Week 1 Y6 English Trial Test

The Lottery Ticket (Excerpt) by Anton Chekhov

Looking at his wife, Ivan Dmitritch gave a broad, senseless smile, like a baby when a bright object is shown it. His wife smiled too; it was as pleasant to her as to him that he only mentioned the series, and did not try to find out the number of the winning ticket. To torment and tantalise oneself with hopes of possible fortune is so sweet, so thrilling! “It is our series,” said Ivan Dmitritch, after a long silence. “So there is a probability that we have won. It’s only a probability, but there it is!”

“Wait a little. We have plenty of time to be disappointed. It’s on the second line from the top, so the prize is seventy-five thousand. That’s not money, but power, capital! And in a minute I shall look at the list, and there–26! Eh? I say, what if we really have won?”

The husband and wife began laughing and staring at one another in silence. The possibility of winning bewildered them; they could not have said, could not have dreamed, what they both needed that seventy-five thousand for, what they would buy, where they would go. They thought only of the figures 9,499 and 75,000 and pictured them in their imagination, while somehow they could not think of the happiness itself which was so possible. 

Ivan Dmitritch, holding the paper in his hand, walked several times from corner to corner, and only when he had recovered from the first impression began dreaming a little. “And if we have won,” he said–“why, it will be a new life, it will be a transformation! The ticket is yours, but if it were mine I should, first of all, of course, spend twenty-five thousand on real property in the shape of an estate; ten thousand on immediate expenses, new furnishing . . . travelling . . . paying debts, and so on. . . . The other forty thousand I would put in the bank and get interest on it.”

“Yes, an estate, that would be nice,” said his wife, sitting down and dropping her hands in her lap. And pictures came crowding in his imagination, each more gracious and poetic than the last. And in all these pictures he saw himself well-fed, serene, healthy, felt warm, even hot! Here, after eating a summer soup, cold as ice, he lay on his back on the burning sand close to a stream or in the garden under a lime-tree. . . . It is hot. . . . His little boy and girl are crawling about near him, digging in the sand or catching ladybirds in the grass. He dozes sweetly, thinking of nothing, and feeling all over that he need not go to the office today, tomorrow, or the day after.

“Yes, it would be nice to buy an estate,” said his wife, also dreaming, and from her face it was evident that she was enchanted by her thoughts. “I should go abroad, you know, Masha,” he said. And he began thinking how nice it would be in late autumn to go abroad somewhere to the South of France . . . to Italy . . . to India! “I should certainly go abroad too,” his wife said. “But look at the number of the ticket!”

“Wait, wait! . . .” He walked about the room and went on thinking. It occurred to him: what if his wife really did go abroad? It is pleasant to travel alone, or in the society of light, careless women who live in the present, and not to think and talk all the journey about nothing but their children, sigh, and tremble with dismay over everything. 

“She would begrudge me every farthing,” he thought, with a glance at his wife. “The lottery ticket is hers, not mine! Besides, what is the use of her going abroad? What does she want there? She would shut herself up in the hotel, and not let me out of her sight. . . . I know!”

And for the first time in his life his mind dwelt on the fact that his wife had grown elderly and plain, and that she was saturated through and through with the smell of cooking, while he was still young, fresh, and healthy, and might well have got married again.

“Of course, all that is silly nonsense,” he thought; “but . . . why should she go abroad? What would she make of it? And yet she would go, of course. . . . I can fancy. . . . In reality it is all one to her, whether it is Naples or Klin. She would only be in my way. I should be dependent upon her. I can fancy how, like a regular woman, she will lock the money up as soon as she gets it. . . . She will look after her relations and grudge me every farthing.”

And his wife’s face, too, struck him as repulsive and hateful. Anger surged up in his heart against her, and he thought malignantly: “She knows nothing about money, and so she is stingy. If she won it she would give me a hundred roubles, and put the rest away under lock and key.” And he looked at his wife, not with a smile now, but with hatred. She glanced at him too, and also with hatred and anger. She had her own daydreams, her own plans, her own reflections; she understood perfectly well what her husband’s dreams were. She knew who would be the first to try to grab her winnings.

“It’s very nice making daydreams at other people’s expense!” is what her eyes expressed. “No, don’t you dare!” Her husband understood her look; hatred began stirring again in his breast, and in order to annoy his wife he glanced quickly, to spite her at the fourth page on the newspaper and read out triumphantly: “Series 9,499, number 46! Not 26!” Hatred and hope both disappeared at once, and it began immediately to seem to Ivan Dmitritch and his wife that their rooms were dark and small and low-pitched, that the supper they had been eating was not doing them good, but laying heavy on their stomachs, that the evenings were long and wearisome. . . .

What is the main theme of the story?

The Lottery Ticket (Excerpt) by Anton Chekhov

Looking at his wife, Ivan Dmitritch gave a broad, senseless smile, like a baby when a bright object is shown it. His wife smiled too; it was as pleasant to her as to him that he only mentioned the series, and did not try to find out the number of the winning ticket. To torment and tantalise oneself with hopes of possible fortune is so sweet, so thrilling! “It is our series,” said Ivan Dmitritch, after a long silence. “So there is a probability that we have won. It’s only a probability, but there it is!”

