ˈpen-dij; AmE: əˈpendɪdʒ; BrE: əˈpendɪdʒ] (addition: 附属物)

25. inciting [in-ˈsī-tiŋ; AmE: ɪnˈsaɪtɪŋ; BrE: ɪnˈsaɪtɪŋ] (encouraging: 鼓励)

26. incitement [in-ˈsīt-mənt; AmE: ɪnˈsaɪtmənt; BrE: ɪnˈsaɪtmənt] (encouragement: 鼓励)

27. fitful [ˈfit-fəl; AmE: ˈfɪtfəl; BrE: ˈfɪtfəl] (irregular: 断断续续的)

28. cultivated [ˈkəl-tə-ˌvā-təd; AmE: ˈkʌltəˌveɪtəd; BrE: ˈkʌltɪveɪtɪd] (refined: 有教养的)

29. transient [ˈtran-zhənt; AmE: ˈtrænziənt; BrE: ˈtrænziənt] (brief: 短暂的)

30. mortifying [ˈmȯr-tə-ˌfī-iŋ; AmE: ˈmɔrtəˌfaɪɪŋ; BrE: ˈmɔːtɪfaɪɪŋ] (embarrassing: 令人尴尬的)

31. vermicelli [ˌvər-mə-ˈche-lē; AmE: ˌvɝməˈtʃeli; BrE: ˌvɜːmɪˈtʃeli] (pasta: 细面条)

32. radiance [ˈrā-dē-əns; AmE: ˈreɪdiəns; BrE: ˈreɪdiəns] (brightness: 光辉)

33. melodious [mə-ˈlō-dē-əs; AmE: məˈloʊdiəs; BrE: məˈləʊdiəs] (musical: 悦耳的)

34. blooming [ˈblü-miŋ; AmE: ˈbluːmɪŋ; BrE: ˈbluːmɪŋ] (healthy: 青春焕发的)

35. cradled [ˈkrā-dəld; AmE: ˈkreɪdəld; BrE: ˈkreɪdəld] (sleeping: 安睡的)

36. subside [səb-ˈsīd; AmE: səbˈsaɪd; BrE: səbˈsaɪd] (sink back: 复归)

37. phantasm [ˈfan-ˌta-zəm; AmE: ˈfæn.tæz.əm; BrE: ˈfæn.tæz.əm] (ghost: 幻象)

38. stupendous [stü-ˈpen-dəs; AmE: stuˈpendəs; BrE: stjuːˈpendəs] (amazing: 惊人的)

39. odious [ˈō-dē-əs; AmE: ˈoʊdiəs; BrE: ˈəʊdiəs] (hateful: 可憎的)

40. ghastly [ˈgast-lē; AmE: ˈɡæstli; BrE: ˈɡɑːstli] (horrible: 可怕的)

41. waned [ˈwānd; AmE: weɪnd; BrE: weɪnd] (passed: 消逝)

42. spectre [ˈspek-tər; AmE: ˈspektər; BrE: ˈspektə] (ghost: 幽灵)

43. unbidden [ˌən-ˈbi-dən; AmE: ʌnˈbɪdən; BrE: ʌnˈbɪdən] (uninvited: 自发的)

44. reverie [ˈrev-ə-rē; AmE: ˈrevəri; BrE: ˈrevəri] (daydream: 幻想)

45. enrol [in-ˈrōl; AmE: ɪnˈroʊl; BrE: ɪnˈrəʊl] (register: 登记)

46. curdle [ˈkər-dəl; AmE: ˈkərdəl; BrE: ˈkɜːdəl] (freeze: 凝结)

47. moulding [ˈmōl-diŋ; AmE: ˈmoʊldɪŋ; BrE: ˈməʊldɪŋ] (shaping: 塑造)

48. peeping [ˈpē-piŋ; AmE: ˈpiːpɪŋ; BrE: ˈpiːpɪŋ] (looking: 窥视)

49. reanimated [(ˌ)rē-ˈa-nə-ˌmā-təd; AmE: riˈænəˌmeɪtəd; BrE: riˈænɪmeɪtɪd] (revived: 使复活)

50. unhallowed [ˌən-ˈha-lōd; AmE: ʌnˈhæloʊd; BrE: ʌnˈhæləʊd] (unholy: 不神圣的)

51. acceded [ək-ˈsē-dəd; AmE: əkˈsiːdɪd; BrE: əkˈsiːdɪd] (agreed: 同意)

52. apt [ˈapt; AmE: æpt; BrE: æpt] (skilled: 擅长的)

53. platitude [ˈpla-tə-ˌtüd; AmE: ˈplætəˌtuːd; BrE: ˈplætɪtjuːd] (cliché: 陈词滥调)

54. fated [ˈfā-təd; AmE: ˈfeɪtəd; BrE: ˈfeɪtɪd] (doomed: 命中注定的)

55. vows [ˈvau̇z; AmE: vaʊz; BrE: vaʊz] (promises: 誓言)

56. unheeded [ˌən-ˈhē-dəd; AmE: ʌnˈhiːdɪd; BrE: ʌnˈhiːdɪd] (ignored: 未被注意的)

57. ungenial [ˌən-ˈjēn-yəl; AmE: ˌʌnˈdʒiːniəl; BrE: ˌʌnˈdʒiːniəl] (unpleasant: 不宜人的)

58. canto [ˈkan-tō; AmE: ˈkæntoʊ; BrE: ˈkæntəʊ] (section: 篇章)

59. imitator [ˈi-mə-ˌtā-tər; AmE: ˈɪməˌteɪtər; BrE: ˈɪmɪteɪtə] (copier: 模仿者)

60. snapt [ˈsnapt; AmE: ˈsnæpt; BrE: ˈsnæpt] (broken: 折断)

61. handywork (variant of handiwork) [ˈhan-dē-ˌwərk; AmE: ˈhændiˌwərk; BrE: ˈhændiˌwɜːk] (work: 手工制品)

62. recurred [ri-ˈkərd; AmE: rɪˈkərd; BrE: rɪˈkɜːd] (returned: 重现)

63. appertain [ˌa-pər-ˈtān; AmE: ˌæp.ɚˈteɪn; BrE: ˌæpəˈteɪn] (relate: 属于)

64. invocations [ˌin-və-ˈkā-shənz; AmE: ˌɪnvəˈkeɪʃənz; BrE: ˌɪnvəˈkeɪʃənz] (prayers: 祈祷)

65. incapability [ˌin-ˌkā-pə-ˈbi-lə-tē; AmE: ˌɪnkeɪpəˈbɪləti; BrE: ˌɪnkeɪpəˈbɪləti] (inability: 无能)

66. uncongenial [ˌən-kən-ˈjēn-yəl; AmE: ˌʌnkənˈdʒiːniəl; BrE: ˌʌnkənˈdʒiːniəl] (disagreeable: 不相宜的)

67. parquet [pär-ˈkā; AmE: pɑrˈkeɪ; BrE: ˈpɑː.keɪ] (flooring: 镶木地板)

68. beaver [ˈbē-vər; AmE: ˈbiːvər; BrE: ˈbiːvə] (visor: 面甲)

69. eyry [ˈir-ē; AmE: ˈɪəri; BrE: ˈɪəri] (nest: 鹰巢)

70. galvanism [ˈgal-və-ˌni-zəm; AmE: ˈɡælvəˌnɪzəm; BrE: ˈɡælvənɪzəm] (electricity: 伽伐尼电流)

71. endued [in-ˈdüd; AmE: ɪnˈduːd; BrE: ɪnˈdjuːd] (provided: 赋予)

72. people [ˈpē-pəl; AmE: ˈpiːpəl; BrE: ˈpiːpəl] (fill: 充满)

73. successively [sək-ˈse-siv-lē; AmE: səkˈsesɪvli; BrE: səkˈsesɪvli] (sequentially: 接连地)

74. clothed [ˈklōt͟hd; AmE: kloʊðd; BrE: kləʊðd] (covered: 披着)

75. glories [ˈglȯr-ēz; AmE: ˈɡlɔːriz; BrE: ˈɡlɔːriz] (splendors: 荣耀)

76. partook [pär-ˈtu̇k; AmE: pɑːrˈtʊk; BrE: pɑːˈtʊk] (shared: 享有)

77. Sanchean (related to Sancho Panza: 桑丘式的)

The Publishers of the Standard Novels, in selecting Frankenstein for one of their series, expressed a wish that I should furnish (provide: 提供) them with some account of the origin of the story. I am the more willing to comply, because I shall thus give a general answer to the question, so very frequently asked me⁠—“How I, when a young girl, came to think of, and to dilate (expand: 详述) upon, so very hideous (ugly: 极其丑陋的) an idea?” It is true that I am very averse (reluctant: 厌恶的) to bringing myself forward in print; but as my account will only appear as an appendage (addition: 附属物) to a former production, and as it will be confined to such topics as have connection with my authorship (writing: 写作) alone, I can scarcely accuse myself of a personal intrusion (interference: 侵扰).

It is not singular (unusual: 奇怪的) that, as the daughter of two persons of distinguished literary celebrity, I should very early in life have thought of writing. As a child I scribbled (wrote: 乱涂); and my favourite pastime (hobby: 消遣), during the hours given me for recreation (leisure: 娱乐), was to “write stories.” Still I had a dearer pleasure than this, which was the formation of castles in the air⁠—the indulging in waking dreams⁠—the following up trains of thought, which had for their subject the formation of a succession (series: 系列) of imaginary incidents. My dreams were at once more fantastic and agreeable than my writings. In the latter I was a close imitator (copier: 模仿者)⁠—rather doing as others had done, than putting down the suggestions of my own mind. What I wrote was intended at least for one other eye⁠—my childhood’s companion and friend; but my dreams were all my own; I accounted for them to nobody; they were my refuge (shelter: 避难所) when annoyed⁠—my dearest pleasure when free.

I lived principally in the country as a girl, and passed a considerable time in Scotland. I made occasional visits to the more picturesque (scenic: 风景如画的) parts; but my habitual (regular: 习惯性的) residence was on the blank and dreary northern shores of the Tay, near Dundee. Blank and dreary on retrospection (hindsight: 回顾) I call them; they were not so to me then. They were the eyry (nest: 鹰巢) of freedom, and the pleasant region where unheeded (ignored: 未被注意的) I could commune (talk: 交流) with the creatures of my fancy. I wrote then⁠—but in a most commonplace (ordinary: 平庸的) style. It was beneath the trees of the grounds belonging to our house, or on the bleak (bare: 荒凉的) sides of the woodless mountains near, that my true compositions, the airy flights of my imagination, were born and fostered (nurtured: 培养). I did not make myself the heroine of my tales. Life appeared to me too commonplace (ordinary: 平庸的) an affair as regarded myself. I could not figure to myself that romantic woes (sorrows: 悲痛) or wonderful events would ever be my lot; but I was not confined to my own identity, and I could people (fill: 充满) the hours with creations far more interesting to me at that age, than my own sensations (feelings: 感觉).

After this my life became busier, and reality stood in place of fiction. My husband, however, was from the first, very anxious that I should prove myself worthy of my parentage (ancestry: 出身), and enrol (register: 登记) myself on the page of fame. He was forever inciting (encouraging: 鼓励) me to obtain literary reputation, which even on my own part I cared for then, though since I have become infinitely (extremely: 无限地) indifferent to it. At this time he desired that I should write, not so much with the idea that I could produce anything worthy of notice, but that he might himself judge how far I possessed the promise of better things hereafter. Still I did nothing. Travelling, and the cares of a family, occupied my time; and study, in the way of reading, or improving my ideas in communication with his far more cultivated (refined: 有教养的) mind, was all of literary employment that engaged my attention.

In the summer of 1816, we visited Switzerland, and became the neighbours of Lord Byron. At first we spent our pleasant hours on the lake, or wandering on its shores; and Lord Byron, who was writing the third canto (section: 篇章) of Childe Harold, was the only one among us who put his thoughts upon paper. These, as he brought them successively (sequentially: 接连地) to us, clothed (covered: 披着) in all the light and harmony (balance: 和谐) of poetry, seemed to stamp as divine (godlike: 神圣的) the glories (splendors: 荣耀) of heaven and earth, whose influences we partook (shared: 享有) with him.

