Comic：William Shakespeare
【明報專訊】The Smarties are spending a leisurely afternoon talking about learning English.
“ Pat: Dr. Panda, how did you learn English? ”
“ Dr Panda: I love reading. Have you heard of William Shakespeare? ”
“ Pat: No, I think Shakespeare's literature is hard to read. ”
“ Dr Panda: Shakespeare invented at least 1,700 words! You can look these words up in the dictionary. ”
“ Eason: Yes! He created some common English names, such as my name '' Eason the great!'' ”
“ Dr Panda: He did not create your name! Don't talk nonsense! ”
◆Know more
William Shakespeare (莎士比亞，1564-1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is considered to be one of the greatest writers. His famous works include Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, etc.
Although his parents were probably illiterate, he learned about languages and poetry at a local grammar school. When he grew up, he worked as a playwright and an actor at an acting company at the theatre. His plays were so popular that even the Queen invited the acting troupe to perform at the royal court.
His works are without parallel. Therefore, his works are still studied in schools and are adapted for dramas and films around the world. Through Shakespeare's plays, we can learn valuable lessons which are still relevant today.
■English highway﹕Without parallel
''Without parallel'' is an idiom which means ''nothing is similar'' and thus ''better or worse than any other''.
e.g. It is a masterpiece without parallel.
■Glossary
playwright (n) 劇作家
illiterate (adj) 文盲的
troupe (n) 劇團
adapt (adj) 改編
[Smarties' Power English 第315期]
Story：The butcher and the wolf
【明報專訊】A butcher wrapped his business up and went home. The time was la... 詳情
