In the cartoon movie An American Tail, a Russian mouse named Fievel embarks on a journey to America. Along with scores of other mice "immigrants" from other countries, Fievel and his family board a ship that will take them to their new home.
在「美國鼠譚」（An American Tail）這部卡通影片裡，一隻來自俄羅斯名叫菲佛的老鼠，啟程前往美國。菲佛以和家人，連同許多來自其他國家的老鼠移民，坐著輪船，前往它們的新家園。
⊙ Word Bank
embark (v)
scores (n pl)
The American Dream 美國夢(Part 2 of 12)
During their long ocean voyage, the mice talk excitedly about making a new home in the "land of opportunity." They express their confidence and hope about this new land in a jubilant chorus: "There are NO CATS in America!" This chorus captures the essence of the American Dream. Not that Americans hate cats, but that they long for a place of freedom and safety—a place where every dream can be fulfilled.
在冗長的海上旅途中，老鼠們都興高采烈地討論將如何在美國這個「充滿機會之地」，建立新家園。它們對新大陸所抱持的信心和希望，都表達在句句歡唱的歌聲：「美國沒有貓！」這歌詞也道出了「美國夢」的本質。並非美國人討厭貓；而是他們嚮往一個自由、安全的地方，一個能夠實現所有夢想的地方。
⊙ Word Bank
the American Dream (n phr) 美國夢
The American Dream 美國夢(Part 3 of 12)
For most Americans, the American Dream describes their concept of "the good life." In the past, it meant having your own land or starting your own business. In recent times, the American Dream has involved material possessions and a comfortable lifestyle: a beautiful home with a well manicured yard, a fancy car (or two) and plenty of time for leisure activities.
對大部份美國人而言，「美國夢」描述了他們所追求的「美好生活」。在以前，「美好生活」就是自己擁有土地或是自己創業。而今天，「美國夢」則包含各種物質的擁有以及舒適的生活：一幢漂亮的房子與修剪整齊的庭院、一兩部豪華的轎車，以及充分的休閒時間。
⊙ Word Bank
manicure (v) 修剪
The American Dream 美國夢(Part 4 of 12)
The American Dream represents the fulfillment of the "pursuit of happiness," which the Declaration of Independence asserted to be one of man's "inalienable rights." In short, the American Dream is enjoying the best life has to offer.
「美國夢」代表「追尋快樂」的實現，而美國獨立宣言也將之視為人類「不可剝奪的權利」之一。簡言之，「美國夢」就是享受生命中最美好的事物。
⊙ Word Bank
inalienable (adj) 不可剝奪的
The American Dream 美國夢(Part 5 of 12)
The idea of the American Dream has sprung from a number of historical sources. Over 300 years ago, settlers brought with them a vision of religious freedom and economic opportunity. The Puritans even saw the New World as their "promised land"—a land which "flowed with milk and honey."
「美國夢」這個概念有許多歷史根源。三百多年前來到美國的殖民者，帶來了對宗教自由與經濟繁榮的展望。清教徒甚至將新世界視為其「應許之地」，一個「流著牛奶與蜜之地」。
The American Dream 美國夢(Part 6 of 12)
The democratic system of government later established in America furthered the Dream with its emphasis on personal freedom and individual rights. As Americans pushed westward on the continent, they developed a pioneer spirit and a belief that they could accomplish anything they set out to do. The vast natural resources on the American continent contributed to the notion that there was plenty to go around for everyone.
之後在美國所建立的民主政府，更藉著強調個人自由與權利，而增進此一夢想。當美國人在北美洲向西發展時，他們培養了一種拓荒者的精神，以及凡事都能成就的信念。美國大陸擁有豐富的天然資源，使大家相信，所有資源足夠大家使用。
The American Dream 美國夢(Part 7 of 12)
As a result, for hundreds of years, immigrants have viewed America as the place where one's dreams can be realized. Some immigrants have actually believed that they would find streets paved with gold in America. It is doubtful whether any of them found golden streets, but time after time their dreams for success did come true.
因此數百年來，移民們都將美國視為美夢成真的地方。有些移民甚至確信美國遍地都是黃金。雖然他們是否真正曾找到佈滿黃金的街道，不得而知，但他們一次又一次實現了成功的夢想。
The American Dream 美國夢(Part 8 of 12)
As in the "rags-to-riches" stories popularized by 19th-century writer Horatio Alger, many people with humble backgrounds have achieved remarkable success. For example, Abraham Lincoln grew up in a poor family, received only a rudimentary education, and experienced numerous failures, but he overcame these obstacles and became president of the United States. Nevertheless, the American Dream has not become a reality for everyone. In some cases—like Fievel's—it has proven to be only a pipe dream.
