课文原文（Bilingual Dialogue）
场景： Susan和Harry一家面临是否搬到洛杉矶的重大决定。
Susan: I really like this one, Susan. Do you? Susan: 我真的很喜欢这一件，你呢？
Michelle: Turn around, Michelle. Let me see the back of it. Michelle: 转过去一下，Michelle。让我看看它的背面。
Susan: I like it a lot. It fits well. Susan: 我非常喜欢。它很合身。
Harry: It doesn’t need any alterations. We must’ve bought the right size. Harry: 不需作任何修改。我们一定是买对了尺寸。
Susan: I like the color. She looks good in blue. Susan: 我喜欢这颜色。她穿蓝色的很好看。
Michelle: I like blue, too, Daddy. Michelle: 我也喜欢蓝色的，爸爸。
Susan: Try on the skirt and blouse outfit, Michelle — the one that Daddy wanted you to wear. Susan: 试试上衣和裙子的那一套吧，Michelle——爸爸要你穿的那一套。
Harry: Michelle has been a different kid since we’ve been married. She’s never been happier. Harry: 自从我们结婚之后，Michelle变成另一个人了。她从来没有像现在这样快乐过。
Susan: And I’ve never been happier, Harry. Susan: 我也从来没有这样快乐过，Harry。
Harry: I love her very much. She’s been a joy. Harry: 我很爱她。她是个讨人喜欢的孩子。
Susan: We’re very lucky, the three of us… and becoming part of the Stewart family, too. We couldn’t ask for anything more, could we? Susan: 我们非常幸运，我们三个……而且成为Stewart家庭的一份子。我们再没什么可求的了，对吗？
Harry: Well… Harry: 嗯……
Susan: Well…? Could we ask for anything more? Susan: 嗯……？我们还有什么可求的吗？
Michelle: How do you like it, Daddy? Michelle: 你觉得怎样，爸爸？
Harry: It’s my favorite outfit. It’s good for every day. It will be good for school, Michelle. Harry: 这是我喜欢的那一套。这套衣服每天都可以穿。它适合上学时穿，Michelle。
Susan: I like it, too. I always like skirts that go like this. Susan: 我也喜欢它。我一直喜欢能像这样飘动的裙子。
Michelle: Do you want to see the winter jacket on me, Susan? Michelle: 你想看看我穿上冬季的夹克怎样吗，Susan？
Susan: Yes, I do. Change back into your jeans, and put on the new winter jacket we bought today. Susan: 是的，我想看看。换回你的牛仔裤，也把我们今天买的冬季夹克穿上。
Harry: What did you mean by “well…”? You had something on your mind when I said we couldn’t ask for anything more. Is everything all right? Harry: 你说「嗯……」的意思是什么？你显然有话要说，在我说我们再没什么可求的了的时候。一切都好吗？
Susan: Everything is fine, Michelle. Susan: 一切都好，Michelle。
Michelle: It’s kind of warm. Michelle: 它很暖和。
Harry: It is. That’s why we bought it for you. This will be a perfect jacket for the wintertime when it’s very cold out. Harry: 是的。这就是我们买给你的原因。这一件夹克就很受用，冬天外面很冷的时候。
Michelle: But it’s kind of small also. We must’ve bought the wrong size. Michelle: 但它也有点小了。我们一定买错了尺寸。
Harry: Looks like we should’ve bought a bigger one. I guess we’ll have to exchange it, too. Harry: 看来我们应该买一件大些的。我想我们还得去换一件。
Susan: I’m sure the store has others. Susan: 我相信那家店一定还有其它的尺寸。
Michelle: I look silly! It is too small! Michelle: 我看来很滑稽！它太小了！
Harry: You’re growing so fast, Michelle. Harry: 你长得太快了，Michelle。
Michelle: Can I take it off? I’m hot! Michelle: 我可以脱掉吗？我好热！
Harry: Sure. Put it back in your room, and we’ll hang everything up later. Harry: 当然。将它放回你的房间，过一会儿我们来一件件挂起来。
Susan: Well, are you going to tell me what’s on your mind, Harry? Susan: 好了，你要不要告诉我你在想什么，Harry？
Harry: I have been offered a job with a major accounting company in Los Angeles. Harry: 有一家大会计公司提供我一个工作，在Los Angeles。
Susan: Los Angeles? That’s a big decision. Susan: Los Angeles？这可是个大决定。
Harry: I know. It will also affect you and your job, if we decide to go. Harry: 我知道。假如我们决定去的话，也会影响到你和你的工作。
