The tiny village of Frinley is said to possess a ‘cursed tree’. Because the tree was mentioned in a newspaper, the number of visitors to Frinley has now increased. The tree was planted near the church fifty years ago, but it is only in recent years that it 5 has gained an evil reputation. It is said that if anyone touches the tree, he will have bad luck; if he picks a leaf, he will die. Many villagers believe that the tree has already claimed a number of victims. The vicar has been asked to have the tree cut down, but so far he has refused. He has pointed out that the tree is a useful source of income, as tourists have been 10 coming from all parts of the country to see it. In spite of all that has been said, the tourists have been picking leaves and cutting their names on the tree-trunk. So far, not one of them has been struck down by sudden death !
Notes on the text 课文注释
1 a blessing in disguise,坏事变好事,因祸得福。
2 The tiny village of Frinley, 弗林利这个小村庄,介词of这里表示的是同位关系。
3 but it is only in recent years that it has gained an evil reputation,但是只是近年来才得到了一个坏名声。句中的 it是强调句型,结构是 it is(was)+被强调的部分+that(who)从句。
4 to have the tree cut down,把这棵树砍掉。在这个短语中 cut down是动词 have的宾语 the tree的补足语,常用来表示叫别人完成的动作。
5 In spite of all that has been said是介词短语,在句中作让步状语。that has been said是定语从句,修饰all,关系代词that在从句中作主语,不能省略。