THE MYSTERY OF KING'S ABBOT*
* Christie A. The Mystery of King' s Abbot. M, 1980.
The book was published first in 1926 under the title "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd".
Names of the Characters
Hercule Poirot ['kju:l 'pw:]
Caroline ['kærlan]
Mrs. Ferrars ['fers]
Mr. Ashley Ferrars ['æl 'fers]
Mr. Roger Ackroyd ['rbe 'ækrd]
Mrs. Cecil Ackroyd ['sesl 'ækrd]
Miss Flora Ackroyd ['fl:re 'ækrd]
Inspector Reglan ['reln]
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Ralph Paton ['ref 'petn]
Major Hector Blunt ['hekt 'blnt]
Geoffrey Raymond ['defr 'remnd]
Parker ['p:k]
Miss Russell ['rsl]
Ursula Bourne[':sjul 'b:n]
Charles Kent ['t:lz 'kent]
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Assignment 1
Chapters I, II, III (pp. 17-36)
ACTIVE VOCABULARY
to foresee smth
to get into the habit of doing smth
to be wasted on smb
to voice smth (opinions, beliefs, etc)
to do smth on purpose
to be haunted by smth/smb
to arrive at the truth
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ten to one
to sum up smth
to get on well with smb
to jump to conclusions
to pull oneself together
to take smth for granted
to overhear smth
to roll in money
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I. Give Russian equivalents of the given below AN collocations.*
* AN Collocations – Adjective and Noun Collocations.
wise precaution
common knowledge
moral satisfaction
able-bodied men
valuable rule
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acid smile
sunny smile
sharp beady eyes
stern eyes
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wedding presents
vague premonition
neat counter-attack
adopted son
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Write out all the sentences with the word "information", translate them into Russian.
What compound nouns with the word "maid" have you come across? What do they mean?
Explain the meanings of the following words in English. Mind you are to use an English - English dictionary while doing such type of exercise:
latchkey, squire, spouse, dipsomaniac, Metropolis, widow, drug addict.
V. Find the English equivalents of the following Russian phrases in the chapters you've read:
пожинать плоды чего-либо, это ничего не доказывает, столкнуться с кем-либо, крупица правды, нет дыма без огня, начать без предисловия.
Explain the following:
(р.21) He is hand in glove with the vicar...
(p.25) She rose and came towards me as I stood somewhat surprised. I don't know why I should have been, except that there is a suggestion of cast iron about Miss Russell, a something that is above the ills of the flesh.
(p.34) No, it was good sound mongoose instinct which tookher to our local wood.
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
Mrs. Ferrar's death. Dr. Sheppard's reluctance to tell his sister about it. Caroline's version of the cause of the death. Dr. Sheppard's outward and inward reaction to his sister's theory.
King's Abbot and its inhabitants.
The Sheppard's new neighbour. Caroline's failure to find out anything about him. Dr. Sheppard's idea of the man's occupation.His first talk with Mr. Poirot.
Miss Russell's unexpected visit.
Speak on Caroline, Ralph Paton.
Assignment 2
Chapters IV, V (pp.36-59)
ACTIVE VOCABULARY
to collide with (cannon into)
to give one's mind to smth
to distract one's mind from smth
to cross one's mind
to be engaged
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to announce one's engagement
to keep the conversation going
to see to smth
to take responsibility
to trust one's judgement
to tell smb smth in confidence
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I. Get ready to reproduce the situations with the given above combinations
II. Give the Russian equivalents of the following AN collocations:
emergency call
professional call
straightforward girl
hurried remarks
complete surprise
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wicked joke
odd practical joke
shocked tone
apologetic cough
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III. Make up a list of words and phrases on the topic "Crime and it sinvestigation". Group them under the headings:
"Types of crime and ways of committing it"
"Participants in a crime"
"Weapons and other means used for committing a crime"
"Investigation of a crime"
IV. Find the English equivalents of the following words and phrases:
быть последней каплей; хладнокровно; злободневная тема; услышать из чьих-то собственных уст; влюбиться с первого взгляда; остановиться как вкопанный; свести с ума; знать о ком-то с чьих-либо слов.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. What happened before dinner? Why did Dr. Sheppard lift the lid of the silver table several times?