“Wait a little. We have plenty of time to be disappointed. It’s on the second line from the top, so the prize is seventy-five thousand. That’s not money, but power, capital! And in a minute I shall look at the list, and there–26! Eh? I say, what if we really have won?”

The husband and wife began laughing and staring at one another in silence. The possibility of winning bewildered them; they could not have said, could not have dreamed, what they both needed that seventy-five thousand for, what they would buy, where they would go. They thought only of the figures 9,499 and 75,000 and pictured them in their imagination, while somehow they could not think of the happiness itself which was so possible. 

Ivan Dmitritch, holding the paper in his hand, walked several times from corner to corner, and only when he had recovered from the first impression began dreaming a little. “And if we have won,” he said–“why, it will be a new life, it will be a transformation! The ticket is yours, but if it were mine I should, first of all, of course, spend twenty-five thousand on real property in the shape of an estate; ten thousand on immediate expenses, new furnishing . . . travelling . . . paying debts, and so on. . . . The other forty thousand I would put in the bank and get interest on it.”

“Yes, an estate, that would be nice,” said his wife, sitting down and dropping her hands in her lap. And pictures came crowding in his imagination, each more gracious and poetic than the last. And in all these pictures he saw himself well-fed, serene, healthy, felt warm, even hot! Here, after eating a summer soup, cold as ice, he lay on his back on the burning sand close to a stream or in the garden under a lime-tree. . . . It is hot. . . . His little boy and girl are crawling about near him, digging in the sand or catching ladybirds in the grass. He dozes sweetly, thinking of nothing, and feeling all over that he need not go to the office today, tomorrow, or the day after.

“Yes, it would be nice to buy an estate,” said his wife, also dreaming, and from her face it was evident that she was enchanted by her thoughts. “I should go abroad, you know, Masha,” he said. And he began thinking how nice it would be in late autumn to go abroad somewhere to the South of France . . . to Italy . . . to India! “I should certainly go abroad too,” his wife said. “But look at the number of the ticket!”

“Wait, wait! . . .” He walked about the room and went on thinking. It occurred to him: what if his wife really did go abroad? It is pleasant to travel alone, or in the society of light, careless women who live in the present, and not to think and talk all the journey about nothing but their children, sigh, and tremble with dismay over everything. 

“She would begrudge me every farthing,” he thought, with a glance at his wife. “The lottery ticket is hers, not mine! Besides, what is the use of her going abroad? What does she want there? She would shut herself up in the hotel, and not let me out of her sight. . . . I know!”

And for the first time in his life his mind dwelt on the fact that his wife had grown elderly and plain, and that she was saturated through and through with the smell of cooking, while he was still young, fresh, and healthy, and might well have got married again.

“Of course, all that is silly nonsense,” he thought; “but . . . why should she go abroad? What would she make of it? And yet she would go, of course. . . . I can fancy. . . . In reality it is all one to her, whether it is Naples or Klin. She would only be in my way. I should be dependent upon her. I can fancy how, like a regular woman, she will lock the money up as soon as she gets it. . . . She will look after her relations and grudge me every farthing.”

And his wife’s face, too, struck him as repulsive and hateful. Anger surged up in his heart against her, and he thought malignantly: “She knows nothing about money, and so she is stingy. If she won it she would give me a hundred roubles, and put the rest away under lock and key.” And he looked at his wife, not with a smile now, but with hatred. She glanced at him too, and also with hatred and anger. She had her own daydreams, her own plans, her own reflections; she understood perfectly well what her husband’s dreams were. She knew who would be the first to try to grab her winnings.

“It’s very nice making daydreams at other people’s expense!” is what her eyes expressed. “No, don’t you dare!” Her husband understood her look; hatred began stirring again in his breast, and in order to annoy his wife he glanced quickly, to spite her at the fourth page on the newspaper and read out triumphantly: “Series 9,499, number 46! Not 26!” Hatred and hope both disappeared at once, and it began immediately to seem to Ivan Dmitritch and his wife that their rooms were dark and small and low-pitched, that the supper they had been eating was not doing them good, but laying heavy on their stomachs, that the evenings were long and wearisome. . . .

What does Ivan think about the idea of his wife travelling abroad with the money from the lottery?

The Lottery Ticket (Excerpt) by Anton Chekhov

Looking at his wife, Ivan Dmitritch gave a broad, senseless smile, like a baby when a bright object is shown it. His wife smiled too; it was as pleasant to her as to him that he only mentioned the series, and did not try to find out the number of the winning ticket. To torment and tantalise oneself with hopes of possible fortune is so sweet, so thrilling! “It is our series,” said Ivan Dmitritch, after a long silence. “So there is a probability that we have won. It’s only a probability, but there it is!”

“Wait a little. We have plenty of time to be disappointed. It’s on the second line from the top, so the prize is seventy-five thousand. That’s not money, but power, capital! And in a minute I shall look at the list, and there–26! Eh? I say, what if we really have won?”

The husband and wife began laughing and staring at one another in silence. The possibility of winning bewildered them; they could not have said, could not have dreamed, what they both needed that seventy-five thousand for, what they would buy, where they would go. They thought only of the figures 9,499 and 75,000 and pictured them in their imagination, while somehow they could not think of the happiness itself which was so possible. 

