高考英语专题阅读：The past lives onMassachusetts today looks nothing like it did when the first English settlers arrived. Back in the 17th century, forest blanketed the land. Today, roads and towns cover much of the area. But the past is not dead and gone. Just an hour’s drive from Boston lies Plimoth Plantation (种植园). There you’ll experience the 17th century life from the days of the Pilgrims ( 清教徒移民). You can look in the Pilgrims’ homes, watch the way they cook, and ask them about their daily lives. You can even help them build houses or work in the fields. When you arrive at Plimoth, you are greeted with “How do you fare?” instead of “How are you?” In this living history plantation, actors portray ( 扮演) real people of 17th-century Plymouth. Each actor has taken the identity of someone from that period.All the actors speak the language of Shakespeare. They’re happy to talk about the hardships of their lives or just share the gossip （闲话） of the day. But don’t try to discuss modern topics. They won’t understand what you are talking about! In fall, you can enjoy a harvest dinner very similar to the first Thanksgiving. You’ll dine （进餐） with your hands like Pilgrims. You’ll find no pepper ( 胡椒粉) on the table. This expensive spice was used only sparingly ( 节俭地) in cooking. You’ll find no last-course “dessert,” either. At the time, people ate sweet dishes right along with the meal. Cranberries were on the menu then and still are today. A short distance from Plimoth, you can visit Cranberry World. At this unique museum, you’ll see how cranberries are harvested and can taste different cranberry products. Of course, the first Thanksgiving included not only the Pilgrims, but also their Wampanoag guests. If you want to find out something about the Wampanoag, explore a re-created Wampanoag Home Site. It is just a short walk from Plimoth. Step into the Native American home and enter a different world. Native Americans dressed in 17th-century Wampanoag outfits( 服装) describe how their people lived 400 years ago. Outside, you can help make a traditional boat or learn about native plant remedies （治疗法）. Much in Massachusetts has changed since the 17th century. But in Plimoth, the past lives on.
