In Disguise 化妝舞會
During the Italian Renaissance, the upper classes held elaborate dances called balls. These dances were especially popular in Venice, where the gatherings became renowned for their elegance and style. These were not just parties where the upper crust gathered for special dances and exquisite foods. Instead, they were unique: people showed up masked. Women and men wore elaborate dresses with edges embroidered in gold and pearls, and their faces were at least partially covered with masks made to resemble some sort of animal.
These masquerade balls became popular in continental Europe in the 17th century. The masks and clothes were often so ornate as to conceal the identity of the person wearing them. Such was the case in Sweden when someone attempted to assassinate King Gustav III at a ball. The perpetrator was found out, of course, but not in time to save poor Gustav. The event was later memorialized in a Verdi opera.
When the tradition finally made its way to England in the early 18th century, it spread like wildfire to colonial America. Today, many masquerade balls in the States are held during Mardi Gras (狂歡節), which is approximately 40 days before Easter. In addition, masquerade balls are held across the nation and throughout the year in order to raise money for charities. Nowadays, the formal dancing has taken a backseat to the food and conversation, but the lively nature of masquerades has lasted through the centuries.
──by Rachel A. Black
1.Which of the following was NOT likely to take place at a ball during the Italian Renaissance?
(A)Well-dressed noblewomen complimenting one another on their costumes.
(B)Servants serving red wine and sweet treats to their rich guests.
(C)All classes of people gathering together to dance complicated dances.
(D)Masks being custom-made before each ball so guests would have unique costumes.
2.Most likely, what happened to the King of Sweden during one infamous ball?
(A)He lost the nerve to dance.
(B)He helped Verdi write an opera.
(C)A masked guest stole his money.
(D)An angry nobleman killed him.
3.If Easter is in early April, when will Mardi Gras be?
(A)Mid-January.
(B)Early February.
(C)Late February.
(D)Mid-March.
在義大利文藝復興時期，上流階層會舉行一種典雅的舞蹈聚會，稱為舞會。這種舞會在威尼斯特別流行，後來逐漸以高雅及其風格而著稱。上流階層並不只是為特別的舞蹈或精緻美食而參加這種聚會，其特別之處在於：人們會戴面具出席。女士與男士們會穿上鑲金邊或珍珠的華服，臉上也會戴著至少遮住部份臉龐、樣子像動物的面具。
這種化妝舞會在十七世紀的歐陸頗為盛行。出席舞會時所穿戴的面具及衣服通常極盡華麗之能事而遮掩出席者真正的身分。當時有個例子，那就是有人試圖在化妝舞會中暗殺瑞典國王古斯塔夫三世。雖然最後剌客是逮到了，但已經來不及挽救可憐的古斯塔夫。之後，韋瓦第在他的歌劇中追念此一事件。
當這項傳統在十八世紀初傳至英國時，也火速地在美洲大陸傳開。現今，許多美國的化妝舞會約在復活節前四十天的狂歡節舉行。此外，為了慈善募款的化裝舞會一整年皆可在全國各地看到。今天，舞會中的正式舞蹈已被食物或席間的言談取代，但化妝舞會的歡樂特質幾世紀下來仍歷久不衰。
標準答案: 1. (C) 2. (D) 3. (C)