But it proved a wet, ungenial (unpleasant: 不宜人的) summer, and incessant (constant: 不断的) rain often confined us for days to the house. Some volumes of ghost stories, translated from the German into French, fell into our hands. There was the History of the Inconstant Lover, who, when he thought to clasp the bride to whom he had pledged his vows (promises: 誓言), found himself in the arms of the pale ghost of her whom he had deserted. There was the tale of the sinful founder of his race, whose miserable doom it was to bestow (give: 赋予) the kiss of death on all the younger sons of his fated (doomed: 命中注定的) house, just when they reached the age of promise. His gigantic, shadowy form, clothed (covered: 披着) like the ghost in Hamlet, in complete armour (protection: 盔甲), but with the beaver (visor: 面甲) up, was seen at midnight, by the moon’s fitful (irregular: 断断续续的) beams, to advance slowly along the gloomy avenue. The shape was lost beneath the shadow of the castle walls; but soon a gate swung back, a step was heard, the door of the chamber opened, and he advanced to the couch of the blooming (healthy: 青春焕发的) youths, cradled (sleeping: 安睡的) in healthy sleep. Eternal sorrow sat upon his face as he bent down and kissed the forehead of the boys, who from that hour withered like flowers snapt (broken: 折断) upon the stalk. I have not seen these stories since then; but their incidents are as fresh in my mind as if I had read them yesterday.

“We will each write a ghost story,” said Lord Byron; and his proposition was acceded (agreed: 同意) to. There were four of us. The noble author began a tale, a fragment of which he printed at the end of his poem of Mazeppa. Shelley, more apt (skilled: 擅长的) to embody (represent: 体现) ideas and sentiments in the radiance (brightness: 光辉) of brilliant imagery (visuals: 意象), and in the music of the most melodious (musical: 悦耳的) verse that adorns our language, than to invent the machinery of a story, commenced (started: 开始) one founded on the experiences of his early life. Poor Polidori had some terrible idea about a skull-headed lady, who was so punished for peeping (looking: 窥视) through a keyhole⁠—what to see I forget⁠—something very shocking and wrong of course; but when she was reduced to a worse condition than the renowned (famous: 著名的) Tom of Coventry, he did not know what to do with her, and was obliged to despatch her to the tomb of the Capulets, the only place for which she was fitted. The illustrious (famous: 杰出的) poets also, annoyed by the platitude (cliché: 陈词滥调) of prose, speedily relinquished (abandoned: 放弃) their uncongenial (disagreeable: 不相宜的) task.

I busied myself to think of a story⁠—a story to rival those which had excited us to this task. One which would speak to the mysterious fears of our nature, and awaken thrilling horror⁠—one to make the reader dread to look round, to curdle (freeze: 凝结) the blood, and quicken the beatings of the heart. If I did not accomplish these things, my ghost story would be unworthy of its name. I thought and pondered⁠—vainly. I felt that blank incapability (inability: 无能) of invention which is the greatest misery of authorship (writing: 写作), when dull Nothing replies to our anxious invocations (prayers: 祈祷). Have you thought of a story? I was asked each morning, and each morning I was forced to reply with a mortifying (embarrassing: 令人尴尬的) negative.

Everything must have a beginning, to speak in Sanchean (related to Sancho Panza: 桑丘式的) phrase; and that beginning must be linked to something that went before. The Hindus give the world an elephant to support it, but they make the elephant stand upon a tortoise. Invention, it must be humbly admitted, does not consist in creating out of void, but out of chaos; the materials must, in the first place, be afforded: it can give form to dark, shapeless substances, but cannot bring into being the substance itself. In all matters of discovery and invention, even of those that appertain (relate: 属于) to the imagination, we are continually reminded of the story of Columbus and his egg. Invention consists in the capacity of seizing on the capabilities of a subject, and in the power of moulding (shaping: 塑造) and fashioning ideas suggested to it.

Many and long were the conversations between Lord Byron and Shelley, to which I was a devout but nearly silent listener. During one of these, various philosophical doctrines (beliefs: 学说) were discussed, and among others the nature of the principle of life, and whether there was any probability of its ever being discovered and communicated. They talked of the experiments of Dr. Darwin, (I speak not of what the Doctor really did, or said that he did, but, as more to my purpose, of what was then spoken of as having been done by him,) who preserved a piece of vermicelli (pasta: 细面条) in a glass case, till by some extraordinary means it began to move with voluntary motion. Not thus, after all, would life be given. Perhaps a corpse would be reanimated (revived: 使复活); galvanism (electricity: 伽伐尼电流) had given token of such things: perhaps the component (making up the whole: 组成的) parts of a creature might be manufactured, brought together, and endued (provided: 赋予) with vital warmth.

Night waned (passed: 消逝) upon this talk, and even the witching hour had gone by, before we retired to rest. When I placed my head on my pillow, I did not sleep, nor could I be said to think. My imagination, unbidden (uninvited: 自发的), possessed and guided me, gifting the successive images that arose in my mind with a vividness far beyond the usual bounds of reverie (daydream: 幻想). I saw⁠—with shut eyes, but acute mental vision⁠—I saw the pale student of unhallowed (unholy: 不神圣的) arts kneeling beside the thing he had put together. I saw the hideous (ugly: 极其丑陋的) phantasm (ghost: 幻象) of a man stretched out, and then, on the working of some powerful engine, show signs of life, and stir with an uneasy, half vital motion. Frightful must it be; for supremely frightful would be the effect of any human endeavour to mock the stupendous (amazing: 惊人的) mechanism of the Creator of the world. His success would terrify the artist; he would rush away from his odious (hateful: 可憎的) handywork (work: 手工制品), horror-stricken. He would hope that, left to itself, the slight spark of life which he had communicated would fade; that this thing, which had received such imperfect animation (life: 生命), would subside (sink back: 复归) into dead matter; and he might sleep in the belief that the silence of the grave would quench forever the transient (brief: 短暂的) existence of the hideous (ugly: 极其丑陋的) corpse which he had looked upon as the cradle of life. He sleeps; but he is awakened; he opens his eyes; behold the horrid thing stands at his bedside, opening his curtains, and looking on him with yellow, watery, but speculative (searching: 探究的) eyes.

I opened mine in terror. The idea so possessed my mind, that a thrill of fear ran through me, and I wished to exchange the ghastly (horrible: 可怕的) image of my fancy for the realities around. I see them still; the very room, the dark parquet (flooring: 镶木地板), the closed shutters, with the moonlight struggling through, and the sense I had that the glassy lake and white high Alps were beyond. I could not so easily get rid of my hideous (ugly: 极其丑陋的) phantom (ghost: 幽灵); still it haunted me. I must try to think of something else. I recurred (returned: 重现) to my ghost story⁠—my tiresome unlucky ghost story! O! if I could only contrive (create: 设计) one which would frighten my reader as I myself had been frightened that night!

Swift as light and as cheering was the idea that broke in upon me. “I have found it! What terrified me will terrify others; and I need only describe the spectre (ghost: 幽灵) which had haunted my midnight pillow.” On the morrow I announced that I had thought of a story. I began that day with the words, It was on a dreary night of November, making only a transcript (record: 抄本) of the grim terrors of my waking dream.

At first I thought but of a few pages⁠—of a short tale; but Shelley urged me to develop the idea at greater length. I certainly did not owe the suggestion of one incident, nor scarcely of one train of feeling, to my husband, and yet but for his incitement (encouragement: 鼓励), it would never have taken the form in which it was presented to the world. From this declaration I must except the preface. As far as I can recollect, it was entirely written by him.

And now, once again, I bid my hideous (ugly: 极其丑陋的) progeny (offspring: 后代) go forth and prosper. I have an affection for it, for it was the offspring of happy days, when death and grief were but words, which found no true echo in my heart. Its several pages speak of many a walk, many a drive, and many a conversation, when I was not alone; and my companion was one who, in this world, I shall never see more. But this is for myself; my readers have nothing to do with these associations.

I will add but one word as to the alterations I have made. They are principally those of style. I have changed no portion of the story, nor introduced any new ideas or circumstances. I have mended the language where it was so bald as to interfere with the interest of the narrative; and these changes occur almost exclusively in the beginning of the first volume. Throughout they are entirely confined to such parts as are mere adjuncts (additions: 附属物) to the story, leaving the core and substance of it untouched.

M. W. S.

London, October 15, 1831.

Original Preface to the 1818 Edition

by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Word List with word pairs: Should-Remember Words

1. comprehensive [ˌkäm-pri-ˈhen-siv; AmE: ˌkɑmprɪˈhɛnsɪv; BrE: ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv] (thorough: 详尽的)

2. virtue [ˈvər-(ˌ)chü; AmE: ˈvɝːtʃuː; BrE: ˈvɜːtʃuː] (goodness: 美德)

3. basis [ˈbā-səs; AmE: ˈbeɪsɪs; BrE: ˈbeɪsɪs] (foundation: 基础)

4. according [ə-ˈkȯr-diŋ; AmE: əˈkɔrdɪŋ; BrE: əˈkɔːdɪŋ] (giving: 给予)

5. motives [ˈmō-tivz; AmE: ˈmoʊtɪvz; BrE: ˈməʊtɪvz] (reasons: 动机)

6. licence [ˈlī-sən(t)s; AmE: ˈlaɪsəns; BrE: ˈlaɪsəns] (freedom: 许可)

7. conviction [kən-ˈvik-shən; AmE: kənˈvɪkʃən; BrE: kənˈvɪkʃən] (belief: 信念)

8. combinations [ˌkäm-bə-ˈnā-shənz; AmE: ˌkɑmbəˈneɪʃənz; BrE: ˌkɒmbɪˈneɪʃənz] (mixes: 组合)

9. yield [ˈyēld; AmE: jild; BrE: jiːld] (produce: 产生)

10. commanding [kə-ˈman-diŋ; AmE: kəˈmændɪŋ; BrE: kəˈmɑːndɪŋ] (powerful: 有力的)

11. casual [ˈka-zhə-wəl; AmE: ˈkæʒuəl; BrE: ˈkæʒuəl] (informal: 随意的)

12. sentiments [ˈsen-tə-mənts; AmE: ˈsentəmənts; BrE: ˈsentɪmənts] (feelings: 情感)

13. magnificent [mag-ˈni-fə-sənt; AmE: mæɡˈnɪfəsənt; BrE: mæɡˈnɪfɪsənt] (grand: 壮丽的)

14. elementary [ˌe-lə-ˈmen-trē; AmE: ˌɛləˈmɛntəri; BrE: ˌelɪˈmentəri] (basic: 基本的)

15. exhibition [ˌek-sə-ˈbi-shən; AmE: ˌɛksɪˈbɪʃən; BrE: ˌeksɪˈbɪʃən] (display: 展示)

16. acceptable [ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl; AmE: ækˈseptəbəl; BrE: əkˈseptəbl] (welcome: 可接受的)

17. doctrine [ˈdäk-trən; AmE: ˈdɑktrɪn; BrE: ˈdɒktrɪn] (belief: 学说)

18. labours [ˈlā-bərz; AmE: ˈleɪbərz; BrE: ˈleɪbəz] (work: 劳动)

19. adoption [ə-ˈdäp-shən; AmE: əˈdɑpʃən; BrE: əˈdɒpʃən] (acceptance: 采纳)

20. excellence [ˈek-sə-lən(t)s; AmE: ˈeksələns; BrE: ˈeksələns] (quality: 卓越)

Word List with word pairs: Read-and-Go Words

1. conform [kən-ˈfȯrm; AmE: kənˈfɔrm; BrE: kənˈfɔːm] (follow: 遵守)

2. commenced [kə-ˈmenst; AmE: kəˈmɛnst; BrE: kəˈmenst] (started: 开始)

3. specimens [ˈspe-sə-mənz; AmE: ˈspesɪmənz; BrE: ˈspesɪmənz] (examples: 样本)

4. confer [kən-ˈfər; AmE: kənˈfər; BrE: kənˈfɜː] (give: 授予)

5. innovate [ˈi-nə-ˌvāt; AmE: ˈɪnəveɪt; BrE: ˈɪnəveɪt] (change: 创新)

6. exquisite [ek-ˈskwi-zət; AmE: ɪkˈskwɪzɪt; BrE: ɪkˈskwɪzɪt] (beautiful: 精美的)

7. remotest [ri-ˈmō-təst; AmE: rɪˈmoʊtəst; BrE: rɪˈməʊtəst] (slightest: 丝毫的)

8. imitation [ˌi-mə-ˈtā-shən; AmE: ˌɪmɪˈteɪʃən; BrE: ˌɪmɪˈteɪʃən] (copying: 模仿)

9. inference [ˈin-f(ə-)rən(t)s; AmE: ˈɪnfərəns; BrE: ˈɪnfərəns] (conclusion: 推断)