Susan: Wow! It sure will. But first tell me about the job, Harry. If it’s a good one, then we’ll make it work for us. Susan: 喔！当然会。但首先告诉我是什么样的工作，Harry。假如它是个好工作，我们就顺水推舟。
Harry: I have a client in the garment business, on Seventh Avenue. I do his taxes every year. He has a big sales office in Los Angeles, and the company in Los Angeles that does his major accounting work is looking for an executive. And he recommended me. Harry: 我有个客户在Seventh Avenue从事成衣生意。我每年为他处理税务。他在Los Angeles有一个大的销售办事处，而在Los Angeles承办他主要会计工作的那家公司正在物色一位主管。他推荐了我。
Susan: That’s wonderful, Harry. Susan: 那太棒了，Harry。
Harry: Yes, but it would mean that we’d have to move to L.A. Harry: 是的。但这意味着我们必须搬到Los Angeles。
Susan: What about the salary? Susan: 薪水怎么样？
Harry: The real discussion comes tomorrow. Susan, I don’t plan to make any decisions until I have a chance to talk with you about it. Harry: 明天才会正式商谈。Susan，我不打算做决定，除非我有机会跟你谈过。
Susan: I understand, Harry. Susan: 我了解，Harry。
Harry: And I don’t have to make a quick decision. They know that I’m married and that I have a family. Harry: 而且我也不需很快下决定。他们知道我结婚了，有一个家。
Susan: Well, there’s a lot to think about. If it’s a good job, then I’ve got to do some thinking about my career opportunities in Los Angeles. Susan: 噢，有许多事需要考虑。假如它是个好工作，那么我就必须考虑考虑我在Los Angeles的事业机会。
（Susan与祖父Malcolm交谈）
Grandpa: Hello. Hello there. Are you ready for lunch with your grandpa? 爷爷: 哈罗。哈罗。你准备好跟你的祖父一起吃午饭吗？
Susan: Oh! Hi, Grandpa. Yes, of course, I am, but my mind isn’t. Susan: 噢，嗨，爷爷。是的，当然，我准备好了，但是有点心事。
Grandpa: What’s the matter, Susan? 爷爷: 怎么了，Susan？
Susan: A real dilemma. Susan: 一个大伤脑筋的事。
Grandpa: Does it have anything to do with you and Harry? 爷爷: 是关于你和Harry的事吗？
Susan: Yes, but I don’t know where to start. Susan: 是的，但我不知道从何说起。
Grandpa: Maybe I can help. Tell me what it is, Susan. 爷爷: 也许我能帮忙。说给我听听，Susan。
Susan: Thanks, Grandpa. Please sit down. Oh! Harry has been offered a job in Los Angeles. Susan: 谢谢你，爷爷。请坐。噢！有人聘请Harry到Los Angeles工作。
Grandpa: Well, this is something to think about. 爷爷: 噢，这种事确实需要想一想。
Susan: There are so many things to consider. There’s Michelle. I wonder if a move would be a bad thing for her. And my job. I don’t know if I can get a good job in Los Angeles. And what about our family? Susan: 要考虑的事太多了。首先是Michelle。我不知道搬家对她来说是否是件坏事。还有我的工作。我不知道我能否在Los Angeles找到好工作。另外就是我们家的人怎么办？
Grandpa: Can I tell you what I think? I think that you’re very successful and that you have a fantastic reputation in the toy industry. I think you could talk to Mr. Marchetta, and I think he could help you find a real good job in Los Angeles. He was very helpful to me, remember? 爷爷: 让我来告诉你我的想法好吗？我认为你事业有成，而且在玩具界有很好的声誉。我想你可以跟Marchetta先生谈谈，我觉得他能够帮你在Los Angeles找个很好的工作。他帮过我大忙，记得吗？
Susan: I suppose I could call him. But I’m not so sure that I want to leave New York, you, and the rest of our family. Susan: 我想我可以打电话给他，但我不能确定我真想离开纽约、你和我们家的其他人。
Grandpa: Well, I’m not going to kid you, Susan. You know we’d all miss you. But this should be your decision. It’s something that only you and Harry can work out. If moving to L.A. is in Harry’s best interest, I have to do what I can do to support him. In every marriage, sacrifices have to be made by one partner from time to time. 爷爷: 噢，我可不想哄你，Susan。你知道我们都会思念你。但这必须由你做决定。这件事只有你和Harry才能定夺。假如搬到L.A.对Harry最有利的话，我就应该尽我的力量来支持他。婚姻中，总要有一方必须不时做些牺牲。