What did Dr. Sheppard talk about with Flora and her mother?
What was the atmosphere like at dinner?
Why did Mr. Ackroyd's behaviour puzzle Dr. Sheppard?
What did Mr. Ackroyd tell Dr. Sheppard?
Did Dr. Sheppard learn the name of the person who had blackmailed Mrs. Ferrars? Why?
Whom did Dr. Sheppard meet on his way home?
Why did Dr. Sheppard have to return to Fernly Park?
How did he find out what had really happened to Mr. Ackroyd?
What did the police find out?
Get ready to speak on Flora, Mrs. Ackroyd and Major Blant.
Assignment 3
Chapters VI, VII (pp.59-77)
ACTIVE VOCABULARY
to bring the matter up
to come round
to hint at smth
to interject (insert) a question
to be involved in smth
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to make the best of smth
to drive at
to persuade smb to do smth
to give in
10. to touch upon smth
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I. Get ready to reproduce the episodes in which the given aboveword combinations are used.
II. Give the Russian equivalents of the following AN collocations:
rough uneducated voice
instant decision
appreciative grimace
a most efficient secretary
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profound scepticism
brutal murder
the latest developments
grandfather chair
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III. Write out of the given chapters the word combinations with the word "case".
IV. Go on building up your topic vocabulary on crime. Translate the given sentences into Russian. Make up your own examples with the italicized word combinations.
1. Stop worrying, Bob, ten to one the weather'll clear up.
2.I can't sum him up; at first he seems one kind of man and then another.
A wrong doer is constantly haunted by the fear of discovery.
There is nowhere else to go. So make the best of it.
5. Pulling herself together Mrs. Oliver managed to fight backher annoyance.
6. I suppose I may take it for granted that this unnatural marriage will take place.
7. Try to involve your mother in the general activity of the house, it is good for her.
V. Find the English equivalents of the following Russian phrases:
взять быка за рога, выглядеть чернее тучи, терять время попусту, сидеть сложа руки.
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
1. The beginning of the investigation of Mr. Ackroyd's murder by the police. The evidence inspector Davis managed to gather. His suspect No. 1. The weapon the murderer had used.
2. H. Poirot's identity is revealed. Flora's decision to ask H. Poirot to take up the case. Dr. Sheppard's attempt to talk her out of it. H. Poirot's assent.
3. The police reaction to H. Poirot's involvement in the investigation. H. Poirot's ability to smooth the things over. His first steps.
Assignment 4
Chapters VIII, IX (pp.77-94)
ACTIVE VOCABULARY
without a second's hesitation
to have a word with smb
in a greater or lesser degree
to be of no consequence
to know smb by sight
to fit in without a flaw
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to go into detail(s)
to sort smth out
to make of
to feel uneasy
to clear one's throat
to shield smb
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I. Give the Russian equivalents of the following AN collocations:
china ornaments
limited time
presentable young man
short cut (to smth)
immovable face
stupid mistake
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Dutch garden
folded deck-chair
wooden slope
Rum story
abrupt manner
cast-off things
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II. Give the meaning of the following words in English:
solicitor, watchword, Methuselah, incognito.
Pick new words and word combinations on the topic "Crime"out of the given chapters.
What emotions (feelings) does the author describe by using the following phrases? Whom are they referred to?
To knit one's brows; to raise one's eyebrow; to puff out one's chest; to shrug one's shoulders; to shoot up one's chin; to be taken aback.
V. Translate into English.
1. Я не могла убедить ее уступить. 2. Я хочу поговорить с мистером Брауном в понедельник. Проследите за этим, пожалуйста. 3. Много детей было вовлечено в подготовку к концерту. 4. Почему ты чернее тучи? - Я потеряла ключ к входной двери. 5. Мэри сказала мне о своей помолвке по секрету, но в действительности это была злободневная тема среди ее друзей. 6. Его злая шутка была последней каплей. Мы поссорились. 7. Твои слова ничего не доказывают, в них нет и крупицы правды. 8. Не делай поспешных выводов. Почему ты думаешь, что он купается в деньгах? – Я приняла это как должное. 9. Я сомневаюсь, что мы доберемся до правды. 10. Ее последние слова все еще преследуют меня.