10. endeavoured [in-ˈde-vərd; AmE: ɪnˈdevərd; BrE: ɪnˈdevəd] (tried: 努力)

11. majestic [mə-ˈjes-tik; AmE: məˈdʒestɪk; BrE: məˈdʒestɪk] (grand: 雄伟的)

12. novelty [ˈnä-vəl-tē; AmE: ˈnɑvəlti; BrE: ˈnɒvəlti] (newness: 新奇)

13. amusement [ə-ˈmyüz-mənt; AmE: əˈmjuzmənt; BrE: əˈmjuːzmənt] (entertainment: 娱乐)

14. mingled [ˈmiŋ-gəld; AmE: ˈmɪŋɡəld; BrE: ˈmɪŋɡəld] (mixed: 混合)

15. enchantment [in-ˈchant-mənt; AmE: ɛnˈtʃæntmənt; BrE: ɪnˈtʃɑːntmənt] (magic: 魔法)

16. serene [sə-ˈrēn; AmE: səˈrin; BrE: sɪˈriːn] (clear: 晴朗的)

17. presumption [pri-ˈzəmp-shən; AmE: prɪˈzʌmpʃən; BrE: prɪˈzʌmpʃən] (arrogance: 冒昧)

18. prejudicing [ˈpre-jə-də-siŋ; AmE: ˈpredʒədɪsɪŋ; BrE: ˈpredʒədɪsɪŋ] (discrediting: 贬损)

19. delineating [di-ˈli-nē-ˌā-tiŋ; AmE: dɪˈlɪniˌeɪtɪŋ; BrE: dɪˈlɪnieɪtɪŋ] (describing: 描绘)

20. physiological [ˌfi-zē-ə-ˈlä-ji-kəl; AmE: ˌfɪziəˈlɑːdʒɪkəl; BrE: ˌfɪziəˈlɒdʒɪkəl] (biological: 生理的)

21. expedient [ik-ˈspē-dē-ənt; AmE: ɪkˈspiːdiənt; BrE: ɪkˈspiːdiənt] (means: 权宜之计)

22. untried [ˌən-ˈtrīd; AmE: ˌʌnˈtraɪd; BrE: ˌʌnˈtraɪd] (new: 未经试过的)

23. spectres [ˈspek-tərz; AmE: ˈspɛktərz; BrE: ˈspektəz] (ghosts: 幽灵)

24. scrupled [ˈskrü-pəld; AmE: ˈskruːpəld; BrE: ˈskruːpəld] (hesitated: 顾忌)

25. enervating [ˈe-nər-ˌvā-tiŋ; AmE: ˈɛnərˌveɪtɪŋ; BrE: ˈenəveɪtɪŋ] (weakening: 使人无力的)

26. amiableness [ˈā-mē-ə-bəl-nəs; AmE: ˈeɪmiəbəlnəs; BrE: ˈeɪmiəbəlnəs] (kindness: 亲切)

27. environs [in-ˈvī-rənz; AmE: ɪnˈvaɪrənz; BrE: ɪnˈvaɪrənz] (surroundings: 周边地区)

28. supernatural [ˌsü-pər-ˈna-chə-rəl; AmE: ˌsupərˈnætʃərəl; BrE: ˌsuːpəˈnætʃrəl] (magical: 超自然的)

29. exempt [ig-ˈzempt; AmE: ɪɡˈzɛmpt; BrE: ɪɡˈzempt] (free: 免除)

30. weaving [ˈwē-viŋ; AmE: ˈwivɪŋ; BrE: ˈwiːvɪŋ] (creating: 编织)

The event on which this fiction is founded, has been supposed, by Dr. Darwin, and some of the physiological (biological: 生理的) writers of Germany, as not of impossible occurrence. I shall not be supposed as according (giving: 给予) the remotest (slightest: 丝毫的) degree of serious faith to such an imagination; yet, in assuming it as the basis (foundation: 基础) of a work of fancy, I have not considered myself as merely weaving (creating: 编织) a series of supernatural (magical: 超自然的) terrors. The event on which the interest of the story depends is exempt (free: 免除) from the disadvantages of a mere tale of spectres (ghosts: 幽灵) or enchantment (magic: 魔法). It was recommended by the novelty (newness: 新奇) of the situations which it develops; and, however impossible as a physical fact, affords a point of view to the imagination for the delineating (describing: 描绘) of human passions more comprehensive (thorough: 详尽的) and commanding (powerful: 有力的) than any which the ordinary relations of existing events can yield (produce: 产生).

I have thus endeavoured (tried: 努力) to preserve the truth of the elementary (basic: 基本的) principles of human nature, while I have not scrupled (hesitated: 顾忌) to innovate (change: 创新) upon their combinations (mixes: 组合). The Iliad, the tragic poetry of Greece⁠—Shakespeare, in The Tempest, and Midsummer Night’s Dream⁠—and most especially Milton, in Paradise Lost, conform (follow: 遵守) to this rule; and the most humble novelist, who seeks to confer (give: 授予) or receive amusement (entertainment: 娱乐) from his labours (work: 劳动), may, without presumption (arrogance: 冒昧), apply to prose fiction a licence (freedom: 许可), or rather a rule, from the adoption (acceptance: 采纳) of which so many exquisite (beautiful: 精美的) combinations (mixes: 组合) of human feeling have resulted in the highest specimens (examples: 样本) of poetry.

The circumstance on which my story rests was suggested in casual (informal: 随意的) conversation. It was commenced (started: 开始) partly as a source of amusement (entertainment: 娱乐), and partly as an expedient (means: 权宜之计) for exercising any untried (new: 未经试过的) resources of mind. Other motives (reasons: 动机) were mingled (mixed: 混合) with these, as the work proceeded. I am by no means indifferent to the manner in which whatever moral tendencies exist in the sentiments (feelings: 情感) or characters it contains shall affect the reader; yet my chief concern in this respect has been limited to the avoiding the enervating (weakening: 使人无力的) effects of the novels of the present day, and to the exhibition (display: 展示) of the amiableness (kindness: 亲切) of domestic affection, and the excellence (quality: 卓越) of universal virtue (goodness: 美德). The opinions which naturally spring from the character and situation of the hero are by no means to be conceived as existing always in my own conviction (belief: 信念); nor is any inference (conclusion: 推断) justly to be drawn from the following pages as prejudicing (discrediting: 贬损) any philosophical doctrine (belief: 学说) of whatever kind.

It is a subject also of additional interest to the author, that this story was begun in the majestic (grand: 雄伟的) region where the scene is principally laid, and in society which cannot cease to be regretted. I passed the summer of 1816 in the environs (surroundings: 周边地区) of Geneva. The season was cold and rainy, and in the evenings we crowded around a blazing wood fire, and occasionally amused ourselves with some German stories of ghosts, which happened to fall into our hands. These tales excited in us a playful desire of imitation (copying: 模仿). Two other friends (a tale from the pen of one of whom would be far more acceptable (welcome: 可接受的) to the public than anything I can ever hope to produce) and myself agreed to write each a story, founded on some supernatural (magical: 超自然的) occurrence.

The weather, however, suddenly became serene (clear: 晴朗的); and my two friends left me on a journey among the Alps, and lost, in the magnificent (grand: 壮丽的) scenes which they present, all memory of their ghostly visions. The following tale is the only one which has been completed.

Marlow, September, 1817.

WILLIAM GODWIN,

Author of Political Justice, Caleb Williams, etc.,

This Volume is Respectfully Inscribed

The Author

“Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay
To mould me Man, did I solicit thee
From darkness to promote me?”

— Paradise Lost, Book X, lines 743–745

FRANKENSTEIN

OR,

THE MODERN PROMETHEUS

Letter 1

Word List with word pairs: Should-Remember Words

1. insurance [in-ˈshu̇r-ən(t)s; AmE: ɪnˈʃʊr.əns; BrE: ɪnˈʃʊə.rəns] (protection against loss: 保险)

2. resolution [ˌre-zə-ˈlü-shən; AmE: ˌrez.əˈluː.ʃən; BrE: ˌrez.əˈluː.ʃən] (determination: 决心)

3. enterprise [ˈen-tər-ˌprīz; AmE: ˈen.t̬ɚ.praɪz; BrE: ˈen.tə.praɪz] (bold project: 事业)

4. enthusiasm [in-ˈthü-zē-ˌa-zəm; AmE: ɪnˈθuː.zi.æz.əm; BrE: ɪnˈθjuː.zi.æz.əm] (intense interest: 热情)

5. vivid [ˈvi-vəd; AmE: ˈvɪv.ɪd; BrE: ˈvɪv.ɪd] (bright: 生动的)

6. emergencies [i-ˈmər-jən-sēz; AmE: ɪˈmɝː.dʒən.siz; BrE: ɪˈmɜː.dʒən.siz] (urgent needs: 紧急情况)

7. neglected [ni-ˈglek-təd; AmE: nɪˈɡlek.tɪd; BrE: nɪˈɡlek.tɪd] (ignored: 被忽视)

8. disk [ˈdisk; AmE: dɪsk; BrE: dɪsk] (circular surface: 圆盘)

9. perpetual [pər-ˈpe-chə-wəl; AmE: pɚˈpetʃ.u.əl; BrE: pəˈpetʃ.u.əl] (continuous: 永久的)

10. commencement [kə-ˈmen(t)s-mənt; AmE: kəˈmens.mənt; BrE: kəˈmens.mənt] (start: 开始)

11. injunction [in-ˈjəŋ(k)-shən; AmE: ɪnˈdʒʌŋk.ʃən; BrE: ɪnˈdʒʌŋk.ʃən] (command: 命令)

12. skirting [ˈskər-tiŋ; AmE: ˈskɝː.t̬ɪŋ; BrE: ˈskɜː.tɪŋ] (moving along the edge: 擦过)

13. acquitted [ə-ˈkwi-təd; AmE: əˈkwɪt̬.ɪd; BrE: əˈkwɪt.ɪd] (performed: 表现)

14. surpassing [sər-ˈpa-siŋ; AmE: sɚˈpæs.ɪŋ; BrE: səˈpɑː.sɪŋ] (exceeding: 超过)

15. banished [ˈba-nisht; AmE: ˈbæn.ɪʃt; BrE: ˈbæn.ɪʃt] (sent away: 驱逐)

16. elevates [ˈe-lə-ˌvāts; AmE: ˈel.ə.veɪts; BrE: ˈel.ɪ.veɪts] (lifts up: 提升)

17. niche [ˈnich; AmE: nɪtʃ; BrE: niːʃ] (suitable position: 一席之地)

18. famine [ˈfa-mən; AmE: ˈfæm.ɪn; BrE: ˈfæm.ɪn] (hunger: 饥饿)

19. magnet [ˈmag-nət; AmE: ˈmæɡ.nət; BrE: ˈmæɡ.nət] (a piece of iron that attracts other metals: 磁铁)

20. confer [kən-ˈfər; AmE: kənˈfɝː; BrE: kənˈfɜː] (give: 给予)

Word List with word pairs: Read-and-Go Words

1. agitation [ˌa-jə-ˈtā-shən; AmE: ˌædʒ.əˈteɪ.ʃən; BrE: ˌædʒ.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən] (nervousness: 焦虑)

2. splendour [ˈsplen-dər; AmE: ˈsplen.dɚ; BrE: ˈsplen.dər] (magnificence: 壮丽)

3. solitudes [ˈsä-lə-ˌtüdz; AmE: ˈsɑː.lə.tuːdz; BrE: ˈsɒl.ɪ.tjuːdz] (lonely places: 荒野)

4. fervent [ˈfər-vənt; AmE: ˈfɝː.vənt; BrE: ˈfɜː.vənt] (passionate: 热烈的)

5. eccentricities [ˌek-ˌsen-ˈtri-sə-tēz; AmE: ˌek.senˈtrɪs.ə.t̬iz; BrE: ˌek.senˈtrɪs.ə.tiz] (irregularities: 异常)

6. ardent [ˈär-dᵊnt; AmE: ˈɑːr.dənt; BrE: ˈɑː.dənt] (passionate: 热切的)

7. conjectures [kən-ˈjek-chərz; AmE: kənˈdʒek.tʃɚz; BrE: kənˈdʒek.tʃəz] (guesses: 推测)

8. inestimable [i-ˈne-stə-mə-bəl; AmE: ɪnˈes.tə.mə.bəl; BrE: ɪnˈes.tɪ.mə.bəl] (priceless: 无法估量的)

9. laborious [lə-ˈbȯr-ē-əs; AmE: ləˈbɔːr.i.əs; BrE: ləˈbɔː.ri.əs] (difficult: 艰苦的)

