英语课程计划-Bastille Day

Bastille Day is France’s most important national holiday. It is celebrated¹ on the 14th of July every year. Every city, town and village becomes red, white and blue as everyone hangs out the French tricolour flag. The holiday’s name in French is Fête Nationale, which means “National Celebration". The 14th of July commemorates² the storming of the Bastille on the 14th of July, 1789. The Bastille was a prison that held prisoners who disagreed with the French monarchy³. The biggest celebrations are on Paris’ famous Champs-élysées. There are parades, military bands and festivities during the day, and fireworks displays in the evening. It is a wonderful, happy occasion when French people show their pride in their country.

Bastille Day celebrates the most important day in French history. The storming of the Bastille prison marked the beginning of the French Revolution. The prison was a symbol of the total power of King Louis the 16th. Most French people were very poor and hated how the monarchy and its supporters were so wealthy. The Bastille only had seven prisoners when Parisians attacked it, but it signalled Louis 16th’s power was no longer absolute. Parisians believed their actions meant they were free. It led to the creation of the first French republic in 1792 and the three French ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. The French national anthem⁴, La Marseillaise, was written that same year and became official in 1795.

1 celebrated   

adj.有名的，声誉卓著的

参考例句：

• He was soon one of the most celebrated young painters in England.不久他就成了英格兰最负盛名的年轻画家之一。
• The celebrated violinist was mobbed by the audience.观众团团围住了这位著名的小提琴演奏家。

2 commemorates   

n.纪念，庆祝( commemorate的名词复数 )v.纪念，庆祝( commemorate的第三人称单数 )

参考例句：

• A tombstone is erected in memory of whoever it commemorates. 墓碑是为纪念它所纪念的人而建的。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• A tablet commemorates his patriotic activities. 碑文铭记他的爱国行动。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》

3 monarchy   

n.君主，最高统治者；君主政体，君主国

参考例句：

• The monarchy in England plays an important role in British culture.英格兰的君主政体在英国文化中起重要作用。
• The power of the monarchy in Britain today is more symbolical than real.今日英国君主的权力多为象徵性的，无甚实际意义。

4 anthem   

n.圣歌，赞美诗，颂歌

参考例句：

• All those present were standing solemnly when the national anthem was played.奏国歌时全场肃立。
• As he stood on the winner's rostrum,he sang the words of the national anthem.他站在冠军领奖台上，唱起了国歌。