（Harry与Bill York交谈）
Bill: Harry, it’s the perfect job for you. You’ll love it. Bill: Harry，那是份最适合你的工作。你会喜欢的。
Harry: It’s a big decision for me, Bill. And I have to discuss it with my wife. I don’t know if it’s right for her. Harry: 对我来说这是个大决定，Bill。我必须跟我的太太讨论。我不知道这事对她是否恰当。
Bill: She’ll love it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime offer, Harry. Bill: 她也会喜欢的。这是个千载难逢的机会，Harry。
Harry: OK. Tell it to me again. Harry: 好吧，再说给我听听。
Bill: The company is Craft and Craft, the biggest accounting company in the country. Bill: 这家公司叫Craft and Craft，是全国最大的会计公司。
Harry: I know the company well. It’s big. Harry: 这家公司我很清楚。是大公司。
Bill: The biggest. Bill: 最大的。
Harry: Yeah, yeah. The biggest. When do I have to let you know? Harry: 是的，是的，最大的。我什么时候该给你回音？
Bill: Talk it over. Think it over. Let me know by the end of the week. Bill: 好好地谈一谈。好好地想一想。这个周末以前让我知道你的决定。
Harry: When would we have to move? Harry: 什么时候我们得搬家？
Bill: As soon as possible. Bill: 越快越好。
Harry: I also have my daughter to consider. I don’t want to interrupt her school year. Harry: 我还要考虑我女儿。我不愿意打断她这个学年。
Bill: Let me know by the end of the week. It’s a great opportunity for you, Harry. Believe me. Bill: 这个周末前给我回音。这对你是个大好机会，Harry。相信我。
（Harry与Susan最终交谈）
Harry: I met with Bill York today. Harry: 今天我跟Bill York会面了。
Susan: And I talked with Mr. Marchetta. Did York make the offer? Susan: 我也和Marchetta先生谈了。York是否跟你谈那个工作机会？
Harry: Yup. He asked me if I want the job. Harry: 是的。他问我要不要接受那份工作。
Susan: That’s exciting, Harry. What was it? Susan: 太令人兴奋了，Harry。是什么样的工作？
Harry: A vice-presidency with the biggest accounting company in the country — Craft and Craft. Harry: 副总裁，全国最大的会计公司——Craft and Craft。
Susan: Aren’t you excited about that? Susan: 你不感到兴奋吗？
Harry: Sure I am. But there’s so much more to consider. Harry: 我当然兴奋。但是还有那么多问题需要考虑。
Susan: I talked to Mr. Marchetta. I want what’s best for you, and I think I can get a good job through Mr. Marchetta in Los Angeles also. Susan: 我跟Marchetta先生谈了。我要的是对你最有利的事，而且我想我也可以找到一份好工作，透过Marchetta先生的帮助在Los Angeles。
Harry: You’re kidding. Harry: 你在说笑吧。
Susan: No, I’m not kidding. I talked with him, and he understands completely. He has a major toy buyer in Los Angeles, and he’s pretty sure that I can get a good job there. Susan: 不，我不是说笑。我与他谈了，他完全了解。他在Los Angeles有一个玩具大买主，他相当肯定我可以在那儿弄到一份好工作。
Harry: Unbelievable! Harry: 真不敢相信！
（与Michelle的对话）
Susan: But I think we should talk to Michelle about all of this. Susan: 但我认为我们应该跟Michelle谈谈这整件事。
Harry: You’re right. We’ll talk to her about it. Harry: 你说得对。我们要跟她谈谈。
Susan: And how do you feel about taking the job in Los Angeles? Susan: 你对于到Los Angeles接受这份工作有何感想？
Michelle: How should I feel? It’s the biggest company in the country. Michelle: 我该作何感想？它是全国最大的。
Susan: Well, then you feel good about taking it? Susan: 嗯，那你觉得接受它很对了？
Michelle: Well… I feel fine about it. Why shouldn’t I? I love my school. I have so many good friends there now. I wouldn’t miss a day even if I were really sick. Michelle: 嗯……我觉得不错。为什么不呢？我喜欢我的学校。我现在有那么多好朋友在那里。即使我真的病了也不想错过一天。
Susan: Come and sit down for a minute, Michelle. I’d like to talk to you about something. Something important. Susan: 过来坐一会儿，Michelle。我想跟你谈一件事。一件重要的事。
Michelle: What’s wrong, Susan? Michelle: 有什么问题吗，Susan？