VI. Explain the following:
(p.81) It crossed my mind to wonder whether he was really any good as a detective. Had his big reputation been built up on a series of lucky chances?
(p.82) "Ah!" said the inspector, "you've been bitten with all this psycho-analysis stuff. Now, I am a plain man."
"Mrs. Raglan would not agree, I am sure, to that", said Poirot, making him a little bow.
3. (p.88) "Remember the johnny who sold his soul to the devil? In return for being made young again? There's an opera about it."
"Faust, you mean?"
"That's the beggar. Rum story. Some of us would do it if we could."
QUESTIONS AND TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
1. Did the police manage to trace the telephone call to Dr. Sheppard about Mr. Ackroyd's murder? Did it help very much in the investigation? Why? What did H. Poirot think of the call?
What and who else did Poirot get interested in?
What did inspector Reglan say about his method of investigation? And what about H. Poirot?
What was found in the summer-house?
Give a summary of Chapter IX.
What could you say about the traits of Flora's and Major Blunt's characters and their emotions and feelings this episode reveals? Which of the following words would you choose to describe them?
compassionate
curious
resentful
ironic
protective
cruel
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uncertain
understanding
shy
aggressive
unjust
sarcastic
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touched
frank
amused
trustful
thrilled
surprised
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7. Flora's account for her unusual behaviour.
Assignment 5
Chapters X, XI, XII (pp.94-119)
ACTIVE VOCABULARY
to act on behalf (in the interest) of smb
to be hard pressed for money
to be up to smth
under the circumstances
to clear the matter up
to find fault with smb
to give notice
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to come forward
at one's disposal
to arouse suspicion
to break in
to overlook smth
to endeavour
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I. Get ready to reproduce the episodes in which the given word combinations are used.
II. Give Russian equivalents of the following AN collocations.
aggressive chin
fascinating woman
dropped chin
fat roll of notes
frozen look
bad knee (finger)
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trusting heart
untidy hair
winning smile
gold locket
enlarged photos
mysterious stranger
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III. Insert prepositions or adverbs in the blank spaces.
Your jokes are wasted ... him.
I advised him to bring the matter ... at the next meeting.
I think he did it... purpose.
Do you think I do not see what you are driving ... ?
This is a topic I touched ... at the beginning of our talk.
It is up to the director to sort... difficulties like this one.
The girl fainted but she came ... when he threw drops of wateron her face.
8. I was haunted ... his last words to me.
IV. Give the meaning of the following words in English:
will, legacy, bequest, income, wages, salary, allowance.
V. Find the English equivalents of the following Russian phrases:
в двух словах (вкратце), не оставить камня на камне, поддерживать кого-либо при любых обстоятельствах, утратить контроль, ослабить напряжение.
VI. Explain the following:
1. (р.96) "Yes, indeed", I said eagerly. "There's nothing I should like better. You don't know what a dull old fogey's life I lead. Never anything out of the ordinary".
2. (p.97) "Were you down here when her husband died?" I asked,trying to make the question sound as casual as possible.
"No. From all I heard it would be a good riddance. Uncharitable, perhaps, but the truth."
3. (p. 109) I wondered how far Poirot had strained the truth in talking to Caroline - probably not at all. He had conveyed his innuendoes by means of his eyebrows and his shoulders.
4. (p. 109) "Well, naturally, James. What else is there to talk about locally? I was able to set M. Poirot right upon several points.He was very grateful to me. He said I had the makings of a born detective in me – and a wonderful psychological insight into human nature."
QUESTIONS AND TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
What did Mr. Hammond tell H. Poirot about Ralph?
What were the terms of the will? Who was not satisfied with the provisions of the will? Why?
What did H. Poirot ask Dr. Sheppard to find out from Major Blunt? What did Major Blunt think about money?
What happened to the money Mr. Ackroyd had cashed a cheque for before his death?
What did the police endeavour in order to find R. Paton? Were they a success?
Ursula Bourne attracts H. Poirot's attention. Ursula's account for her having given notice. Dr. Sheppard's attempt to find out something about Ursula's background.