Ivan Dmitritch, holding the paper in his hand, walked several times from corner to corner, and only when he had recovered from the first impression began dreaming a little. “And if we have won,” he said–“why, it will be a new life, it will be a transformation! The ticket is yours, but if it were mine I should, first of all, of course, spend twenty-five thousand on real property in the shape of an estate; ten thousand on immediate expenses, new furnishing . . . travelling . . . paying debts, and so on. . . . The other forty thousand I would put in the bank and get interest on it.”

“Yes, an estate, that would be nice,” said his wife, sitting down and dropping her hands in her lap. And pictures came crowding in his imagination, each more gracious and poetic than the last. And in all these pictures he saw himself well-fed, serene, healthy, felt warm, even hot! Here, after eating a summer soup, cold as ice, he lay on his back on the burning sand close to a stream or in the garden under a lime-tree. . . . It is hot. . . . His little boy and girl are crawling about near him, digging in the sand or catching ladybirds in the grass. He dozes sweetly, thinking of nothing, and feeling all over that he need not go to the office today, tomorrow, or the day after.

“Yes, it would be nice to buy an estate,” said his wife, also dreaming, and from her face it was evident that she was enchanted by her thoughts. “I should go abroad, you know, Masha,” he said. And he began thinking how nice it would be in late autumn to go abroad somewhere to the South of France . . . to Italy . . . to India! “I should certainly go abroad too,” his wife said. “But look at the number of the ticket!”

“Wait, wait! . . .” He walked about the room and went on thinking. It occurred to him: what if his wife really did go abroad? It is pleasant to travel alone, or in the society of light, careless women who live in the present, and not to think and talk all the journey about nothing but their children, sigh, and tremble with dismay over everything. 

“She would begrudge me every farthing,” he thought, with a glance at his wife. “The lottery ticket is hers, not mine! Besides, what is the use of her going abroad? What does she want there? She would shut herself up in the hotel, and not let me out of her sight. . . . I know!”

And for the first time in his life his mind dwelt on the fact that his wife had grown elderly and plain, and that she was saturated through and through with the smell of cooking, while he was still young, fresh, and healthy, and might well have got married again.

“Of course, all that is silly nonsense,” he thought; “but . . . why should she go abroad? What would she make of it? And yet she would go, of course. . . . I can fancy. . . . In reality it is all one to her, whether it is Naples or Klin. She would only be in my way. I should be dependent upon her. I can fancy how, like a regular woman, she will lock the money up as soon as she gets it. . . . She will look after her relations and grudge me every farthing.”

And his wife’s face, too, struck him as repulsive and hateful. Anger surged up in his heart against her, and he thought malignantly: “She knows nothing about money, and so she is stingy. If she won it she would give me a hundred roubles, and put the rest away under lock and key.” And he looked at his wife, not with a smile now, but with hatred. She glanced at him too, and also with hatred and anger. She had her own daydreams, her own plans, her own reflections; she understood perfectly well what her husband’s dreams were. She knew who would be the first to try to grab her winnings.

“It’s very nice making daydreams at other people’s expense!” is what her eyes expressed. “No, don’t you dare!” Her husband understood her look; hatred began stirring again in his breast, and in order to annoy his wife he glanced quickly, to spite her at the fourth page on the newspaper and read out triumphantly: “Series 9,499, number 46! Not 26!” Hatred and hope both disappeared at once, and it began immediately to seem to Ivan Dmitritch and his wife that their rooms were dark and small and low-pitched, that the supper they had been eating was not doing them good, but laying heavy on their stomachs, that the evenings were long and wearisome. . . .

What is the final outcome of the story?

The Lottery Ticket (Excerpt) by Anton Chekhov

Looking at his wife, Ivan Dmitritch gave a broad, senseless smile, like a baby when a bright object is shown it. His wife smiled too; it was as pleasant to her as to him that he only mentioned the series, and did not try to find out the number of the winning ticket. To torment and tantalise oneself with hopes of possible fortune is so sweet, so thrilling! “It is our series,” said Ivan Dmitritch, after a long silence. “So there is a probability that we have won. It’s only a probability, but there it is!”

“Wait a little. We have plenty of time to be disappointed. It’s on the second line from the top, so the prize is seventy-five thousand. That’s not money, but power, capital! And in a minute I shall look at the list, and there–26! Eh? I say, what if we really have won?”

The husband and wife began laughing and staring at one another in silence. The possibility of winning bewildered them; they could not have said, could not have dreamed, what they both needed that seventy-five thousand for, what they would buy, where they would go. They thought only of the figures 9,499 and 75,000 and pictured them in their imagination, while somehow they could not think of the happiness itself which was so possible. 

Ivan Dmitritch, holding the paper in his hand, walked several times from corner to corner, and only when he had recovered from the first impression began dreaming a little. “And if we have won,” he said–“why, it will be a new life, it will be a transformation! The ticket is yours, but if it were mine I should, first of all, of course, spend twenty-five thousand on real property in the shape of an estate; ten thousand on immediate expenses, new furnishing . . . travelling . . . paying debts, and so on. . . . The other forty thousand I would put in the bank and get interest on it.”

