CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE

Appearances are deceptive. It is common truth; practically everyone has met at least someone whose character and appearance differ radically.

When one sees a tall, broad-shouldered youth, one expects him to be strong-willed and brave. One thinks: A model to follow! How often a good-looking individual turns out to be petty, weak-willed or even cowardly. Then one thinks: A mediocrity!

At the same time everyone knows that a lot of great people were of a poor build: short and fragile. It did not stop them from displaying intelligence and courage. Ingenuity does not depend on one’s complexion or constitution. Plump or fat people create an impression of generous and kind personalities. Strangely enough, but sometimes they may be thrifty or even greedy. One usually thinks: A scrooge!

On the other hand, thin or slim nervous ladies often tend to be lavish. They like to buy and never think twice when they pay. One thinks: I would call her open-handed and mother would call her a spendthrift. Yes, mothers are always stricter in judgments.

Has it ever happened to you to come to an important office and see an important boss? You immediately evaluate his looks: round-faced, small narrow eyes, dimples on the cheeks and an upturned nose. What a kind-hearted person! A simpleton! You tell the boss of your troubles and expect immediate help. But the boss appears to be rude, harsh and willful. You never get your help and think: A stone heart and an iron fist.

When someone sees a delicately built pretty blonde with curly hair, blue eyes, a straight nose and a high forehead, one is inclined to think that the beauty is intelligent and nice. It may be disappointing to think later: What a stupid, capricious, impolite bore!

On the contrary, when one sees a skinny brunette with ugly irregular features — a hooked nose, pointed chin, close-set eyes and thin lips, strange thoughts come into one’s head, because it is the image of evil people — cruel and cunning. It may be a relief some time later to find her a clever, gentle and good-mannered lady and think: What charm! A heart of gold!

Another general misconception lies in the fact that children are always expected to resemble their parents. And parents like it when children take after them. Relatives like to compare moles, the shape of noses, etc. The greatest compliment is: They are as like as two peas. The greatest disappointment is to find nothing in common. We want to deny people their exclusiveness; we don’t want to admit that nature has selected other options from an enormous genetic fund developed over generations. Why do we like our copies? Who knows!

Nature likes to play tricks on us. But don’t you think it is a present on the part of nature? Life becomes not a boring routine, but a brilliant kaleidoscope of characters and appearances which often clash.

Exercise 1

Find in the text the English equivalents of the following words and expressions:

внешность обманчива; модель для подражания; слабого телосложения; проявлять ум и храбрость; зависеть от телосложения; быть щедрым, расточительным; простак; скряга; посредственность; добряк; быть похожим на родителей; быть похожими, как две капли воды.

Exercise 2

Complete the sentences:

1. Appearances are….

2. When one sees a tall, broad-shouldered youth, one expects him to be….

3. Ingenuity does not depend on one’s….

4. Plump or fat people create an impression of….

5. Another general misconception lies in the fact that….

6. Relatives like to compare….

7. The greatest compliment is: ….

8. Nature likes….

Exercise 3

Answer the questions:

1. Do you agree that appearances are deceptive? Tell your classmates about your own experience.

2. Do you think it is worth judging by appearances? Give your reasons.

3. What impression do plump and fat people usually make?

4. What kind of people is usually considered to be cruel and cunning?

5. What is more important for you: people’s character or appearance?

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