20171207-TGG-Chap 4 The Examinations

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The Gay Genius 苏东坡传

20171207-TGG-Chap 4 The Examinations

Summary 小结

This chapter tells the story of the the pursuit of the government officer positions, through the well known examination for all the intellectuals of the times. It takes Su Tongpo quite a long time, say, many years to pass the examinations, with high honor, and made him reknowned as one of the first tier scholars of the county. 

To help Su Tongpu pass this examination, his parents saved his time and energy by the arranged marriage, which is believed to be a shortcut to a happy life for man's career and life. 

Unfortunately, Su's mother passed away as his achievements made in the exminations, and the family were sorrow in the ceremonies of the funeral. Three of the Su men left their county and went for future career and life.

Words 词汇

Hibernation

Again a period of compulsory hibernation followed untill the... two things had to be done.

n. the winter rest

The squirrels stored food for their hibernation.

Consternation

n. a feeling of shock, worry, or fear

The new move of Isarel to Jerusalem has led to a new round of constaernation in the relations and political status of the Middle East.

Recluse

n. someone who chooses to live alone and does not like seeing or talking to other poeple.

He used to own his fame and fortune, but now he becomes a real recluse.

Thoughts 感想

古代的婚姻生活是家庭幸福的支柱，也是男性立业的根本，一方面有了贤内助，一方面没了传宗接代的后顾之忧。所幸家庭和睦，学业顺利，仕途通达。

科举制度虽然被人诟病，其实也有很多优点，经历重重选拔，次次择优的考生，心理素质，身体耐力也是受了考验，甚至他们背后的家庭，父母和妻儿。八股虽难，文思不背负，文章彰否，也是积累才有评说。