“Yes, an estate, that would be nice,” said his wife, sitting down and dropping her hands in her lap. And pictures came crowding in his imagination, each more gracious and poetic than the last. And in all these pictures he saw himself well-fed, serene, healthy, felt warm, even hot! Here, after eating a summer soup, cold as ice, he lay on his back on the burning sand close to a stream or in the garden under a lime-tree. . . . It is hot. . . . His little boy and girl are crawling about near him, digging in the sand or catching ladybirds in the grass. He dozes sweetly, thinking of nothing, and feeling all over that he need not go to the office today, tomorrow, or the day after.

“Yes, it would be nice to buy an estate,” said his wife, also dreaming, and from her face it was evident that she was enchanted by her thoughts. “I should go abroad, you know, Masha,” he said. And he began thinking how nice it would be in late autumn to go abroad somewhere to the South of France . . . to Italy . . . to India! “I should certainly go abroad too,” his wife said. “But look at the number of the ticket!”

“Wait, wait! . . .” He walked about the room and went on thinking. It occurred to him: what if his wife really did go abroad? It is pleasant to travel alone, or in the society of light, careless women who live in the present, and not to think and talk all the journey about nothing but their children, sigh, and tremble with dismay over everything. 

“She would begrudge me every farthing,” he thought, with a glance at his wife. “The lottery ticket is hers, not mine! Besides, what is the use of her going abroad? What does she want there? She would shut herself up in the hotel, and not let me out of her sight. . . . I know!”

And for the first time in his life his mind dwelt on the fact that his wife had grown elderly and plain, and that she was saturated through and through with the smell of cooking, while he was still young, fresh, and healthy, and might well have got married again.

“Of course, all that is silly nonsense,” he thought; “but . . . why should she go abroad? What would she make of it? And yet she would go, of course. . . . I can fancy. . . . In reality it is all one to her, whether it is Naples or Klin. She would only be in my way. I should be dependent upon her. I can fancy how, like a regular woman, she will lock the money up as soon as she gets it. . . . She will look after her relations and grudge me every farthing.”

And his wife’s face, too, struck him as repulsive and hateful. Anger surged up in his heart against her, and he thought malignantly: “She knows nothing about money, and so she is stingy. If she won it she would give me a hundred roubles, and put the rest away under lock and key.” And he looked at his wife, not with a smile now, but with hatred. She glanced at him too, and also with hatred and anger. She had her own daydreams, her own plans, her own reflections; she understood perfectly well what her husband’s dreams were. She knew who would be the first to try to grab her winnings.

“It’s very nice making daydreams at other people’s expense!” is what her eyes expressed. “No, don’t you dare!” Her husband understood her look; hatred began stirring again in his breast, and in order to annoy his wife he glanced quickly, to spite her at the fourth page on the newspaper and read out triumphantly: “Series 9,499, number 46! Not 26!” Hatred and hope both disappeared at once, and it began immediately to seem to Ivan Dmitritch and his wife that their rooms were dark and small and low-pitched, that the supper they had been eating was not doing them good, but laying heavy on their stomachs, that the evenings were long and wearisome. . . .

How does Ivan feel about his wife’s appearance and personality after thinking that they won the lottery?

The Lottery Ticket (Excerpt) by Anton Chekhov

Looking at his wife, Ivan Dmitritch gave a broad, senseless smile, like a baby when a bright object is shown it. His wife smiled too; it was as pleasant to her as to him that he only mentioned the series, and did not try to find out the number of the winning ticket. To torment and tantalise oneself with hopes of possible fortune is so sweet, so thrilling! “It is our series,” said Ivan Dmitritch, after a long silence. “So there is a probability that we have won. It’s only a probability, but there it is!”

“Wait a little. We have plenty of time to be disappointed. It’s on the second line from the top, so the prize is seventy-five thousand. That’s not money, but power, capital! And in a minute I shall look at the list, and there–26! Eh? I say, what if we really have won?”

The husband and wife began laughing and staring at one another in silence. The possibility of winning bewildered them; they could not have said, could not have dreamed, what they both needed that seventy-five thousand for, what they would buy, where they would go. They thought only of the figures 9,499 and 75,000 and pictured them in their imagination, while somehow they could not think of the happiness itself which was so possible. 

Ivan Dmitritch, holding the paper in his hand, walked several times from corner to corner, and only when he had recovered from the first impression began dreaming a little. “And if we have won,” he said–“why, it will be a new life, it will be a transformation! The ticket is yours, but if it were mine I should, first of all, of course, spend twenty-five thousand on real property in the shape of an estate; ten thousand on immediate expenses, new furnishing . . . travelling . . . paying debts, and so on. . . . The other forty thousand I would put in the bank and get interest on it.”

“Yes, an estate, that would be nice,” said his wife, sitting down and dropping her hands in her lap. And pictures came crowding in his imagination, each more gracious and poetic than the last. And in all these pictures he saw himself well-fed, serene, healthy, felt warm, even hot! Here, after eating a summer soup, cold as ice, he lay on his back on the burning sand close to a stream or in the garden under a lime-tree. . . . It is hot. . . . His little boy and girl are crawling about near him, digging in the sand or catching ladybirds in the grass. He dozes sweetly, thinking of nothing, and feeling all over that he need not go to the office today, tomorrow, or the day after.