H. Poirot's call on Caroline. What topics were touched upon in their talk? Dr. Sheppard's reaction to H. Poirot's call.
List the main events that occur in Chapter XII. Using your list write a brief summary of the chapter.
Assignment 6
Chapters XIII, XIV, XV (pp.119-140)
ACTIVE VOCABULARY
to be engaged in doing smth
to bear in mind
to cast one's mind back
to read one's mind
to hold back
to take smb into one's confidence
on the spur of the moment
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without scruples
to misjudge smb
to keep back
to refrain from
to wring the truth from
to make a confession
to have smth up one's sleeve
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I. Give Russian equivalents of the following AN collocations.
visible reluctance
local gossip
suspicious attitude
bony hand
faint voice
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very shrewd glance
naked facts
momentary hesitation
further proof
subtle touch
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II. Translate into Russian the sentences given below. Make up your own sentences with the italicized word combinations.
1. He was glad to see a woman in question come out of the shop.
2. I don't know what to make of the boy's behaviour.
3. They overlooked the enormous risks involved.
4. I hope that the misunderstanding will be soon cleared up.
5. The police have asked the witnesses of the car crash to come forward. Under the circumstances I had better stay away.
6. I am writing to you on behalf of my daughter who is away on business. It's of no consequence to me.
III. Explain the meaning of the following words in English:
intuition, subconscious, hallucination, accomplice, etiquette, upstart, banality, Punch, Christie's outpourings.
IV. Add to your list new words and word combinations on the topic"Crime and its investigation" you'll come across in the given chapters.
V. Explain the following:
1. (p. 125) On looking back, the thing that strikes me most is the piecemeal character of this period. Everyone had a hand in the elucidation of the mystery. It was rather like a jig-saw puzzle to which everyone contributed their own little piece of knowledge of discovery.
(p. 126) But Mrs. Ackroyd is totally incapable of pursuing a straightforward course on any subject. She always approaches her object by tortuous means.
(p. 136) "... But as a matter of fact, my conscience has been pricking me ever since yesterday afternoon. You accused us all of keeping back something, M. Poirot. I plead guilty. I've had something up my sleeve."
(p.137) "... After all, many crimes have been committed for the sake of less than five hundred pounds. It all depends on what sum is sufficient to break a man. A question of the relativity, is it not so?"
QUESTIONS AND TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
1. What little lecture did H. Poirot give Dr. Sheppard? Get ready to discuss its main points.
Doctor Sheppard's contribution to the investigation. What does his theory, in H. Poirot's opinion, leave unaccounted for?
Why was H. Poirot inclined to think that R. Paton was innocent?
Mrs. Ackroyd's confession. What made her do this? How would you account for Dr. Sheppard's ironic attitude towards Mrs.Ackroyd? How was Ursula Bourne involved in this episode? Which adjectives would you choose to characterize Mrs. Ackroyd in this episode?
patient
sly
patronising
tactful
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spiteful
honest
illogical
frank
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unscrupulous
amiable
meek
diplomatic
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loyal
cautious
hypocritical
tolerant
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Who else made a confession to H. Poirot? What was the matter?
What experiment did H. Poirot carry out?
Assignment 7
Chapters XVI, XVII (pp. 140-158)
ACTIVE VOCABULARY
to interfere with
between you and me
to point out to smth (that...)
to bring oneself to do smth
to give oneself away
to be indiscreet
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to feel guilty
to be hushed up
9. to go to pieces
to rake up smth
to wreck one's life
to be desperate
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I. Get ready to reproduce the episodes in which the given above words and word combinations are used.
II. Give Russian equivalents of the following AN collocations.
monotonous remarks
casual guest
irrelevant conversation
simple solution
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invariable rule
honest citizen
losing battle
ruthless power
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III. Write the word combinations with the word "suspicion" and its derivatives out of the given chapters.
QUESTIONS AND TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
Make up fact-finding guestions on Chapter XVI to ask your fellow students.
What did H. Poirot suggest after the funeral?
What do we learn about Parker's former life? In what way did H. Poirot make Parker tell the truth?
What did H. Poirot and Dr. Sheppard pay a visit to Mr.Hammond for?