十九世紀作家阿爾傑描繪貧賤出身人家奮鬥成功的小說，曾膾炙人口。如同阿爾傑小說中一般，許多人縱然出身卑微，也都可擁有傲人的成就。例如：林肯從小家境貧困，只受過基本教育，並曾經歷無數挫折。但林肯終究克服所有障礙，當選美國總統。儘管如此，並非每人的美國夢都成真。有時候，就如同小老鼠菲佛的經歷一般，美國夢也只不過是種妄想而已。
⊙ Word Bank
rudimentary (adj) 
基本的
pipe dream (n phr) 幻想；妄想
The American Dream 美國夢(Part 9 of 12)
Despite their belief that "there are NO CATS in America," Fievel and his mouse-friends had to contend with some very BIG cats when they arrived. Similarly, in real life, some people have faced major obstacles as they pursued the American Dream. Immigrants have not always found a warm welcome in America. Political and economic conditions have at times severely limited their opportunities for advancement.
雖然鼠群們深信「美國沒有貓」，但菲佛以及其他小老鼠同伴到達美國時，還是需要與一些非常巨大的貓大戰。同樣地，在現實生活中，有些人們在追求美國夢時，也曾遭遇莫大的阻礙。在美國，移民們並非總是受到溫暖的接待。現實的政治與經濟條件，有時嚴重地限制他們的發展機會。
⊙ Word Bank
contend (v) 爭鬥；競爭
The American Dream 美國夢(Part 10 of 12)
Some groups that were not immigrants in the truest sense, such as blacks and native Americans, have also suffered discrimination. Moreover, Americans in general have sometimes found the American Dream to be just "pie in the sky" as they struggle to get by. But amazingly enough, while the American Dream hasn't come true for everyone, a 1986 study by the Roper Organization revealed that 86 percent of Americans still believe in it.
有些人雖非真正的移民，例如黑人與原住民，但也遭受歧視。一般為日常生活打拼的美國人，也時常會認為美國夢只是一個虛幻的承諾。雖然並非每人都能實現美國夢，但羅保機構（Roper Organization）在一九八六年所做的研究，卻令人意外地顯示，仍有86％的美國民眾相信美國夢。
The American Dream 美國夢(Part 11 of 12)
In recent years, beliefs about the American Dream may have begun to change. Baby boomers, for instance, see the American Dream more in terms of being true to yourself and staying healthy than having a big house and a successful job.
近年來，民眾對於美國夢的憧憬可能開始有所改變。例如：二次世界大戰以後，嬰兒潮時期出生的人們，認為美國夢應偏向忠於自我以及保持健康，而非擁有一棟大房屋與成功的事業。
⊙ Word Bank
baby boomer (n phr) 二次世界大戰以後，嬰兒潮時出生的人們
The American Dream 美國夢(Part 12 of 12)
Most Americans, boomers or otherwise, believe the American Dream means being comfortably well-off and enjoying their lives. They realize the American Dream does not guarantee wealth and happiness, but it does offer people the opportunity to work toward their goals. And as for their prospects of achieving them, well, most people think their chances are pretty good. Even if there are cats in America.
多數的美國人，無論是否在嬰兒潮時期出生的民眾，相信擁有一定的財富並能享受生活，就是美國夢。他們了解美國夢無法確保財富與快樂，但的確提供人們機會，以朝目標努力。至於達成目標的展望如何，即使美國有貓，但許多人仍相信他們的機會是看好的。
⊙ Word Bank
prospect (n) 展望；期望
Lip balm is a must.
護脣膏是不可缺的。
Think good thoughts.
要想好的事情。
Your imperfections make you beautiful and give you character.
你的不完美使你美麗，並且塑造你的性格。
Dark skin is beautiful.
深色的皮膚是很美的。
Beauty is as beauty does, which means it is more important to do good than to look good.
美麗是一種行為表現，意思是說做美好的事比外表美麗更為重要。
Let's go to the park this afternoon to get some exercise.
我們今天下午到公園去做些運動吧。
I wish there were a cut-and-dried solution to this problem. Then it would be easier to solve.
我希望這個問題有個預設的解決方法，如此就可以比較容易解決。
Don't bother Gina. She's a bit high-strung today.
不要去煩吉娜。她今天神經繃得很緊。
After delivering her speech, Mindy was standing tall for weeks.
明蒂演講完之後，她昂首闊步了好幾個星期。
I just bought a new novel. Do you want to take a gander at it?
我剛買了一本新小說。你要看看嗎？
If you want Mike to pay you back, you'll have to squeeze the money out of him.
如果你要麥可還你錢，你得要用逼的讓他吐出錢來。
Thanks a bunch for helping me with my homework, Dad.
爸爸，多謝你幫忙我做作業。
留言列表