Susan: Oh, there’s nothing wrong, Michelle. But your daddy and I are talking about something that I’d like your opinion about. Susan: 噢，没什么，Michelle。但你爸爸和我正在讨论一件事，我需要你的意见。
Michelle: I know. I heard you talking about it the other night when I was trying on my new clothes. It’s about moving to Los Angeles. Michelle: 我知道。我听到你们谈论的那件事了，也就是我试新衣服的那天晚上。是关于搬家到Los Angeles的事。
Susan: You’re right. How do you feel about it? Susan: 你说对了。你觉得怎么样？
Michelle: Well, I really wouldn’t want to move, but… But if you and Daddy wanted to, I guess you know what’s best for the family and for me. Michelle: 噢，我实在不愿意搬家，但是……但是假如你和爸爸想搬的话，我猜想你们一定知道怎样做对整个家庭和我是最有利的。
Susan: That’s very considerate of you, Michelle. But what about your friends? Susan: 真会体谅别人，Michelle。但你的朋友怎么办？
Michelle: I’d miss them a lot, but I know what it feels like to miss someone. Michelle: 我会非常想念他们的，但我知道想念一个人是什么样的滋味。
Susan: Honey, we don’t have to move if you’re not going to be happy about it. Susan: 亲爱的，我们将不搬家，假如你会因为这种事而不快乐的话。
Michelle: Does Daddy want to move? Michelle: 爸爸想要搬吗？
Susan: I think so. He’s going to tell us tonight about the job offer. Susan: 我想是这样。他今天晚上会告诉我们关于那份工作的事。
（Harry回家）
Harry: Well, how was everybody’s day today? Harry: 喂，今天各位过得怎么样？
Susan: Michelle was chosen to do the school poster for the play this year. Susan: Michelle被挑选去制作今年学校话剧的海报。
Harry: Congratulations, Michelle! That’s something! Harry: 恭喜你，Michelle！太好了！
Susan: And how was your day, Harry? I see you’re in a good mood. Why don’t you tell us about your day. Susan: 那你今天过得怎么样，Harry？我看你心情很好。何不告诉我们你这一天过得如何？
Harry: I met with Bill York. Harry: 我与Bill York会面了。
Susan: It’s OK to talk about it, Harry. Michelle knows all about it. Susan: 这件事可以摊开来谈，Harry。Michelle已经全知道了。
Harry: Really? Harry: 真的？
Susan: Really, Harry. Michelle and I have all kinds of feelings about leaving New York, the family, and friends. But if you think you should take the job, we’re behind you. Susan: 真的，Harry。Michelle和我感觉很复杂，对于离开纽约、家人、朋友。但如果你认为你应该接受这份工作，我们支持你。
Harry: What about Michelle’s school? Harry: 那Michelle的学校怎么办？
Susan: We’ll move after the school term. Susan: 我们等这学期结束后再搬。
Harry: What about her new friends? Harry: 那她的新朋友呢？
Michelle: I’ll make new friends wherever we are as long as we’re together. Michelle: 只要我们能在一起，无论在哪儿我都能交到新朋友。
Susan: We’re a family, Harry. Whatever you think is right for you is right for us. Susan: 我们是一家人，Harry。你认为对你是好的对我们来说也是好的。
Harry: I am so touched. The two of you are really something. Harry: 我太感动了。你们俩个真是了不起。
Michelle: We love you, Daddy. Michelle: 我们爱你，爸爸。
Harry: And I love you. Harry: 我也爱你们。
Susan: OK. Now, tell us about your talk with Mr. York. Did you take the job? Susan: 好啦，现在告诉我们你跟York先生的谈话吧。你接受了那份工作吗？
Harry: Nope. Harry: 没有。
Susan: What? Susan: 什么？
Michelle: No? You didn’t take it? Michelle: 没有？你没有接受？
Harry: No, I did not take the job. Harry: 对，我没有接受那份工作。
Susan: But, Daddy, I thought… Susan: 但是，爸爸，我想……
Harry: Harry, you didn’t turn it down because of me… Harry: Harry，你拒绝它该不是因为我……
Michelle: Or me? Michelle: 或者我？
Harry: No, no. I turned it down because of me. Harry: 不，不。我因为我自己而拒绝了它。
Susan: How’s that? Susan: 这是怎么一回事？