H. Poirot's idea of what kind of man the murderer was.
Assignment 8
Chapters XVIII, XX, XXI (pp. 158-184)
ACTIVE VOCABULARY
at all costs
to stick to smth
to be at a loss
to cheat
to get into a mess
to get rid of smth
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to stare at smb/smth dumbfounded
to draw smb's attention to
not to have the least idea
to get a word in edgeways
to complain
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I. Get ready to reproduce the episodes in which the given above words and word combinations are uses.
II. Give Russian equivalents of the following AN collocations.
exaggerated opinion
quick smile
disgraceful secret
well-meant efforts
deep disapproval
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home-made wireless-set
trifle things
high-class club
distinguished man
iron self-control
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III. Add new words and word combinations connected with the topic vocabulary on crime you'll come across in the given chapters.
IV. Translate into English.
1. Мэри не могла предвидеть, что может случиться. 2. Я не советую тебе тратить деньги попусту на эту скучную книгу. 3. Я обещаю стоять за тебя при любых обстоятельствах. 4. Никто не откликнулся, чтобы дать какую-нибудь информацию об этом несчастном случае. 5. Он упустил тот факт, что они были родственниками. 6. Ей не нравился ее босс и она подала заявление об уходе. 7. Эта ложь не имела для меня последствий. 8. Я всегда чувствую себя неловко с ее родителями. 9. Никто даже не пытался поддержать разговор. 10. Я приобрел привычку работать по ночам, когда учился в университете. 11. Не вдавайтесь в подробности, я понимаю, на что вы намекаете. 12. Это их вина в большей или меньшей степени.
V. Explain the following.
(p. 140) A good deal of gossip is handed round at these evenings, sometimes seriously interfering with the game in progress. We used to play bridge - chatty bridge of the worst description. We find Mah Jong much more peaceful.
(p. 146) "I assure you", I said, "that I don't know anything.Poirot keeps his own counsel".
"Wise man", said the colonel with a chuckle. "He doesn't give himself away. But they're wonderful fellows, these foreign detectives. Up to all sorts of dodges, I believe".
VI. Explain the meanings of the words given below in English:
nightmare, Crippen, Broadmoor, martyr, ambassador, complex (n).
VII. Add to your topic vocabulary on crime new words and word combinations you'll come across.
VIII. Translate into Russian paying attention to the italicized word combinations.
The idea has just crossed my mind that if I turned left I could get home quicker.
But you must bear in mind that she was ill at that time.
You can do it if you give your mind to it.
The African delegates voiced their anger.
5. Without preamble, he told his friend the whole story again.
6. I shall leave no stone unturned to protect my family.
She promised her mother she would always stand by her younger brother through thick and thin.
I decided to take the bull by the horns and ask the boss for more pay.
9. He came in with a face as black as thunder.
10. I think we should rake up his criminal record.
11. That is what we did yesterday in a nutshell.
IX. Explain the following.
(p. 162) He and I lunched together at an hotel. I know now that the whole thing lay clearly unravelled before him. He had got the last thread he needed to lead him to the truth.
(p. 164) "... After all, even if he is a bit balmy, it was a useful tip he gave me about those fingerprints. He's got a bee in his bonnet about the man Kent, but who knows-there may be something useful behind it."
(p. 173) "You know," I said, throwing down the pincers I was holding, "It's extraordinarily intriguing, the whole thing. Every new development that arises is like a shake you give to a kaleidoscope -the thing changes entirely in aspect..."
(p. 180) "Why, you are a medical man, aren't you? You've known him from a boy upwards. Not mentally responsible. That's the line to take, clearly. I read only the other day that they're very happy in Broadmoor – it' s guite like a high-class club".
5. (p. 180) Caroline merely looked at me with the air of a Christian martyr enjoying martyrdom.
QUESTIONS AND TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
1. Charles Kent's story. Who was invited to identify him.Ch. Kent's appearance, his manner of speaking, the information he gave. What attracted H. Poirot most of all in Ch. Kent's story. How was Ch. Kent's alibi checked? What advice concerning Ch. Kent did H. Poirot give to Inspector Reglan? How was Miss Russell involved in the story?
Flora's secret is revealed and the outcome of it. Why did H.Poirot begin to suspect Flora of stealing the money? Was his suspicion confirmed? How did Flora account for her action? How did Major Blunt take the news? Why was Major Blunt grateful to H. Poirot?