10. fluctuate [ˈflək-chə-ˌwāt; AmE: ˈflʌk.tʃu.eɪt; BrE: ˈflʌk.tʃu.eɪt] (change: 波动)

11. fortitude [ˈfȯr-tə-ˌtüd; AmE: ˈfɔːr.t̬ə.tuːd; BrE: ˈfɔː.tɪ.tjuːd] (courage: 坚韧)

12. satiate [ˈsā-shē-ˌāt; AmE: ˈseɪ.ʃi.eɪt; BrE: ˈseɪ.ʃi.eɪt] (satisfy: 满足)

13. enticements [in-ˈtīs-mənts; AmE: ɪnˈtaɪs.mənts; BrE: ɪnˈtaɪs.mənts] (attractions: 诱惑)

14. forebodings [fȯr-ˈbō-diŋz; AmE: fɔːrˈboʊ.dɪŋz; BrE: fɔːˈbəʊ.dɪŋz] (bad feelings: 预感)

15. inuring [i-ˈnu̇r-iŋ; AmE: ɪˈnʊr.ɪŋ; BrE: ɪˈnjʊə.rɪŋ] (toughening: 磨炼)

16. climes [ˈklīmz; AmE: klaɪmz; BrE: klaɪmz] (regions: 地带)

17. effusions [i-ˈfyü-zhənz; AmE: ɪˈfjuː.ʒənz; BrE: ɪˈfjuː.ʒənz] (poems: 诗作)

18. consecrated [ˈkän(t)-sə-ˌkrāt-əd; AmE: ˈkɑːn.sə.kreɪt̬.ɪd; BrE: ˈkɒn.sɪ.kreɪt.ɪd] (made sacred: 神圣的)

19. perused [pə-ˈrüzd; AmE: pəˈruːzd; BrE: pəˈruːzd] (read carefully: 细读)

20. inspirit [in-ˈspir-ət; AmE: ɪnˈspɪr.ɪt; BrE: ɪnˈspɪr.ɪt] (encourage: 激励)

21. desolation [ˌde-sə-ˈlā-shən; AmE: ˌdes.əˈleɪ.ʃən; BrE: ˌdes.əˈleɪ.ʃən] (emptiness: 荒凉)

22. diffusing [di-ˈfyü-ziŋ; AmE: dɪˈfjuːz.ɪŋ; BrE: dɪˈfjuːz.ɪŋ] (spreading: 传播)

23. wafted [ˈwaf-təd; AmE: ˈwæf.tɪd; BrE: ˈwɒf.tɪd] (carried lightly: 飘送)

24. habitable [ˈha-bə-tə-bəl; AmE: ˈhæb.ɪ.t̬ə.bəl; BrE: ˈhæb.ɪ.tə.bəl] (livable: 宜居的)

25. entreat [in-ˈtrēt; AmE: ɪnˈtriːt; BrE: ɪnˈtriːt] (beg: 恳求)

26. seafaring [ˈsē-ˌfer-iŋ; AmE: ˈsiːˌfer.ɪŋ; BrE: ˈsiːˌfeə.rɪŋ] (traveling by sea: 航海的)

27. dispelled [di-ˈspeld; AmE: dɪˈspeld; BrE: dɪˈspeld] (driven away: 驱散)

28. tranquillise [ˈtraŋ-kwə-ˌlīz; AmE: ˈtræŋ.kwə.laɪz; BrE: ˈtræŋ.kwɪ.laɪz] (calm: 平复)

29. ardour [ˈär-dər; AmE: ˈɑːr.dɚ; BrE: ˈɑː.də] (passion: 热情)

30. navigators [ˈna-və-ˌgā-tərz; AmE: ˈnæv.ə.ɡeɪ.t̬ɚz; BrE: ˈnæv.ɪ.ɡeɪ.təz] (sailors: 航海家)

31. entranced [in-ˈtran(t)st; AmE: ɪnˈtrænst; BrE: ɪnˈtrɑːnst] (fascinated: 迷住)

32. ascertaining [ˌa-sər-ˈtā-niŋ; AmE: ˌæs.ɚˈteɪn.ɪŋ; BrE: ˌæs.əˈteɪn.ɪŋ] (finding out: 弄清)

33. under-mate [ˈən-dər-ˌmāt; AmE: ˈʌn.dɚ.meɪt; BrE: ˈʌn.də.meɪt] (a junior officer on a ship: 下级船副)

34. sledges [ˈsle-jəz; AmE: ˈsledʒ.ɪz; BrE: ˈsledʒ.ɪz] (vehicles for traveling over snow: 雪橇)

To Mrs. Saville, England.

St. Petersburgh, Dec. 11th, 17—.

You will rejoice to hear that no disaster has accompanied the commencement (start: 开始) of an enterprise (bold project: 事业) which you have regarded with such evil forebodings (bad feelings: 预感). I arrived here yesterday; and my first task is to assure my dear sister of my welfare, and increasing confidence in the success of my undertaking.

I am already far north of London; and as I walk in the streets of Petersburgh, I feel a cold northern breeze play upon my cheeks, which braces my nerves, and fills me with delight. Do you understand this feeling? This breeze, which has travelled from the regions towards which I am advancing, gives me a foretaste of those icy climes (regions: 地带). Inspirited (encouraged: 激励) by this wind of promise, my day dreams become more fervent (passionate: 热烈的) and vivid (bright: 生动的). I try in vain to be persuaded that the pole is the seat of frost and desolation (emptiness: 荒凉); it ever presents itself to my imagination as the region of beauty and delight. There, Margaret, the sun is forever visible; its broad disk (circular surface: 圆盘) just skirting (moving along the edge: 擦过) the horizon, and diffusing (spreading: 传播) a perpetual (continuous: 永久的) splendour (magnificence: 壮丽). There—for with your leave, my sister, I will put some trust in preceding navigators (sailors: 航海家)—there snow and frost are banished (sent away: 驱逐); and, sailing over a calm sea, we may be wafted (carried lightly: 飘送) to a land surpassing (exceeding: 超过) in wonders and in beauty every region hitherto discovered on the habitable (livable: 宜居的) globe. Its productions and features may be without example, as the phenomena of the heavenly bodies undoubtedly are in those undiscovered solitudes (lonely places: 荒野). What may not be expected in a country of eternal light? I may there discover the wondrous power which attracts the needle; and may regulate a thousand celestial observations, that require only this voyage to render their seeming eccentricities (irregularities: 异常) consistent forever. I shall satiate (satisfy: 满足) my ardent (passionate: 热切的) curiosity with the sight of a part of the world never before visited, and may tread a land never before imprinted by the foot of man. These are my enticements (attractions: 诱惑), and they are sufficient to conquer all fear of danger or death, and to induce me to commence this laborious (difficult: 艰苦的) voyage with the joy a child feels when he embarks in a little boat, with his holiday mates, on an expedition of discovery up his native river. But, supposing all these conjectures (guesses: 推测) to be false, you cannot contest the inestimable (priceless: 无法估量的) benefit which I shall confer (give: 给予) on all mankind to the last generation, by discovering a passage near the pole to those countries, to reach which at present so many months are requisite; or by ascertaining (finding out: 弄清) the secret of the magnet (a piece of iron that attracts other metals: 磁铁), which, if at all possible, can only be effected by an undertaking such as mine.

These reflections have dispelled (driven away: 驱散) the agitation (nervousness: 焦虑) with which I began my letter, and I feel my heart glow with an enthusiasm (intense interest: 热情) which elevates (lifts up: 提升) me to heaven; for nothing contributes so much to tranquillise (calm: 平复) the mind as a steady purpose—a point on which the soul may fix its intellectual eye. This expedition has been the favourite dream of my early years. I have read with ardour (passion: 热情) the accounts of the various voyages which have been made in the prospect of arriving at the North Pacific Ocean through the seas which surround the pole. You may remember, that a history of all the voyages made for purposes of discovery composed the whole of our good uncle Thomas’s library. My education was neglected (ignored: 被忽视), yet I was passionately fond of reading. These volumes were my study day and night, and my familiarity with them increased that regret which I had felt, as a child, on learning that my father’s dying injunction (command: 命令) had forbidden my uncle to allow me to embark in a seafaring (traveling by sea: 航海的) life.

These visions faded when I perused (read carefully: 细读), for the first time, those poets whose effusions (poems: 诗作) entranced (fascinated: 迷住) my soul, and lifted it to heaven. I also became a poet, and for one year lived in a Paradise of my own creation; I imagined that I also might obtain a niche (suitable position: 一席之地) in the temple where the names of Homer and Shakespeare are consecrated (made sacred: 神圣的). You are well acquainted with my failure, and how heavily I bore the disappointment. But just at that time I inherited the fortune of my cousin, and my thoughts were turned into the channel of their earlier bent.

Six years have passed since I resolved on my present undertaking. I can, even now, remember the hour from which I dedicated myself to this great enterprise (bold project: 事业). I commenced by inuring (toughening: 磨炼) my body to hardship. I accompanied the whale-fishers on several expeditions to the North Sea; I voluntarily endured cold, famine (hunger: 饥饿), thirst, and want of sleep; I often worked harder than the common sailors during the day, and devoted my nights to the study of mathematics, the theory of medicine, and those branches of physical science from which a naval adventurer might derive the greatest practical advantage. Twice I actually hired myself as an under-mate (a junior officer on a ship: 下级船副) in a Greenland whaler, and acquitted (performed: 表现) myself to admiration. I must own I felt a little proud, when my captain offered me the second dignity in the vessel, and entreated (begged: 恳求) me to remain with the greatest earnestness; so valuable did he consider my services.

And now, dear Margaret, do I not deserve to accomplish some great purpose? My life might have been passed in ease and luxury; but I preferred glory to every enticement (attraction: 诱惑) that wealth placed in my path. Oh, that some encouraging voice would answer in the affirmative! My courage and my resolution (determination: 决心) is firm; but my hopes fluctuate (change: 波动), and my spirits are often depressed. I am about to proceed on a long and difficult voyage, the emergencies (urgent needs: 紧急情况) of which will demand all my fortitude (courage: 坚韧): I am required not only to raise the spirits of others, but sometimes to sustain my own, when theirs are failing.

This is the most favourable period for travelling in Russia. They fly quickly over the snow in their sledges (vehicles for traveling over snow: 雪橇); the motion is pleasant, and, in my opinion, far more agreeable than that of an English stagecoach. The cold is not excessive, if you are wrapped in furs—a dress which I have already adopted; for there is a great difference between walking the deck and remaining seated motionless for hours, when no exercise prevents the blood from actually freezing in your veins. I have no ambition to lose my life on the post-road between St. Petersburgh and Archangel.

I shall depart for the latter town in a fortnight or three weeks; and my intention is to hire a ship there, which can easily be done by paying the insurance (protection against loss: 保险) for the owner, and to engage as many sailors as I think necessary among those who are accustomed to the whale-fishing. I do not intend to sail until the month of June; and when shall I return? Ah, dear sister, how can I answer this question? If I succeed, many, many months, perhaps years, will pass before you and I may meet. If I fail, you will see me again soon, or never.

Farewell, my dear, excellent Margaret. Heaven shower down blessings on you, and save me, that I may again and again testify my gratitude for all your love and kindness.

Your affectionate brother, R. Walton.