Harry: Well, I began to think about you and about Michelle, and then I asked myself, do I really want to work for the biggest company in the country? And I don’t. I went into business for myself because I like being my own boss. I run my own company. I’m a big fish in a little pond. I’m not really sure I want to be a little fish in a big pond. Harry: 噢，我开始想到你和Michelle，然后我问自己，我真的想替全国最大的公司工作吗？我并不想这样。我当初自己开业，是因为我喜欢自己当老板。我经营自己的公司。我是一条小池里的大鱼。我不是真的很确定我想成为一条大池里的小鱼。
Michelle: Oh, Daddy, does that mean we don’t have to move? Michelle: 噢，爸爸，你的意思是我们不必搬家了？
Harry: That’s right, sweetheart. Harry: 是的，宝贝。
Susan: Are you sure? Susan: 你确定？
Harry: I couldn’t be more sure, Susan. Harry: 我再确定不过了，Susan。
Susan: I’m glad if you are, Harry. Susan: 假如你很确定，我就高兴，Harry。
Harry: And besides, how could I live in Los Angeles when all my favorite people live here? Harry: 更何况，我怎么能住在Los Angeles，而所有我喜欢的人都在这里？
Susan: Your favorite people? Who’s that? Susan: 你喜欢的人？谁呀？
Harry: The Stewart family, of course. Harry: 当然是Stewart一家人。
重难点分析
-
“must’ve bought” / “should’ve bought” / “could’ve bought”
- 这是"must have bought"、“should have bought”、“could have bought"的口语缩略形式。
- “must have + 过去分词"表示对过去事情的肯定推测：“一定是……了”
- “should have + 过去分词"表示过去应该做而没做的事：“本应该……”
- 在口语中常缩略为"must’ve”、“should’ve”、“could’ve”
-
“I have been offered a job”
- 被动语态的现在完成时，表示"有人提供我一个工作”
- 结构：have/has been + 过去分词
- 强调动作已经发生且对现在有影响
-
“a big fish in a little pond” vs “a little fish in a big pond”
- 非常地道的英语习语
- “小池里的大鱼”：在小范围内有影响力的人
- “大池里的小鱼”：在大范围内无足轻重的人
- Harry用这个比喻说明他宁愿在自己的小公司当老板，也不愿在大公司当小角色
-
“I couldn’t be more sure”
- 使用比较级的否定形式表示最高级含义
- 相当于"I’m absolutely sure”（我百分之百确定）
- 类似表达：I couldn’t agree more（我完全同意）
-
“on your mind” / “what’s on your mind”
- 表示"心里有事"、“在想什么”
- 与"in your mind"（在你的脑海里）不同
核心词汇
| 英文 | 中文 | 说明 |
|---|---|---|
| alteration | 修改，改动 | 指衣服的修改 |
| outfit | 套装，全套服装 | 搭配好的一套衣服 |
| dilemma | 两难困境，进退两难 | 需要艰难抉择的局面 |
| sacrifice | 牺牲 | 婚姻中需要互相做出牺牲 |
| opportunity | 机会，机遇 | once-in-a-lifetime opportunity 千载难逢的机会 |
| vice-presidency | 副总裁职位 | 公司高级管理职位 |
| major | 主要的，重要的 | a major accounting company 大会计公司 |
| executive | 主管，行政人员 | 公司管理层人员 |
| salary | 薪水 | 与wage（时薪）不同，salary指年薪或月薪 |
| considerate | 体贴的，考虑周到的 | That’s very considerate of you. |
| touch | 感动 | I am so touched. 我太感动了。 |
口语中的应用
-
“We couldn’t ask for anything more.”
- 用于表达对现状非常满意，别无他求
- 类似表达：We have everything we need. / Life is perfect.
-
“What’s on your mind?”
- 非常实用的日常用语，询问对方在想什么或有什么心事
- 回答可以说：I was just thinking about… / Nothing, just daydreaming.
-
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime offer.”
- 形容机会极其难得，一生只有一次
- 类似表达：It’s a golden opportunity. / This opportunity doesn’t come around often.
-
“We’re behind you.”
- 表示"我们支持你"
- 类似表达：We support you. / We’ve got your back.
-
“I’m a big fish in a little pond.”
- 非常生动的比喻，形容在小范围内有影响力
- 反义：a little fish in a big pond
核心练习句型
-
推测过去：must have + 过去分词
- We must’ve bought the right size.
- 练习：他一定是忘了。→ He must’ve forgotten.
-
本应该做某事：should have + 过去分词
- Looks like we should’ve bought a bigger one.
- 练习：我本应该早点来。→ I should’ve come earlier.
-
被动语态现在完成时：have/has been + 过去分词
- I have been offered a job.
- 练习：她被告知了这个消息。→ She has been told the news.
-
最高级含义的否定比较级
- I couldn’t be more sure.
- 练习：我完全同意。→ I couldn’t agree more.
-
条件状语从句：if + 现在时，主句用将来时
- If it’s a good one, then we’ll make it work for us.
- 练习：如果下雨，我们就不去了。→ If it rains, we won’t go.