What did H. Poirot do to make R. Paton come forward?
What commission was given to Dr. Sheppard by H. Poirot?
Assignment 9
Chapters XXII - XXVII (pp. 185-214)
ACTIVE VOCABULARY
to do smth for wager
to break the news to smb
in the nick of time
to fill up the gap
to have a knack of doing smth
to take the only way
to let smb down
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to face smth
to run the risk of doing smth
to abandon smb or smth
to have a mercy on smb
to take one's precaution(s)
to confide in smb
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I. Get ready to reproduce the episodes in which the given word combinations are used.
II. Give Russian equivalents of the following AN collocations.
ill-timed revelation(s)
unigue opportunity
candid opinion
fatal evening
vital fact
real menace
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dead silence
stumbling block
lucky coincidence
slight yawn
pig-headed chap
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III. Explain the meanings of the words given below in English:
reticence, trap, bait, inmate, apologia.
IV. Find the English equivalents of the following phrases in the given chapters:
придержать язык, как гром среди ясного неба, быть на неверном пути, ходить вокруг да около, начать что-то сначала, ухватиться за возможность.
V. Insert prepositions or adverbs in the blank spaces.
Once a month Mr. Brown was ... the habit ... taking the children to the Zoo.
My son has been begging me for a new bicycle for a year already and I am afraid I'll give ... in the end.
I don't advise you to touch ... this topic when you have a talk with her.
Can you make anything ... this strange letter.
Mum often finds fault... the way I do things.
"But I wasn't there", Ann broke ... . I was at my aunt's".
A man came running round the corner, cannoned ... me and knocked me over.
8. I am leaving. I don't want to run the risk ... missing the train.
9. I trusted him but he let me ....
Tom saw the baby was about to fall off and caught it ... the nick... time.
The picture must be restored ... all costs.
Don't beat... the bush. Tell us the truth.
VI. Translate into English.
1. Она не могла удержаться от слез, когда они расставались. 2. Вам следует избавиться от ваших комплексов. 3. Пожалуйста, не ворошите их прошлое. 4. Вы не убедили меня; я буду придерживаться своего решения. 5. Мэри чувствовала вину за то, что так редко писала письма своей матери. 6. Я надеюсь, что ничто не помешает нашим планам на воскресенье. 7. Артур не имел ни малейшего представления, что делать. 8. Я не верю, что он мог мошенничать. 9. У моей сестры привычка действовать экспромтом (под влиянием минуты). 10. Если ты опять коснешься этой темы, я боюсь, это вызовет ее раздражение. 11. Один к десяти мы опоздаем.
QUESTIONS AND TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
Ursula Bourne's story. Her background. How did she happen to become a parlourmaid at Fernly Park? The cause of her quarrel with her husband. Ursula's interview with Mr. Ackroyd and its outcome. How did she interpret her husband's disappearance? How did Caroline try to calm her down?
Who was invited to H. Poirot's little reunion? How did he explain to Caroline why she could not be present at that meeting?What do you think was the real reason? What does his phrase "I do everything possible to render your service" could mean, in your opinion?
List the main points of H. Poirot's speech at the "reunion" and write a brief summary of it.
Ralph Paton comes forward. His story.
The murderer. What made H. Poirot suspect Dr. Sheppard?Did Dr. Sheppard plead guilty? What other way out did H. Poirot mean and why was he willing to give Dr. Sheppard such a chance?
Get ready to describe in detail what actually happened on the fatal night.
What was Dr. Sheppard's motive in writing down his impressions of the case?
Account for Doctor Sheppard's final words.
Assignment 10
Write either a summary of this story or of a detective story you have recently read using as many words and word combinations from your list of the topic vocabulary on crime as possible.
TOPICS FOR FINAL DISCUSSION
1. Give character sketches of:
1.1 Caroline
Mrs. Ackroyd
Major Blunt
Ralph Paton
Mrs. Ferrar's story
Compare Flora and Ursula Bourne.
Why was Mr. Ackroyd murdered?
Was H. Poirot's portrait of the murderer true to the characterof the actual murderer?
H. Poirot's methods of investigation.
H. Poirot and the police.
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