Letter 2

Word List with word pairs: Should-Remember Words

1. participate [pär-ˈti-sə-ˌpāt; AmE: pɑːrˈtɪs.ə.peɪt; BrE: pɑːˈtɪs.ɪ.peɪt] (share: 分享)

2. reverse [ri-ˈvərs; AmE: rɪˈvɝːs; BrE: rɪˈvɜːs] (opposite: 相反)

3. enterprise [ˈen-tər-ˌprīz; AmE: ˈen.t̬ɚ.praɪz; BrE: ˈen.tə.praɪz] (1. bold project: 事业; 2. initiative: 进取心)

4. sensations [sen-ˈsā-shənz; AmE: senˈseɪ.ʃənz; BrE: senˈseɪ.ʃənz] (feelings: 感觉)

5. disposition [ˌdis-pə-ˈzi-shən; AmE: ˌdɪs.pəˈzɪʃ.ən; BrE: ˌdɪs.pəˈzɪʃ.ən] (nature: 性情)

6. attachment [ə-ˈtach-mənt; AmE: əˈtætʃ.mənt; BrE: əˈtætʃ.mənt] (affection: 依恋)

7. abandoned [ə-ˈban-dənd; AmE: əˈbæn.dənd; BrE: əˈbæn.dənd] (gave up: 放弃)

8. integrity [in-ˈte-grə-tē; AmE: ɪnˈteɡ.rə.t̬i; BrE: ɪnˈteɡ.rə.ti] (honesty: 正直)

9. refined [ri-ˈfīnd; AmE: rɪˈfaɪnd; BrE: rɪˈfaɪnd] (polished: 陶冶)

10. traversed [trə-ˈvərst; AmE: trəˈvɝːst; BrE: trəˈvɜːst] (crossed: 越过)

11. consolation [ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən; AmE: ˌkɑːn.səˈleɪ.ʃən; BrE: ˌkɒn.səˈleɪ.ʃən] (comfort: 慰藉)

12. illiterate [i-ˈli-t(ə-)rət; AmE: ɪˈlɪt̬.ɚ.ət; BrE: ɪˈlɪt.ər.ət] (poorly educated: 浅陋的)

13. brutality [brü-ˈta-lə-tē; AmE: bruːˈtæl.ə.t̬i; BrE: bruːˈtæl.ə.ti] (cruelty: 残暴)

14. prejudices [ˈpre-jə-dəs-əz; AmE: ˈpredʒ.ə.dɪs.ɪz; BrE: ˈpredʒ.ʊ.dɪs.ɪz] (biases: 偏见)

15. cultivated [ˈkəl-tə-ˌvā-təd; AmE: ˈkʌl.tə.veɪ.t̬ɪd; BrE: ˈkʌl.tɪ.veɪ.tɪd] (educated: 有教养的)

16. endowments [in-ˈdau̇-mənts; AmE: ɪnˈdaʊ.mənts; BrE: ɪnˈdaʊ.mənts] (gifts: 天赋)

17. conception [kən-ˈsep-shən; AmE: kənˈsep.ʃən; BrE: kənˈsep.ʃən] (idea: 概念)

18. lieutenant [lü-ˈte-nənt; AmE: luːˈten.ənt; BrE: lefˈten.ənt] (junior officer: 中尉)

19. marvellous [ˈmär-v(ə-)ləs; AmE: ˈmɑːr.vəl.əs; BrE: ˈmɑː.vəl.əs] (wonderful: 非凡的)

20. conceive [kən-ˈsēv; AmE: kənˈsiːv; BrE: kənˈsiːv] (imagine: 想象)

Word List with word pairs: Read-and-Go Words

1. perseverance [ˌpər-sə-ˈvir-ən(t)s; AmE: ˌpɝː.səˈvɪr.əns; BrE: ˌpɜː.sɪˈvɪə.rəns] (determination: 毅力)

2. industrious [in-ˈdəs-trē-əs; AmE: ɪnˈdʌs.tri.əs; BrE: ɪnˈdʌs.tri.əs] (hard-working: 勤奋的)

3. wavering [ˈwā-v(ə-)riŋ; AmE: ˈweɪ.vɚ.ɪŋ; BrE: ˈweɪ.vər.ɪŋ] (hesitating: 动摇)

4. amassed [ə-ˈmast; AmE: əˈmæst; BrE: əˈmæst] (collected: 积聚)

5. dauntless [ˈdȯnt-ləs; AmE: ˈdɑːnt.ləs; BrE: ˈdɔːnt.ləs] (fearless: 勇敢的)

6. encompassed [in-ˈkəm-pəst; AmE: ɪnˈkʌm.pəst; BrE: ɪnˈkʌm.pəst] (surrounded: 环绕)

7. dejection [di-ˈjek-shən; AmE: dɪˈdʒek.ʃən; BrE: dɪˈdʒek.ʃən] (sadness: 忧郁)

8. assailed [ə-ˈsāld; AmE: əˈseɪld; BrE: əˈseɪld] (attacked: 困扰)

9. capacious [kə-ˈpā-shəs; AmE: kəˈpeɪ.ʃəs; BrE: kəˈpeɪ.ʃəs] (wide: 宽大的)

10. mariner [ˈmer-ə-nər; AmE: ˈmer.ə.nɚ; BrE: ˈmær.ɪ.nə] (sailor: 水手)

11. inexorable [i-ˈnek-s(ə-)rə-bəl; AmE: ˌɪnˈek.sər.ə.bəl; BrE: ˌɪnˈek.sər.ə.bəl] (unyielding: 坚决的)

12. suppliant [ˈsə-plē-ənt; AmE: ˈsʌp.li.ənt; BrE: ˈsʌp.li.ənt] (petitioner: 哀求者)

13. groundwork [ˈgrau̇n(d)-ˌwərk; AmE: ˈɡraʊnd.wɝːk; BrE: ˈɡraʊnd.wɜːk] (foundation: 基础)

14. albatross [ˈal-bə-ˌtrȯs; AmE: ˈæl.bə.trɑːs; BrE: ˈæl.bə.trɒs] (a large seabird: 信天翁)

15. characteristically [ˌker-ik-tə-ˈri-sti-k(ə-)lē; AmE: ˌker.ək.təˈrɪs.tɪ.kəl.i; BrE: ˌkær.ək.təˈrɪs.tɪ.kəl.i] (typically: 典型地)

16. dross [ˈdräs; AmE: drɑːs; BrE: drɒs] (rubbish: 渣滓)

17. intertwined [ˌin-tər-ˈtwīnd; AmE: ˌɪn.t̬ɚˈtwaɪnd; BrE: ˌɪn.təˈtwaɪnd] (twisted together: 纠缠)

18. solicited [sə-ˈli-sə-təd; AmE: səˈlɪs.ɪ.t̬ɪd; BrE: səˈlɪs.ɪ.tɪd] (asked for: 恳求)

19. detracts [di-ˈtrakts; AmE: dɪˈtrækts; BrE: dɪˈtrækts] (takes away: 减损)

20. unallied [ˌən-ə-ˈlīd; AmE: ˌʌn.əˈlaɪd; BrE: ˌʌn.əˈlaɪd] (unconnected: 无关的)

21. painstaking [ˈpān-ˌstā-kiŋ; AmE: ˈpeɪnˌsteɪ.kɪŋ; BrE: ˈpeɪnˌsteɪ.kɪŋ] (careful: 细致的)

22. embarkation [ˌem-ˌbär-ˈkā-shən; AmE: ˌem.bɑːrˈkeɪ.ʃən; BrE: ˌem.bɑːˈkeɪ.ʃən] (departure by ship: 登船)

23. allusion [ə-ˈlü-zhən; AmE: əˈluː.ʒən; BrE: əˈluː.ʒən] (reference: 典故)

24. woeful [ˈwō-fəl; AmE: ˈwoʊ.fəl; BrE: ˈwəʊ.fəl] (sad: 悲伤的)

25. inclinations [ˌin-klə-ˈnā-shənz; AmE: ˌɪn.kləˈneɪ.ʃənz; BrE: ˌɪn.klɪˈneɪ.ʃənz] (desires: 意愿)

26. peculiarly [pi-ˈkyül-yər-lē; AmE: pɪˈkjuːl.jɚ.li; BrE: pɪˈkjuː.li.ə.li] (uniquely: 特别地)

27. fosterage [ˈfȯ-stə-rij; AmE: ˈfɑː.stɚ.ɪdʒ; BrE: ˈfɒs.tər.ɪdʒ] (upbringing: 抚育)

28. keeping [ˈkē-piŋ; AmE: ˈkiː.pɪŋ; BrE: ˈkiː.pɪŋ] (proper balance: 协调)

To Mrs. Saville, England.

Archangel, 28th March, 17—.

How slowly the time passes here, encompassed (surrounded: 环绕) as I am by frost and snow; yet a second step is taken towards my enterprise (bold project: 事业). I have hired a vessel, and am occupied in collecting my sailors; those whom I have already engaged, appear to be men on whom I can depend, and are certainly possessed of dauntless (fearless: 勇敢的) courage.

But I have one want which I have never yet been able to satisfy; and the absence of the object of which I now feel as a most severe evil. I have no friend, Margaret: when I am glowing with the enthusiasm of success, there will be none to participate (share: 分享) my joy; if I am assailed (attacked: 困扰) by disappointment, no one will endeavour to sustain me in dejection (sadness: 忧郁). I shall commit my thoughts to paper, it is true; but that is a poor medium for the communication of feeling. I desire the company of a man who could sympathise with me; whose eyes would reply to mine. You may deem me romantic, my dear sister, but I bitterly feel the want of a friend. I have no one near me, gentle yet courageous, possessed of a cultivated (educated: 有教养的) as well as of a capacious (wide: 宽大的) mind, whose tastes are like my own, to approve or amend my plans. How would such a friend repair the faults of your poor brother! I am too ardent in execution, and too impatient of difficulties. But it is a still greater evil to me that I am self-educated: for the first fourteen years of my life I ran wild on a common, and read nothing but our uncle Thomas’s books of voyages. At that age I became acquainted with the celebrated poets of our own country; but it was only when it had ceased to be in my power to derive its most important benefits from such a conviction, that I perceived the necessity of becoming acquainted with more languages than that of my native country. Now I am twenty-eight, and am in reality more illiterate (poorly educated: 浅陋的) than many schoolboys of fifteen. It is true that I have thought more, and that my day dreams are more extended and magnificent; but they want (as the painters call it) keeping (proper balance: 协调); and I greatly need a friend who would have sense enough not to despise me as romantic, and affection enough for me to endeavour to regulate my mind.

Well, these are useless complaints; I shall certainly find no friend on the wide ocean, nor even here in Archangel, among merchants and seamen. Yet some feelings, unallied (unconnected: 无关的) to the dross (rubbish: 渣滓) of human nature, beat even in these rugged bosoms. My lieutenant (junior officer: 中尉), for instance, is a man of wonderful courage and enterprise (initiative: 进取心); he is madly desirous of glory: or rather, to word my phrase more characteristically (typically: 典型地), of advancement in his profession. He is an Englishman, and in the midst of national and professional prejudices (biases: 偏见), unsoftened by cultivation, retains some of the noblest endowments (gifts: 天赋) of humanity. I first became acquainted with him on board a whale vessel: finding that he was unemployed in this city, I easily engaged him to assist in my enterprise (bold project: 事业).

The master is a person of an excellent disposition (nature: 性情), and is remarkable in the ship for his gentleness and the mildness of his discipline. This circumstance, added to his well known integrity (honesty: 正直) and dauntless (fearless: 勇敢的) courage, made me very desirous to engage him. A youth passed in solitude, my best years spent under your gentle and feminine fosterage (upbringing: 抚育), has so refined (polished: 陶冶) the groundwork (foundation: 基础) of my character, that I cannot overcome an intense distaste to the usual brutality (cruelty: 残暴) exercised on board ship: I have never believed it to be necessary; and when I heard of a mariner (sailor: 水手) equally noted for his kindliness of heart, and the respect and obedience paid to him by his crew, I felt myself peculiarly (uniquely: 特别地) fortunate in being able to secure his services. I heard of him first in rather a romantic manner, from a lady who owes to him the happiness of her life. This, briefly, is his story. Some years ago, he loved a young Russian lady, of moderate fortune; and having amassed (collected: 积聚) a considerable sum in prize-money, the father of the girl consented to the match. He saw his mistress once before the destined ceremony; but she was bathed in tears, and, throwing herself at his feet, entreated him to spare her, confessing at the same time that she loved another, but that he was poor, and that her father would never consent to the union. My generous friend reassured the suppliant (petitioner: 哀求者), and on being informed of the name of her lover, instantly abandoned (gave up: 放弃) his pursuit. He had already bought a farm with his money, on which he had designed to pass the remainder of his life; but he bestowed the whole on his rival, together with the remains of his prize-money to purchase stock, and then himself solicited (asked for: 恳求) the young woman’s father to consent to her marriage with her lover. But the old man decidedly refused, thinking himself bound in honour to my friend; who, when he found the father inexorable (unyielding: 坚决的), quitted his country, nor returned until he heard that his former mistress was married according to her inclinations (desires: 意愿). “What a noble fellow!” you will exclaim. He is so; but then he is wholly uneducated: he is as silent as a Turk, and a kind of ignorant carelessness attends him, which, while it renders his conduct the more astonishing, detracts (takes away: 减损) from the interest and sympathy which otherwise he would command.

