现代大学英语精读notes-on-english-characterVIP专享

First note. I had better let the cat out of the bag at once and record my opinion that the character of the English is essentially middle class. There is a sound historical reason for this ， for ，since the end of the eighteenth century ， the middle classes have been the dominant force in our community. They gained wealth by the Industrial Revolution ， political power by the Reform Bill of 1832； they are connected with the rise and organization of the British Empire ； they are responsible for the literature of the nineteenth century. Solidity， caution ， integrity ， efficiency. Lack of imagination ， hypocrisy. These qualities characterize the middle classes in every country， but in England they are national characteristics also ， because only in England have the middle classes been in power for one hundred and fifty years. Napoleon ， in his rude way ， called us "a nation of shopkeepers." We prefer to call ourselves "a great commercial nation" -- it sounds more dignified -- but the two phrases amount to the same. Of course there are other classes ： there is an aristocracy， there are the poor. But it is on the middle classes that the eye of the critic rests -- just as it rests on the poor in Russia and on the aristocracy in Japan. Russia is symbolized by the peasant or by the factory worker ； Japan by the samurai； the national figure of England is Mr. Bull with his top hat ， his comfortable clothes ， his substantial stomach， and his substantial balance at the bank. Saint George may caper on banners and in the speeches of politicians， but it is John Bull who delivers the goods. And even Saint George-- if Gibbon is correct-- wore a top hat once； he wa...