Comic：Leo Tolstoy, the master of realistic fiction
【明報專訊】The Smarties are on their way home. Suddenly, a stranger approached them.
“ Mr Tolstoy: Excuse me. I've overheard that you could search for information with...this? ”
“ Dr Panda: Yes, it's easy to find out about anything on the Internet. ”
“ Mr Tolstoy: Anything? ”
“ Dr Panda: Right. Shall we give it a try? ”
“ Mr Tolstoy: Yes, please. Please search for 'Leo Tolstoy'. ”
“ Dr Panda: Y...you? Oh, my bad. Would you like me to teach you how to use the Internet, Mr Tolstoy? ”
“ Mr Tolstoy: How did they know about me? ”
◆Know more
Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian writer who mainly wrote novels and short stories. He also wrote plays and essays. He is considered one of the greatest novelists of all times. Among his works, War and Peace is regarded as his most famous masterpiece.
Since their parents died early, Leo and his siblings were brought up by their relatives. He was educated at home until he went to the university. Later, he joined the army and fought for his country.
In his novels, he wrote about his experience in the army. His novels are fun to read because there are both historical accounts of the wars and storylines of fictional characters.
His works focused on themes such as peace, love, forgiveness, happiness in family. Later in life, he wrote moral tales for common people including children. He even spent his fortune on more than 10 schools for peasant children in Russia.
■English highway﹕
To bring up
is a phrasal verb with a lot of different meanings. Here are a few of them:
•She brought up the issue of her health problems today. (= to start to talk about a subject)
•I was brought up by my grandmother. (= to look after a child until he or she becomes an adult)
•He was brought up in Canada. (= to mention where someone lived when he or she was child)
■Glossary
overhear (v) 碰巧聽到
account (n) 描述
fictional (adj) 虛構的
theme (n) 主題
(Criticisms on this publication, if any, are aimed at pointing out the errors or defects of certain systems or policies with a view of rectifying or eradicating such errors or defects, as well as prompting improvement or remedy for them via lawful means. There is absolutely no intention of inciting hatred, discontent or hostility towards the government or other classes of the community.)
[Smarties' Power English 第338期]