Yet do not suppose, because I complain a little, or because I can conceive (imagine: 想象) a consolation (comfort: 慰藉) for my toils which I may never know, that I am wavering (hesitating: 动摇) in my resolutions. Those are as fixed as fate; and my voyage is only now delayed until the weather shall permit my embarkation (departure by ship: 登船). The winter has been dreadfully severe; but the spring promises well, and it is considered as a remarkably early season; so that perhaps I may sail sooner than I expected. I shall do nothing rashly: you know me sufficiently to confide in my prudence and considerateness, whenever the safety of others is committed to my care.

I cannot describe to you my sensations (feelings: 感觉) on the near prospect of my undertaking. It is impossible to communicate to you a conception (idea: 概念) of the trembling sensation (feeling: 感觉), half pleasurable and half fearful, with which I am preparing to depart. I am going to unexplored regions, to “the land of mist and snow”; but I shall kill no albatross (a large seabird: 信天翁), therefore do not be alarmed for my safety, or if I should come back to you as worn and woeful (sad: 悲伤的) as the “Ancient Mariner (sailor: 水手)”? You will smile at my allusion (reference: 典故); but I will disclose a secret. I have often attributed my attachment (affection: 依恋) to, my passionate enthusiasm for, the dangerous mysteries of ocean, to that production of the most imaginative of modern poets. There is something at work in my soul, which I do not understand. I am practically industrious (hard-working: 勤奋的)—painstaking (careful: 细致的);—a workman to execute with perseverance (determination: 毅力) and labour:—but besides this, there is a love for the marvellous (wonderful: 非凡的), a belief in the marvellous (wonderful: 非凡的), intertwined (twisted together: 纠缠) in all my projects, which hurries me out of the common pathways of men, even to the wild sea and unvisited regions I am about to explore.

But to return to dearer considerations. Shall I meet you again, after having traversed (crossed: 越过) immense seas, and returned by the most southern cape of Africa or America? I dare not expect such success, yet I cannot bear to look on the reverse (opposite: 相反) of the picture. Continue for the present to write to me by every opportunity: I may receive your letters on some occasions when I need them most to support my spirits. I love you very tenderly. Remember me with affection, should you never hear from me again.

Your affectionate brother, Robert Walton.

Letter 3 & Letter 4

Word List with word pairs: Should-Remember Words

1. journal [ˈjər-nᵊl; AmE: ˈdʒɝː.nəl; BrE: ˈdʒɜː.nəl] (diary: 日志)

2. frame [ˈfrām; AmE: freɪm; BrE: freɪm] (body: 身体)

3. experienced [ik-ˈspir-ē-ən(t)st; AmE: ɪkˈspɪr.i.ənst; BrE: ɪkˈspɪə.ri.ənst] (skilled: 老练的)

4. atmosphere [ˈat-mə-ˌsfir; AmE: ˈæt.mə.sfɪr; BrE: ˈæt.mə.sfɪər] (air: 大气)

5. destruction [di-ˈstrək-shən; AmE: dɪˈstrʌk.ʃən; BrE: dɪˈstrʌk.ʃən] (ruin: 毁灭)

6. facility [fə-ˈsi-lə-tē; AmE: fəˈsɪl.ə.t̬i; BrE: fəˈsɪl.ə.ti] (ease: 熟练)

7. precision [pri-ˈsi-zhən; AmE: prəˈsɪʒ.ən; BrE: prɪˈsɪʒ.ən] (accuracy: 精确)

8. conviction [kən-ˈvik-shən; AmE: kənˈvɪk.ʃən; BrE: kənˈvɪk.ʃən] (belief: 信念)

9. restoration [ˌre-stə-ˈrā-shən; AmE: ˌres.təˈreɪ.ʃən; BrE: ˌres.tərˈreɪ.ʃən] (recovery: 恢复)

10. narrative [ˈner-ə-tiv; AmE: ˈner.ə.t̬ɪv; BrE: ˈnær.ə.tɪv] (story: 叙述)

11. animation [ˌa-nə-ˈmā-shən; AmE: ˌæn.əˈmeɪ.ʃən; BrE: ˌæn.ɪˈmeɪ.ʃən] (life: 活气)

12. fatigue [fə-ˈtēg; AmE: fəˈtiːɡ; BrE: fəˈtiːɡ] (tiredness: 疲劳)

13. leisure [ˈlē-zhər; AmE: ˈliː.ʒɚ; BrE: ˈleʒ.ər] (free time: 空闲)

14. manuscript [ˈman-yə-ˌskript; AmE: ˈmæn.jə.skrɪpt; BrE: ˈmæn.jʊ.skrɪpt] (document: 手稿)

15. inequalities [ˌi-ni-ˈkwä-lə-tēz; AmE: ˌɪn.ɪˈkwɑː.lə.t̬iz; BrE: ˌɪn.ɪˈkwɒl.ə.tiz] (irregularities: 不平整处)

16. plains [ˈplānz; AmE: pleɪnz; BrE: pleɪnz] (expanses: 平原)

17. drifted [ˈdrif-təd; AmE: ˈdrɪf.tɪd; BrE: ˈdrɪf.tɪd] (carried: 漂流)

18. decaying [di-ˈkā-iŋ; AmE: dɪˈkeɪ.ɪŋ; BrE: dɪˈkeɪ.ɪŋ] (failing: 衰弱的)

19. accents [ˈak-ˌsen(t)s; AmE: ˈæk.sents; BrE: ˈæk.sents] (1. tones: 腔调; 2. pronunciations: 口音)

20. enterprise [ˈen-tər-ˌprīz; AmE: ˈen.t̬ɚ.praɪz; BrE: ˈen.tə.praɪz] (bold project: 事业)

Word List with word pairs: Read-and-Go Words

1. fragment [ˈfrag-mənt; AmE: ˈfræɡ.mənt; BrE: ˈfræɡ.mənt] (piece: 碎片)

2. latitude [ˈla-tə-ˌtüd; AmE: ˈlæt̬.ə.tuːd; BrE: ˈlæt.ɪ.tjuːd] (position: 纬度)

3. composure [kəm-ˈpō-zhər; AmE: kəmˈpoʊ.ʒɚ; BrE: kəmˈpəʊ.ʒər] (calmness: 镇定)

4. stature [ˈsta-chər; AmE: ˈstætʃ.ɚ; BrE: ˈstætʃ.ər] (height: 身材)

5. benevolence [bə-ˈne-və-lən(t)s; AmE: bəˈnev.ə.ləns; BrE: bəˈnev.əl.əns] (kindness: 仁慈)

6. eloquence [ˈe-lə-kwən(t)s; AmE: ˈel.ə.kwəns; BrE: ˈel.ə.kwəns] (fluency: 口才)

7. discernment [di-ˈsərn-mənt; AmE: dɪˈsɝːn.mənt; BrE: dɪˈsɜːn.mənt] (judgment: 洞察力)

8. poignant [ˈpȯi-nyənt; AmE: ˈpɔɪ.njənt; BrE: ˈpɔɪ.njənt] (intense: 深切的)

9. emaciated [i-ˈmā-shē-ˌā-təd; AmE: ɪˈmeɪ.ʃi.eɪ.t̬ɪd; BrE: ɪˈmeɪ.si.eɪ.tɪd] (thin: 消瘦的)

10. melancholy [ˈme-lən-ˌkä-lē; AmE: ˈmel.ənˌkɑː.li; BrE: ˈmel.əŋˌkɒl.i] (sadness: 忧郁)

11. countenance [ˈkau̇n-tə-nən(t)s; AmE: ˈkaʊn.t̬ən.əns; BrE: ˈkaʊn.tən.əns] (face: 面容)

12. endeavours [in-ˈde-vərz; AmE: enˈdev.ɚz; BrE: enˈdev.əz] (efforts: 努力)

13. gales [ˈgālz; AmE: ɡeɪlz; BrE: ɡeɪlz] (winds: 大风)

14. manifested [ˈma-nə-ˌfe-stəd; AmE: ˈmæn.ə.fest.ɪd; BrE: ˈmæn.ɪ.fest.ɪd] (showed: 表明)

15. intuitive [in-ˈtü-ə-tiv; AmE: ɪnˈtuː.ɪ.t̬ɪv; BrE: ɪnˈtjuː.ɪ.tɪv] (instinctive: 直觉的)

16. unparalleled [ˌən-ˈpar-ə-ˌleld; AmE: ʌnˈper.əl.eld; BrE: ʌnˈpær.əl.eld] (unique: 无比的)

17. gratification [ˌgra-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən; AmE: ˌɡræt̬.ə.fəˈkeɪ.ʃən; BrE: ˌɡræt.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən] (satisfaction: 满足)

18. perilous [ˈper-ə-ləs; AmE: ˈper.əl.əs; BrE: ˈper.əl.əs] (dangerous: 危险的)

19. ardour [ˈär-dər; AmE: ˈɑːr.dɚ; BrE: ˈɑː.də] (passion: 热情)

20. harrowing [ˈher-ə-wiŋ; AmE: ˈher.oʊ.ɪŋ; BrE: ˈhær.əʊ.ɪŋ] (distressing: 揪心的)

21. ameliorate [ə-ˈmēl-yə-ˌrāt; AmE: əˈmiːl.jə.reɪt; BrE: əˈmiː.li.ə.reɪt] (improve: 改善)

22. lustrous [ˈlə-strəs; AmE: ˈlʌs.trəs; BrE: ˈlʌs.trəs] (shining: 有光泽的)

23. lineaments [ˈli-nē-ə-mənts; AmE: ˈlɪn.i.ə.mənts; BrE: ˈlɪn.i.ə.mənts] (features: 面容)

24. irradiated [i-ˈrā-dē-ˌā-təd; AmE: ɪˈreɪ.di.eɪ.t̬ɪd; BrE: ɪˈreɪ.di.eɪ.tɪd] (lit up: 照耀)

25. irrevocably [i-ˈre-və-kə-blē; AmE: ɪˈrev.ə.kə.bli; BrE: ɪˈrev.ə.kə.bli] (finally: 不可逆转地)

26. paroxysm [ˈper-ək-ˌsi-zəm; AmE: ˈper.əkˌsɪz.əm; BrE: ˈpær.əkˌsɪz.əm] (outburst: 发作)

27. imperatively [im-ˈper-ə-tiv-lē; AmE: ɪmˈper.ə.t̬ɪv.li; BrE: ɪmˈper.ə.tɪv.li] (urgently: 急迫地)

28. impertinent [im-ˈpər-tə-nənt; AmE: ɪmˈpɝː.tən.ənt; BrE: ɪmˈpɜː.tɪ.nənt] (rude: 无礼的)

29. capitulated [kə-ˈpi-chə-ˌlā-təd; AmE: kəˈpɪtʃ.ə.leɪ.t̬ɪd; BrE: kəˈpɪtʃ.ə.leɪ.tɪd] (surrendered: 屈服)

30. conciliating [kən-ˈsi-lē-ˌā-tiŋ; AmE: kənˈsɪl.i.eɪ.t̬ɪŋ; BrE: kənˈsɪl.i.eɪ.tɪŋ] (winning: 安抚的)

31. intoxicating [in-ˈtäk-sə-ˌkā-tiŋ; AmE: ɪnˈtɑːk.sə.keɪ.t̬ɪŋ; BrE: ɪnˈtɒk.sɪ.keɪ.tɪŋ] (thrilling: 醉人的)

32. adieu [ə-ˈdü; AmE: əˈduː; BrE: əˈdjuː] (farewell: 再见)

33. pathless [ˈpath-ləs; AmE: ˈpæθ.ləs; BrE: ˈpɑːθ.ləs] (trackless: 无路的)

34. forbear [fȯr-ˈber; AmE: fɔːrˈber; BrE: fɔːˈbeə(r)] (refrain: 克制)

35. whither [ˈhwi-t͟hər; AmE: ˈwɪð.ɚ; BrE: ˈwɪð.ə(r)] (where: 到哪里)

36. gnashes [ˈna-shəz; AmE: ˈnæʃ.ɪz; BrE: ˈnæʃ.ɪz] (grinds: 咬牙切齿)

37. renovating [ˈre-nə-ˌvā-tiŋ; AmE: ˈren.ə.veɪ.t̬ɪŋ; BrE: ˈren.ə.veɪ.tɪŋ] (refreshing: 恢复活力的)

38. apparition [ˌa-pə-ˈri-shən; AmE: ˌæp.əˈrɪʃ.ən; BrE: ˌæp.əˈrɪʃ.ən] (figure: 身影)

39. denote [di-ˈnōt; AmE: dɪˈnoʊt; BrE: dɪˈnəʊt] (indicate: 表示)