“Yes, it would be nice to buy an estate,” said his wife, also dreaming, and from her face it was evident that she was enchanted by her thoughts. “I should go abroad, you know, Masha,” he said. And he began thinking how nice it would be in late autumn to go abroad somewhere to the South of France . . . to Italy . . . to India! “I should certainly go abroad too,” his wife said. “But look at the number of the ticket!”

“Wait, wait! . . .” He walked about the room and went on thinking. It occurred to him: what if his wife really did go abroad? It is pleasant to travel alone, or in the society of light, careless women who live in the present, and not to think and talk all the journey about nothing but their children, sigh, and tremble with dismay over everything. 

“She would begrudge me every farthing,” he thought, with a glance at his wife. “The lottery ticket is hers, not mine! Besides, what is the use of her going abroad? What does she want there? She would shut herself up in the hotel, and not let me out of her sight. . . . I know!”

And for the first time in his life his mind dwelt on the fact that his wife had grown elderly and plain, and that she was saturated through and through with the smell of cooking, while he was still young, fresh, and healthy, and might well have got married again.

“Of course, all that is silly nonsense,” he thought; “but . . . why should she go abroad? What would she make of it? And yet she would go, of course. . . . I can fancy. . . . In reality it is all one to her, whether it is Naples or Klin. She would only be in my way. I should be dependent upon her. I can fancy how, like a regular woman, she will lock the money up as soon as she gets it. . . . She will look after her relations and grudge me every farthing.”

And his wife’s face, too, struck him as repulsive and hateful. Anger surged up in his heart against her, and he thought malignantly: “She knows nothing about money, and so she is stingy. If she won it she would give me a hundred roubles, and put the rest away under lock and key.” And he looked at his wife, not with a smile now, but with hatred. She glanced at him too, and also with hatred and anger. She had her own daydreams, her own plans, her own reflections; she understood perfectly well what her husband’s dreams were. She knew who would be the first to try to grab her winnings.

“It’s very nice making daydreams at other people’s expense!” is what her eyes expressed. “No, don’t you dare!” Her husband understood her look; hatred began stirring again in his breast, and in order to annoy his wife he glanced quickly, to spite her at the fourth page on the newspaper and read out triumphantly: “Series 9,499, number 46! Not 26!” Hatred and hope both disappeared at once, and it began immediately to seem to Ivan Dmitritch and his wife that their rooms were dark and small and low-pitched, that the supper they had been eating was not doing them good, but laying heavy on their stomachs, that the evenings were long and wearisome. . . .

What is the main conflict in the story?

The Lottery Ticket (Excerpt) by Anton Chekhov

Looking at his wife, Ivan Dmitritch gave a broad, senseless smile, like a baby when a bright object is shown it. His wife smiled too; it was as pleasant to her as to him that he only mentioned the series, and did not try to find out the number of the winning ticket. To torment and tantalise oneself with hopes of possible fortune is so sweet, so thrilling! “It is our series,” said Ivan Dmitritch, after a long silence. “So there is a probability that we have won. It’s only a probability, but there it is!”

“Wait a little. We have plenty of time to be disappointed. It’s on the second line from the top, so the prize is seventy-five thousand. That’s not money, but power, capital! And in a minute I shall look at the list, and there–26! Eh? I say, what if we really have won?”

The husband and wife began laughing and staring at one another in silence. The possibility of winning bewildered them; they could not have said, could not have dreamed, what they both needed that seventy-five thousand for, what they would buy, where they would go. They thought only of the figures 9,499 and 75,000 and pictured them in their imagination, while somehow they could not think of the happiness itself which was so possible. 

Ivan Dmitritch, holding the paper in his hand, walked several times from corner to corner, and only when he had recovered from the first impression began dreaming a little. “And if we have won,” he said–“why, it will be a new life, it will be a transformation! The ticket is yours, but if it were mine I should, first of all, of course, spend twenty-five thousand on real property in the shape of an estate; ten thousand on immediate expenses, new furnishing . . . travelling . . . paying debts, and so on. . . . The other forty thousand I would put in the bank and get interest on it.”

“Yes, an estate, that would be nice,” said his wife, sitting down and dropping her hands in her lap. And pictures came crowding in his imagination, each more gracious and poetic than the last. And in all these pictures he saw himself well-fed, serene, healthy, felt warm, even hot! Here, after eating a summer soup, cold as ice, he lay on his back on the burning sand close to a stream or in the garden under a lime-tree. . . . It is hot. . . . His little boy and girl are crawling about near him, digging in the sand or catching ladybirds in the grass. He dozes sweetly, thinking of nothing, and feeling all over that he need not go to the office today, tomorrow, or the day after.

“Yes, it would be nice to buy an estate,” said his wife, also dreaming, and from her face it was evident that she was enchanted by her thoughts. “I should go abroad, you know, Masha,” he said. And he began thinking how nice it would be in late autumn to go abroad somewhere to the South of France . . . to Italy . . . to India! “I should certainly go abroad too,” his wife said. “But look at the number of the ticket!”

“Wait, wait! . . .” He walked about the room and went on thinking. It occurred to him: what if his wife really did go abroad? It is pleasant to travel alone, or in the society of light, careless women who live in the present, and not to think and talk all the journey about nothing but their children, sigh, and tremble with dismay over everything. 

