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参赛者姓名: 张慕惟

参赛短文题目: English Characters

    About tens of thousands of years ago, the Great Britain was once joined to the continent of Europe. It was at that time that human being first came to this fantastic land. During the Ice Age, numerous colossal glaciers melted, splitting the land bridge and isolating this island. With few migrations in the next a few millenaries, and little influence from the exotic cultures, the English had developed its own grace and dignity.

    Politeness is probably the most conspicuous and remarkable aspect of the English Characters. “Please” and “Thank you” are ubiquitous all over the Britain. When they are offered with help, they would not say a bare “yes” or “no”, which would be considered as a very offensive response. Neither would the British like to shout and exclaim in the public. There are millions of commuters in the underground in London every day, but you can scarcely hear any sound. Everyone is sitting in reticence behind his or her newspaper.

    Talking about the weather is a typical way to initiate a conversation with a person not quite familiar with. The English love this subject, probably because the topic of weather, other than politics, religion, or some other new things, is less likely to be provocative or invidious, or to arouse argument or altercation with others. Another possible reason constituting to this fact is that the weather in England is so volatile. Not much like that in China, where the weather, at least the trends of weather, can be accurately prognosticated by the distinct differences in four seasons, the weather in British is constantly changing. Consequently, weather would be a very appropriate topic to talk about.

    The English has an inherent and unique sense of humor. Rather than laugh at other’s misfortunes and adversities, they tend to ridicule their own shortcomings, failures as well as embarrassments. This self-deprecating humor presents not only their sympathies to others, but also modesty of themselves. No wonder that a vividly depicted gentleman, John Bull, who shows his frankness, uneasiness and funniness, refers to the national personification of the Kingdom of Great Britain.