40. unqualified [ˌən-ˈkwä-lə-ˌfīd; AmE: ʌnˈkwɑː.lə.faɪd; BrE: ʌnˈkwɒl.ɪ.faɪd] (absolute: 绝对的)

41. navigators [ˈna-və-ˌgā-tərz; AmE: ˈnæv.ə.ɡeɪ.t̬ɚz; BrE: ˈnæv.ɪ.ɡeɪ.təz] (sailors: 航海家)

42. merchantman [ˈmər-chənt-mən; AmE: ˈmɝː.tʃənt.mən; BrE: ˈmɜː.tʃənt.mən] (trading ship: 商船)

43. draught [ˈdraft; AmE: dræft; BrE: drɑːft] (drink: 饮品)

44. untamed [ˌən-ˈtāmd; AmE: ˌʌnˈteɪmd; BrE: ˌʌnˈteɪmd] (wild: 未驯服的)

45. quelling [ˈkwe-liŋ; AmE: ˈkwel.ɪŋ; BrE: ˈkwel.ɪŋ] (suppressing: 镇压)

46. heaving [ˈhē-viŋ; AmE: ˈhiː.vɪŋ; BrE: ˈhiː.vɪŋ] (rising: 起伏的)

47. unfashioned [ˌən-ˈfa-shənd; AmE: ʌnˈfæʃ.ənd; BrE: ʌnˈfæʃ.ənd] (incomplete: 未成形的)

48. perfectionate [pər-ˈfek-shə-ˌnāt; AmE: pɚˈfek.ʃə.neɪt; BrE: pəˈfek.ʃə.neɪt] (perfect: 完善)

49. intonations [ˌin-tə-ˈnā-shənz; AmE: ˌɪn.təˈneɪ.ʃənz; BrE: ˌɪn.təˈneɪ.ʃənz] (pitches: 语调)

50. haste [ˈhāst; AmE: heɪst; BrE: heɪst] (speed: 匆忙)

51. dismay [dis-ˈmā; AmE: dɪsˈmeɪ; BrE: dɪsˈmeɪ] (scare: 使惊恐)

52. ardently [ˈär-dᵊnt-lē; AmE: ˈɑːr.dənt.li; BrE: ˈɑː.dənt.li] (passionately: 热切地)

53. attain [ə-ˈtān; AmE: əˈteɪn; BrE: əˈteɪn] (reach: 达到)

54. befallen [bi-ˈfȯ-lən; AmE: bɪˈfɑː.lən; BrE: bɪˈfɔː.lən] (happened: 降临)

55. persevering [ˌpər-sə-ˈvir-iŋ; AmE: ˌpɝː.səˈvɪr.ɪŋ; BrE: ˌpɜː.sɪˈvɪə.rɪŋ] (persistent: 坚韧的)

56. prudent [ˈprü-dᵊnt; AmE: ˈpruː.dənt; BrE: ˈpruː.dənt] (wise: 谨慎的)

57. compassed [ˈkəm-pəst; AmE: ˈkʌm.pəst; BrE: ˈkʌm.pəst] (surrounded: 包围)

58. irregular [i-ˈre-gyə-lər; AmE: ɪˈreɡ.jə.lɚ; BrE: ɪˈreɡ.jə.lər] (uneven: 不规则的)

59. solicitude [sə-ˈli-sə-ˌtüd; AmE: səˈlɪs.ə.tuːd; BrE: səˈlɪs.ɪ.tjuːd] (concern: 关怀)

60. sledge [ˈslej; AmE: sledʒ; BrE: sledʒ] (sled: 雪橇)

61. telescopes [ˈte-lə-ˌskōps; AmE: ˈtel.ə.skoʊps; BrE: ˈtel.ɪ.skəʊps] (spyglasses: 望远镜)

62. occurrence [ə-ˈkər-ən(t)s; AmE: əˈkɝː.əns; BrE: əˈkʌr.əns] (event: 事件)

63. perish [ˈper-ish; AmE: ˈper.ɪʃ; BrE: ˈper.ɪʃ] (die: 丧生)

64. brink [ˈbriŋk; AmE: brɪŋk; BrE: brɪŋk] (edge: 边缘)

65. brandy [ˈbran-dē; AmE: ˈbræn.di; BrE: ˈbræn.di] (spirit: 白兰地)

66. repose [ri-ˈpōz; AmE: rɪˈpoʊz; BrE: rɪˈpəʊz] (rest: 休息)

67. despairing [di-ˈsper-iŋ; AmE: dɪˈsper.ɪŋ; BrE: dɪˈspeə.rɪŋ] (hopeless: 绝望的)

68. woes [ˈwōz; AmE: woʊz; BrE: wəʊz] (sorrows: 悲哀)

69. oppresses [ə-ˈpre-siz; AmE: əˈpres.ɪz; BrE: əˈpres.ɪz] (burdens: 使痛苦)

70. considerate [kən-ˈsi-d(ə-)rət; AmE: kənˈsɪd.ɚ.ət; BrE: kənˈsɪd.ər.ət] (thoughtful: 体贴的)

71. inquisitiveness [in-ˈkwi-zə-tiv-nəs; AmE: ɪnˈkwɪz.ə.t̬ɪv.nəs; BrE: ɪnˈkwɪz.ə.tɪv.nəs] (curiosity: 好奇)

72. benevolently [bə-ˈne-və-lənt-lē; AmE: bəˈnev.ə.lənt.li; BrE: bəˈnev.əl.ənt.li] (kindly: 仁慈地)

73. rawness [ˈrȯ-nəs; AmE: ˈrɑː.nəs; BrE: ˈrɔː.nəs] (coldness: 阴冷)

74. amiable [ˈā-mē-ə-bəl; AmE: ˈeɪ.mi.ə.bəl; BrE: ˈeɪ.mi.ə.bəl] (friendly: 和蔼可亲的)

75. disguise [dis-ˈgīz; AmE: dɪsˈɡaɪz; BrE: dɪsˈɡaɪz] (hiding: 伪装)

76. utterance [ˈə-tə-rən(t)s; AmE: ˈʌt̬.ɚ.əns; BrE: ˈʌt.ər.əns] (speech: 表达)

77. acquirement [ə-ˈkwī(-ə)r-mənt; AmE: əˈkwaɪ.ɚ.mənt; BrE: əˈkwaɪə.mənt] (attainment: 获得)

78. dominion [də-ˈmin-yən; AmE: dəˈmɪn.jən; BrE: dəˈmɪn.i.ən] (control: 统治)

79. transmit [tran(t)s-ˈmit; AmE: trænsˈmɪt; BrE: trænzˈmɪt] (pass: 传递)

80. quivered [ˈkwi-vərd; AmE: ˈkwɪv.ɚd; BrE: ˈkwɪv.əd] (shook: 颤抖)

81. tyranny [ˈtir-ə-nē; AmE: ˈtɪr.ə.ni; BrE: ˈtɪr.ən.i] (cruelty: 专横)

82. immeasurably [i-ˈme-zh(ə-)rə-blē; AmE: ɪˈmeʒ.ɚ.ə.bli; BrE: ɪˈmeʒ.ər.ə.bli] (vastly: 极大地)

83. penetration [ˌpe-nə-ˈtrā-shən; AmE: ˌpen.əˈtreɪ.ʃən; BrE: ˌpen.ɪˈtreɪ.ʃən] (insight: 敏锐)

84. deduce [di-ˈdüs; AmE: dɪˈduːs; BrE: dɪˈdjuːs] (infer: 推断)

85. apt [ˈapt; AmE: æpt; BrE: æpt] (fitting: 恰当的)

86. marvellous [ˈmär-v(ə-)ləs; AmE: ˈmɑːr.vəl.əs; BrE: ˈmɑː.vəl.əs] (wonderful: 非凡的)

87. ridicule [ˈri-də-ˌkyül; AmE: ˈrɪd.ə.kjuːl; BrE: ˈrɪd.ɪ.kjuːl] (mockery: 嘲笑)

88. recital [ri-ˈsī-tᵊl; AmE: rɪˈsaɪ.t̬əl; BrE: rɪˈsaɪ.təl] (telling: 叙述)

89. gallant [ˈga-lənt; AmE: ˈɡæl.ənt; BrE: ˈɡæl.ənt] (brave: 勇敢的)

90. soul-subduing [ˈsōl-səb-ˈdü-iŋ; AmE: soʊl.səbˈduː.ɪŋ; BrE: səʊl.səbˈdjuː.ɪŋ] (overpowering: 摄魂的)

91. sea-room [ˈsē-ˌrüm; AmE: ˈsiː.ruːm; BrE: ˈsiː.ruːm] (space: 航行空间)

92. daemon [ˈdē-mən; AmE: ˈdiː.mən; BrE: ˈdiː.mən] (demon: 恶魔)

Letter 3

To Mrs. Saville, England.

July 7th, 17—.

My dear sister—I write a few lines in haste (speed: 匆忙), to say that I am safe, and well advanced on my voyage. This letter will reach England by a merchantman (trading ship: 商船) now on its homeward voyage from Archangel; more fortunate than I, who may not see my native land, perhaps, for many years. I am, however, in good spirits: my men are bold, and apparently firm of purpose; nor do the floating sheets of ice that continually pass us, indicating the dangers of the region towards which we are advancing, appear to dismay (scare: 使惊恐) them. We have already reached a very high latitude (position: 纬度); but it is the height of summer, and although not so warm as in England, the southern gales (winds: 大风), which blow us speedily towards those shores which I so ardently (passionately: 热切地) desire to attain (reach: 达到), breathe a degree of renovating (refreshing: 恢复活力的) warmth which I had not expected.

No incidents have hitherto befallen (happened: 降临) us that would make a figure in a letter. One or two stiff gales (winds: 大风), and the springing of a leak, are accidents which experienced (skilled: 老练的) navigators (sailors: 航海家) scarcely remember to record; and I shall be well content if nothing worse happen to us during our voyage.

Adieu (farewell: 再见), my dear Margaret. Be assured, that for my own sake, as well as yours, I will not rashly encounter danger. I will be cool, persevering (persistent: 坚韧的), and prudent (wise: 谨慎的).

But success shall crown my endeavours (efforts: 努力). Wherefore not? Thus far I have gone, tracing a secure way over the pathless (trackless: 无路的) seas: the very stars themselves being witnesses and testimonies of my triumph. Why not still proceed over the untamed (wild: 未驯服的) yet obedient element? What can stop the determined heart and resolved will of man?

My swelling heart involuntarily pours itself out thus. But I must finish. Heaven bless my beloved sister!

Most affectionately yours,
R. W.

Letter 4

To Mrs. Saville, England.

August 5th, 17—.

So strange an accident has happened to us, that I cannot forbear (refrain: 克制) recording it, although it is very probable that you will see me before these papers can come into your possession.

Last Monday (July 31st), we were nearly surrounded by ice, which closed in the ship on all sides, scarcely leaving her the sea-room (space: 航行空间) in which she floated. Our situation was somewhat dangerous, especially as we were compassed (surrounded: 包围) round by a very thick fog. We accordingly lay to, hoping that some change would take place in the atmosphere (air: 大气) and weather.

About two o’clock the mist cleared away, and we beheld, stretched out in every direction, vast and irregular (uneven: 不规则的) plains (expanses: 平原) of ice, which seemed to have no end. Some of my comrades groaned, and my own mind began to grow watchful with anxious thoughts, when a strange sight suddenly attracted our attention, and diverted our solicitude (concern: 关怀) from our own situation. We perceived a low carriage, fixed on a sledge (sled: 雪橇) and drawn by dogs, pass on towards the north, at the distance of half a mile: a being which had the shape of a man, but apparently of gigantic stature (height: 身材), sat in the sledge (sled: 雪橇), and guided the dogs. We watched the rapid progress of the traveller with our telescopes (spyglasses: 望远镜), until he was lost among the distant inequalities (irregularities: 不平整处) of the ice.

This appearance excited our unqualified (absolute: 绝对的) wonder. We were, as we believed, many hundred miles from any land; but this apparition (figure: 身影) seemed to denote (indicate: 表示) that it was not, in reality, so distant as we had supposed. Shut in, however, by ice, it was impossible to follow his track, which we had observed with the greatest attention.

About two hours after this occurrence (event: 事件), we heard the ground sea; and before night the ice broke, and freed our ship. We, however, lay to until the morning, fearing to encounter in the dark those large loose masses which float about after the breaking up of the ice. I profited of this time to rest for a few hours.