“She would begrudge me every farthing,” he thought, with a glance at his wife. “The lottery ticket is hers, not mine! Besides, what is the use of her going abroad? What does she want there? She would shut herself up in the hotel, and not let me out of her sight. . . . I know!”

And for the first time in his life his mind dwelt on the fact that his wife had grown elderly and plain, and that she was saturated through and through with the smell of cooking, while he was still young, fresh, and healthy, and might well have got married again.

“Of course, all that is silly nonsense,” he thought; “but . . . why should she go abroad? What would she make of it? And yet she would go, of course. . . . I can fancy. . . . In reality it is all one to her, whether it is Naples or Klin. She would only be in my way. I should be dependent upon her. I can fancy how, like a regular woman, she will lock the money up as soon as she gets it. . . . She will look after her relations and grudge me every farthing.”

And his wife’s face, too, struck him as repulsive and hateful. Anger surged up in his heart against her, and he thought malignantly: “She knows nothing about money, and so she is stingy. If she won it she would give me a hundred roubles, and put the rest away under lock and key.” And he looked at his wife, not with a smile now, but with hatred. She glanced at him too, and also with hatred and anger. She had her own daydreams, her own plans, her own reflections; she understood perfectly well what her husband’s dreams were. She knew who would be the first to try to grab her winnings.

“It’s very nice making daydreams at other people’s expense!” is what her eyes expressed. “No, don’t you dare!” Her husband understood her look; hatred began stirring again in his breast, and in order to annoy his wife he glanced quickly, to spite her at the fourth page on the newspaper and read out triumphantly: “Series 9,499, number 46! Not 26!” Hatred and hope both disappeared at once, and it began immediately to seem to Ivan Dmitritch and his wife that their rooms were dark and small and low-pitched, that the supper they had been eating was not doing them good, but laying heavy on their stomachs, that the evenings were long and wearisome. . . .

What is the significance of the lottery ticket in the story?

Not Worth Fooling With by Strickland Gillilan

What – “life is not worth fooling with?”

You’re right, my lad, you’re right!

Just spread that doctrine far and wide,

and spread it with your might.

Life never is worth “fooling with” – 5

this is the truth you’re giving.

It isn’t worth the “fooling with,

“but it’s wholly worth the living!

You say it’s “not worth fooling with” –

the task assigned to you. 10

You’re right again, impatient lad;

the thing you say is true.

Perhaps not in the sense you mean –

if so, there’s trouble brewing.

Your job is not worth “fooling with” 15

but it’s surely worth the doing!

“No, tasks are not worth “fooling with”

– ’tis not what tasks were made for.

You must not fool with them at all’ –

that’s not what you are paid for. 20

The best that’s in you, body, soul and mind,

you should be giving

To what your hands have found to do –

not “fooling” – toiling, living!

What is the main theme of the poem?

Not Worth Fooling With by Strickland Gillilan

What – “life is not worth fooling with?”

You’re right, my lad, you’re right!

Just spread that doctrine far and wide,

and spread it with your might.

Life never is worth “fooling with” – 5

this is the truth you’re giving.

It isn’t worth the “fooling with,

“but it’s wholly worth the living!

You say it’s “not worth fooling with” –

the task assigned to you. 10

You’re right again, impatient lad;

the thing you say is true.

Perhaps not in the sense you mean –

if so, there’s trouble brewing.

Your job is not worth “fooling with” 15

but it’s surely worth the doing!

“No, tasks are not worth “fooling with”

– ’tis not what tasks were made for.

You must not fool with them at all’ –

that’s not what you are paid for. 20

The best that’s in you, body, soul and mind,

you should be giving

To what your hands have found to do –

not “fooling” – toiling, living!

What is the main message of the poem?

Not Worth Fooling With by Strickland Gillilan

What – “life is not worth fooling with?”

You’re right, my lad, you’re right!

Just spread that doctrine far and wide,

and spread it with your might.

Life never is worth “fooling with” – 5

this is the truth you’re giving.

It isn’t worth the “fooling with,

“but it’s wholly worth the living!

You say it’s “not worth fooling with” –

the task assigned to you. 10

You’re right again, impatient lad;

the thing you say is true.

Perhaps not in the sense you mean –

if so, there’s trouble brewing.

Your job is not worth “fooling with” 15

but it’s surely worth the doing!

“No, tasks are not worth “fooling with”

– ’tis not what tasks were made for.

You must not fool with them at all’ –

that’s not what you are paid for. 20

The best that’s in you, body, soul and mind,

you should be giving

To what your hands have found to do –

not “fooling” – toiling, living!

How does the speaker view the concept of “fooling” with tasks in the poem?

Not Worth Fooling With by Strickland Gillilan

What – “life is not worth fooling with?”

You’re right, my lad, you’re right!

Just spread that doctrine far and wide,

and spread it with your might.

Life never is worth “fooling with” – 5

this is the truth you’re giving.

It isn’t worth the “fooling with,

“but it’s wholly worth the living!

You say it’s “not worth fooling with” –

the task assigned to you. 10

You’re right again, impatient lad;

the thing you say is true.

Perhaps not in the sense you mean –

if so, there’s trouble brewing.

Your job is not worth “fooling with” 15

but it’s surely worth the doing!

