In the 1880’s, Mark Twain established and operated his own publishing firm. He also became interested in various investments, especially an elaborate typesetting machine. He lost almost $200,000 in investments in the machine between 1881 and 1894. Also, his publishing company declared bankruptcy (破产) in April 1894. Thus, in January 1895, Mark Twain found himself publicly shamed by his inability to pay his debts.

Mark Twain eventually recovered from his financial difficulties, through his continued writing and a successful lecture tour in 1895 and 1896. During this much-publicized tour, Twain lectured in such places as India, South Africa and Australia. By the time he returned, he had become an international hero. Twain enjoyed this attention, and his habits of smoking cigars or a pipe and wearing unconventional white suits contributed to his showy image. He also made use of his position as a public figure to criticize the US foreign policy.

Although he was recovering from his financial problems by 1898, Mark Twain had begun to experience tragedy in his personal life. Susy, his oldest daughter, died of meningitis (脑膜炎) in 1896, while her parents and sister Clara were abroad. In 1903, Mark Twain sold the beloved house in Hartford, which had become too closely associated with Susy's death. His wife, Olivia, who had developed a heart condition, died on June 5, 1904. His youngest daughter, Jean, died on Dec. 24, 1909.

1. Which is not the reason why Mark Twain found himself in debt?

A.    Because he devoted all his energy to his writings.

B.    Because his publishing firm bankruptcy.

C.    He lost almost $ 200 000 in investments in the machine between 1881 and 1894

D.    Because he lost a large quantity of money in various investments.

2. How did Mark Twain pay off his debts?

A.    By borrowing money from the bank.

B.    By investing in foreign countries.

C.    By writing articles and a successful lecture tour.

D.    By printing his own articles and selling them for money.

3. It can be inferred that Mark Twain ________________.

A.    hated smoking cigars

B.    liked wearing black clothes

C.    hated the US foreign policy at that time

D.    hated giving lectures in the foreign countries

 

 0  38311  38319  38325  38329  38335  38337  38341  38347  38349  38355  38361  38365  38367  38371  38377  38379  38385  38389  38391  38395  38397  38401  38403  38405  38406  38407  38409  38410  38411  38413  38415  38419  38421  38425  38427  38431  38437  38439  38445  38449  38451  38455  38461  38467  38469  38475  38479  38481  38487  38491  38497  38505  151629 

违法和不良信息举报电话:027-86699610 举报邮箱:58377363@163.com

精英家教网