In the morning, however, as soon as it was light, I went upon deck, and found all the sailors busy on one side of the vessel, apparently talking to someone in the sea. It was, in fact, a sledge (sled: 雪橇), like that we had seen before, which had drifted (carried: 漂流) towards us in the night, on a large fragment (piece: 碎片) of ice. Only one dog remained alive; but there was a human being within it, whom the sailors were persuading to enter the vessel. He was not, as the other traveller seemed to be, a savage inhabitant of some undiscovered island, but a European. When I appeared on deck, the master said, “Here is our captain, and he will not allow you to perish (die: 丧生) on the open sea.”

On perceiving me, the stranger addressed me in English, although with a foreign accent (pronunciation: 口音). “Before I come on board your vessel,” said he, “will you have the kindness to inform me whither (where: 到哪里) you are bound?”

You may conceive my astonishment on hearing such a question addressed to me from a man on the brink (edge: 边缘) of destruction (ruin: 毁灭), and to whom I should have supposed that my vessel would have been a resource which he would not have exchanged for the most precious wealth the earth can afford. I replied, however, that we were on a voyage of discovery towards the northern pole.

Upon hearing this he appeared satisfied, and consented to come on board. Good God! Margaret, if you had seen the man who thus capitulated (surrendered: 屈服) for his safety, your surprise would have been boundless. His limbs were nearly frozen, and his body dreadfully emaciated (thin: 消瘦的) by fatigue (tiredness: 疲劳) and suffering. I never saw a man in so wretched a condition. We attempted to carry him into the cabin; but as soon as he had quitted the fresh air, he fainted. We accordingly brought him back to the deck, and restored him to animation (life: 活气) by rubbing him with brandy (spirit: 白兰地), and forcing him to swallow a small quantity. As soon as he showed signs of life we wrapped him up in blankets, and placed him near the chimney of the kitchen stove. By slow degrees he recovered, and ate a little soup, which restored him wonderfully.

Two days passed in this manner before he was able to speak; and I often feared that his sufferings had deprived him of understanding. When he had in some measure recovered, I removed him to my own cabin, and attended on him as much as my duty would permit. I never saw a more interesting creature: his eyes have generally an expression of wildness, and even madness; but there are moments when, if anyone performs an act of kindness towards him, or does him any the most trifling service, his whole countenance (face: 面容) is lighted up, as it were, with a beam of benevolence (kindness: 仁慈) and sweetness that I never saw equalled. But he is generally melancholy (sadness: 忧郁) and despairing (hopeless: 绝望的); and sometimes he gnashes (grinds: 咬牙切齿) his teeth, as if impatient of the weight of woes (sorrows: 悲哀) that oppresses (burdens: 使痛苦) him.

When my guest was a little recovered, I had great trouble to keep off the men, who wished to ask him a thousand questions; but I would not allow him to be tormented by their idle curiosity, in a state of body and mind whose restoration (recovery: 恢复) evidently depended upon entire repose (rest: 休息). Once, however, the lieutenant asked, Why he had come so far upon the ice in so strange a vehicle?

His countenance (face: 面容) instantly assumed an aspect of the deepest gloom; and he replied, “To seek one who fled from me.”

“And did the man whom you pursued travel in the same fashion?”

“Yes.”

“Then I fancy we have seen him; for the day before we picked you up, we saw some dogs drawing a sledge (sled: 雪橇), with a man in it, across the ice.”

This aroused the stranger’s attention; and he asked a multitude of questions concerning the route which the daemon (demon: 恶魔), as he called him, had pursued. Soon after, when he was alone with me, he said, “I have, doubtless, excited your curiosity, as well as that of these good people; but you are too considerate (thoughtful: 体贴的) to make enquiries.”

“Certainly; it would indeed be very impertinent (rude: 无礼的) and inhuman in me to trouble you with any inquisitiveness (curiosity: 好奇) of mine.”

“And yet you rescued me from a strange and perilous (dangerous: 危险的) situation; you have benevolently (kindly: 仁慈地) restored me to life.”

Soon after this he enquired if I thought that the breaking up of the ice had destroyed the other sledge (sled: 雪橇)? I replied, that I could not answer with any degree of certainty; for the ice had not broken until near midnight, and the traveller might have arrived at a place of safety before that time; but of this I could not judge.

From this time a new spirit of life animated the decaying (failing: 衰弱的) frame (body: 身体) of the stranger. He manifested (showed: 表明) the greatest eagerness to be upon deck, to watch for the sledge (sled: 雪橇) which had before appeared; but I have persuaded him to remain in the cabin, for he is far too weak to sustain the rawness (coldness: 阴冷) of the atmosphere (air: 大气). I have promised that someone should watch for him, and give him instant notice if any new object should appear in sight.

Such is my journal (diary: 日志) of what relates to this strange occurrence (event: 事件) up to the present day. The stranger has gradually improved in health, but is very silent, and appears uneasy when anyone except myself enters his cabin. Yet his manners are so conciliating (winning: 安抚的) and gentle, that the sailors are all interested in him, although they have had very little communication with him. For my own part, I begin to love him as a brother; and his constant and deep grief fills me with sympathy and compassion. He must have been a noble creature in his better days, being even now in wreck so attractive and amiable (friendly: 和蔼可亲的).

I said in one of my letters, my dear Margaret, that I should find no friend on the wide ocean; yet I have found a man who, before his spirit had been broken by misery, I should have been happy to have possessed as the brother of my heart.

I shall continue my journal (diary: 日志) concerning the stranger at intervals, should I have any fresh incidents to record.

August 13th, 17—.

My affection for my guest increases every day. He excites at once my admiration and my pity to an astonishing degree. How can I see so noble a creature destroyed by misery, without feeling the most poignant (intense: 深切的) grief? He is so gentle, yet so wise; his mind is so cultivated; and when he speaks, although his words are culled with the choicest art, yet they flow with rapidity and unparalleled (unique: 无比的) eloquence (fluency: 口才).

He is now much recovered from his illness, and is continually on the deck, apparently watching for the sledge (sled: 雪橇) that preceded his own. Yet, although unhappy, he is not so utterly occupied by his own misery, but that he interests himself deeply in the projects of others. He has frequently conversed with me on mine, which I have communicated to him without disguise (hiding: 伪装). He entered attentively into all my arguments in favour of my eventual success, and into every minute detail of the measures I had taken to secure it. I was easily led by the sympathy which he evinced, to use the language of my heart; to give utterance (speech: 表达) to the burning ardour (passion: 热情) of my soul; and to say, with all the fervour that warmed me, how gladly I would sacrifice my fortune, my existence, my every hope, to the furtherance of my enterprise (bold project: 事业). One man’s life or death were but a small price to pay for the acquirement (attainment: 获得) of the knowledge which I sought; for the dominion (control: 统治) I should acquire and transmit (pass: 传递) over the elemental foes of our race. As I spoke, a dark gloom spread over my listener’s countenance (face: 面容). At first I perceived that he tried to suppress his emotion; he placed his hands before his eyes; and my voice quivered (shook: 颤抖) and failed me, as I beheld tears trickle fast from between his fingers—a groan burst from his heaving (rising: 起伏的) breast. I paused;—at length he spoke, in broken accents (tones: 腔调):—“Unhappy man! Do you share my madness? Have you drank also of the intoxicating (thrilling: 醉人的) draught (drink: 饮品)? Hear me—let me reveal my tale, and you will dash the cup from your lips!”

Such words, you may imagine, strongly excited my curiosity; but the paroxysm (outburst: 发作) of grief that had seized the stranger overcame his weakened powers, and many hours of repose (rest: 休息) and tranquil conversation were necessary to restore his composure (calmness: 镇定).

Having conquered the violence of his feelings, he appeared to despise himself for being the slave of passion; and quelling (suppressing: 镇压) the dark tyranny (cruelty: 专横) of despair, he led me again to converse concerning myself personally. He asked me the history of my earlier years. The tale was quickly told: but it awakened various trains of reflection. I spoke of my desire of finding a friend—of my thirst for a more intimate sympathy with a fellow mind than had ever fallen to my lot; and expressed my conviction (belief: 信念) that a man could boast of little happiness, who did not enjoy this blessing.

“I agree with you,” replied the stranger; “we are unfashioned (incomplete: 未成形的) creatures, but half made up, if one wiser, better, dearer than ourselves—such a friend ought to be—do not lend his aid to perfectionate (perfect: 完善) our weak and faulty natures. I once had a friend, the most noble of human creatures, and am entitled, therefore, to judge respecting friendship. You have hope, and the world before you, and have no cause for despair. But I—I have lost everything, and cannot begin life anew.”

As he said this, his countenance (face: 面容) became expressive of a calm settled grief, that touched me to the heart. But he was silent, and presently retired to his cabin.

Even broken in spirit as he is, no one can feel more deeply than he does the beauties of nature. The starry sky, the sea, and every sight afforded by these wonderful regions, seems still to have the power of elevating his soul from earth. Such a man has a double existence: he may suffer misery, and be overwhelmed by disappointments; yet, when he has retired into himself, he will be like a celestial spirit, that has a halo around him, within whose circle no grief or folly ventures.

Will you smile at the enthusiasm I express concerning this divine wanderer? You would not, if you saw him. You have been tutored and refined by books and retirement from the world, and you are, therefore, somewhat fastidious; but this only renders you the more fit to appreciate the extraordinary merits of this wonderful man. Sometimes I have endeavoured to discover what quality it is which he possesses, that elevates him so immeasurably (vastly: 极大地) above any other person I ever knew. I believe it to be an intuitive (instinctive: 直觉的) discernment (judgment: 洞察力); a quick but never-failing power of judgment; a penetration (insight: 敏锐) into the causes of things, unequalled for clearness and precision (accuracy: 精确); add to this a facility (ease: 熟练) of expression, and a voice whose varied intonations (pitches: 语调) are soul-subduing (overpowering: 摄魂的) music.

August 19th, 17—.

Yesterday the stranger said to me, “You may easily perceive, Captain Walton, that I have suffered great and unparalleled (unique: 无比的) misfortunes. I had determined, at one time, that the memory of these evils should die with me; but you have won me to alter my determination. You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently (passionately: 热切地) hope that the gratification (satisfaction: 满足) of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been. I do not know that the relation of my disasters will be useful to you; yet, when I reflect that you are pursuing the same course, exposing yourself to the same dangers which have rendered me what I am, I imagine that you may deduce (infer: 推断) an apt (fitting: 恰当的) moral from my tale; one that may direct you if you succeed in your undertaking, and console you in case of failure. Prepare to hear of occurrences (events: 事件) which are usually deemed marvellous (wonderful: 非凡的). Were we among the tamer scenes of nature, I might fear to encounter your unbelief, perhaps your ridicule (mockery: 嘲笑); but many things will appear possible in these wild and mysterious regions, which would provoke the laughter of those unacquainted with the ever-varied powers of nature:—nor can I doubt but that my tale conveys in its series internal evidence of the truth of the events of which it is composed.”

You may easily imagine that I was much gratified by the offered communication; yet I could not endure that he should renew his grief by a recital (telling: 叙述) of his misfortunes. I felt the greatest eagerness to hear the promised narrative (story: 叙述), partly from curiosity, and partly from a strong desire to ameliorate (improve: 改善) his fate, if it were in my power. I expressed these feelings in my answer.

“I thank you,” he replied, “for your sympathy, but it is useless; my fate is nearly fulfilled. I wait but for one event, and then I shall repose (rest: 休息) in peace. I understand your feeling,” continued he, perceiving that I wished to interrupt him; “but you are mistaken, my friend, if thus you will allow me to name you; nothing can alter my destiny: listen to my history, and you will perceive how irrevocably (finally: 不可逆转地) it is determined.”

He then told me, that he would commence his narrative (story: 叙述) the next day when I should be at leisure (free time: 空闲). This promise drew from me the warmest thanks. I have resolved every night, when I am not imperatively (urgently: 急迫地) occupied by my duties, to record, as nearly as possible in his own words, what he has related during the day. If I should be engaged, I will at least make notes. This manuscript (document: 手稿) will doubtless afford you the greatest pleasure: but to me, who know him, and who hear it from his own lips, with what interest and sympathy shall I read it in some future day! Even now, as I commence my task, his full-toned voice swells in my ears; his lustrous (shining: 有光泽的) eyes dwell on me with all their melancholy (sadness: 忧郁) sweetness; I see his thin hand raised in animation (life: 活气), while the lineaments (features: 面容) of his face are irradiated (lit up: 照耀) by the soul within. Strange and harrowing (distressing: 揪心的) must be his story; frightful the storm which embraced the gallant (brave: 勇敢的) vessel on its course, and wrecked it—thus!