“No, tasks are not worth “fooling with”

– ’tis not what tasks were made for.

You must not fool with them at all’ –

that’s not what you are paid for. 20

The best that’s in you, body, soul and mind,

you should be giving

To what your hands have found to do –

not “fooling” – toiling, living!

You’ve been assigned a task that you find tedious and uninteresting, how should you approach it according to the poem’s lesson?

Not Worth Fooling With by Strickland Gillilan

What – “life is not worth fooling with?”

You’re right, my lad, you’re right!

Just spread that doctrine far and wide,

and spread it with your might.

Life never is worth “fooling with” – 5

this is the truth you’re giving.

It isn’t worth the “fooling with,

“but it’s wholly worth the living!

You say it’s “not worth fooling with” –

the task assigned to you. 10

You’re right again, impatient lad;

the thing you say is true.

Perhaps not in the sense you mean –

if so, there’s trouble brewing.

Your job is not worth “fooling with” 15

but it’s surely worth the doing!

“No, tasks are not worth “fooling with”

– ’tis not what tasks were made for.

You must not fool with them at all’ –

that’s not what you are paid for. 20

The best that’s in you, body, soul and mind,

you should be giving

To what your hands have found to do –

not “fooling” – toiling, living!

According to the line “The best that’s in you, body, soul and mind, you should be giving,” what should one give when performing tasks?

Not Worth Fooling With by Strickland Gillilan

What – “life is not worth fooling with?”

You’re right, my lad, you’re right!

Just spread that doctrine far and wide,

and spread it with your might.

Life never is worth “fooling with” – 5

this is the truth you’re giving.

It isn’t worth the “fooling with,

“but it’s wholly worth the living!

You say it’s “not worth fooling with” –

the task assigned to you. 10

You’re right again, impatient lad;

the thing you say is true.

Perhaps not in the sense you mean –

if so, there’s trouble brewing.

Your job is not worth “fooling with” 15

but it’s surely worth the doing!

“No, tasks are not worth “fooling with”

– ’tis not what tasks were made for.

You must not fool with them at all’ –

that’s not what you are paid for. 20

The best that’s in you, body, soul and mind,

you should be giving

To what your hands have found to do –

not “fooling” – toiling, living!

What is the tone of the poem?

Gardening: A fun hobby that’s good for your health

Gardening may be a fun and relaxing way to spend time in nature, but did you know it’s also good for your health? People of all ages can enjoy gardening, which is good for both the mind and the body. Also, you can eat the tasty fruits, vegetables, and herbs you grow. So, get your tools and start digging! 

13…………………… The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that just 2.5 hours of moderate activity a week can help lower the risk of many health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes. You might not think of gardening as exercise, but Raychel Santo, MA, senior research programme coordinator, says that all the lifting, shovelling, and raking that goes into it does count. Time spent in the garden is also good for your mind. Being outside in the sun and fresh air can help you feel better and reduce your stress. 14…………………… If you have a lot on your mind, gardening can help you concentrate on something that will make you happy.

Don’t forget that the food you grow is good for your health. 15…………………… It can be hard to know where to start when deciding what to plant. But if you are new to gardening, start with easy-to-grow plants. Herbs and greens like lettuce, kale, and collards are what Santo suggests. Santo says that these foods are easy for people who have never gardened before and are also full of important nutrients. You can also try new healthy foods when you garden, which will help you and your family become more adventurous eaters. Growing different kinds of food is both fun and good for you. If you don’t get it right the first time, don’t give up. 16……………………

Make sure you have the right tools and gear so that you can garden safely. 17…………………… When you pull weeds or do other work that could hurt your hands, you must wear gardening gloves to keep your hands safe. And don’t forget to put on some bug spray.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends that gardeners take breaks and drink enough water. Don’t forget that this is a workout. The group also suggests making gardening as easy on your body as possible. 18…………………… Ask for help if you can’t move something by yourself because it’s too big or heavy, or if you don’t know how to use a certain tool.

Gardening: A fun hobby that’s good for your health

Gardening may be a fun and relaxing way to spend time in nature, but did you know it’s also good for your health? People of all ages can enjoy gardening, which is good for both the mind and the body. Also, you can eat the tasty fruits, vegetables, and herbs you grow. So, get your tools and start digging! 

13…………………… The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that just 2.5 hours of moderate activity a week can help lower the risk of many health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes. You might not think of gardening as exercise, but Raychel Santo, MA, senior research programme coordinator, says that all the lifting, shovelling, and raking that goes into it does count. Time spent in the garden is also good for your mind. Being outside in the sun and fresh air can help you feel better and reduce your stress. 14…………………… If you have a lot on your mind, gardening can help you concentrate on something that will make you happy.

Don’t forget that the food you grow is good for your health. 15…………………… It can be hard to know where to start when deciding what to plant. But if you are new to gardening, start with easy-to-grow plants. Herbs and greens like lettuce, kale, and collards are what Santo suggests. Santo says that these foods are easy for people who have never gardened before and are also full of important nutrients. You can also try new healthy foods when you garden, which will help you and your family become more adventurous eaters. Growing different kinds of food is both fun and good for you. If you don’t get it right the first time, don’t give up. 16……………………

Make sure you have the right tools and gear so that you can garden safely. 17…………………… When you pull weeds or do other work that could hurt your hands, you must wear gardening gloves to keep your hands safe. And don’t forget to put on some bug spray.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends that gardeners take breaks and drink enough water. Don’t forget that this is a workout. The group also suggests making gardening as easy on your body as possible. 18…………………… Ask for help if you can’t move something by yourself because it’s too big or heavy, or if you don’t know how to use a certain tool.

Gardening: A fun hobby that’s good for your health

Gardening may be a fun and relaxing way to spend time in nature, but did you know it’s also good for your health? People of all ages can enjoy gardening, which is good for both the mind and the body. Also, you can eat the tasty fruits, vegetables, and herbs you grow. So, get your tools and start digging! 

13…………………… The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that just 2.5 hours of moderate activity a week can help lower the risk of many health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes. You might not think of gardening as exercise, but Raychel Santo, MA, senior research programme coordinator, says that all the lifting, shovelling, and raking that goes into it does count. Time spent in the garden is also good for your mind. Being outside in the sun and fresh air can help you feel better and reduce your stress. 14…………………… If you have a lot on your mind, gardening can help you concentrate on something that will make you happy.

Don’t forget that the food you grow is good for your health. 15…………………… It can be hard to know where to start when deciding what to plant. But if you are new to gardening, start with easy-to-grow plants. Herbs and greens like lettuce, kale, and collards are what Santo suggests. Santo says that these foods are easy for people who have never gardened before and are also full of important nutrients. You can also try new healthy foods when you garden, which will help you and your family become more adventurous eaters. Growing different kinds of food is both fun and good for you. If you don’t get it right the first time, don’t give up. 16……………………

Make sure you have the right tools and gear so that you can garden safely. 17…………………… When you pull weeds or do other work that could hurt your hands, you must wear gardening gloves to keep your hands safe. And don’t forget to put on some bug spray.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends that gardeners take breaks and drink enough water. Don’t forget that this is a workout. The group also suggests making gardening as easy on your body as possible. 18…………………… Ask for help if you can’t move something by yourself because it’s too big or heavy, or if you don’t know how to use a certain tool.

Gardening: A fun hobby that’s good for your health

Gardening may be a fun and relaxing way to spend time in nature, but did you know it’s also good for your health? People of all ages can enjoy gardening, which is good for both the mind and the body. Also, you can eat the tasty fruits, vegetables, and herbs you grow. So, get your tools and start digging! 

13…………………… The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that just 2.5 hours of moderate activity a week can help lower the risk of many health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes. You might not think of gardening as exercise, but Raychel Santo, MA, senior research programme coordinator, says that all the lifting, shovelling, and raking that goes into it does count. Time spent in the garden is also good for your mind. Being outside in the sun and fresh air can help you feel better and reduce your stress. 14…………………… If you have a lot on your mind, gardening can help you concentrate on something that will make you happy.

Don’t forget that the food you grow is good for your health. 15…………………… It can be hard to know where to start when deciding what to plant. But if you are new to gardening, start with easy-to-grow plants. Herbs and greens like lettuce, kale, and collards are what Santo suggests. Santo says that these foods are easy for people who have never gardened before and are also full of important nutrients. You can also try new healthy foods when you garden, which will help you and your family become more adventurous eaters. Growing different kinds of food is both fun and good for you. If you don’t get it right the first time, don’t give up. 16……………………

Make sure you have the right tools and gear so that you can garden safely. 17…………………… When you pull weeds or do other work that could hurt your hands, you must wear gardening gloves to keep your hands safe. And don’t forget to put on some bug spray.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends that gardeners take breaks and drink enough water. Don’t forget that this is a workout. The group also suggests making gardening as easy on your body as possible. 18…………………… Ask for help if you can’t move something by yourself because it’s too big or heavy, or if you don’t know how to use a certain tool.

Gardening: A fun hobby that’s good for your health

Gardening may be a fun and relaxing way to spend time in nature, but did you know it’s also good for your health? People of all ages can enjoy gardening, which is good for both the mind and the body. Also, you can eat the tasty fruits, vegetables, and herbs you grow. So, get your tools and start digging! 

13…………………… The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that just 2.5 hours of moderate activity a week can help lower the risk of many health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes. You might not think of gardening as exercise, but Raychel Santo, MA, senior research programme coordinator, says that all the lifting, shovelling, and raking that goes into it does count. Time spent in the garden is also good for your mind. Being outside in the sun and fresh air can help you feel better and reduce your stress. 14…………………… If you have a lot on your mind, gardening can help you concentrate on something that will make you happy.

Don’t forget that the food you grow is good for your health. 15…………………… It can be hard to know where to start when deciding what to plant. But if you are new to gardening, start with easy-to-grow plants. Herbs and greens like lettuce, kale, and collards are what Santo suggests. Santo says that these foods are easy for people who have never gardened before and are also full of important nutrients. You can also try new healthy foods when you garden, which will help you and your family become more adventurous eaters. Growing different kinds of food is both fun and good for you. If you don’t get it right the first time, don’t give up. 16……………………

Make sure you have the right tools and gear so that you can garden safely. 17…………………… When you pull weeds or do other work that could hurt your hands, you must wear gardening gloves to keep your hands safe. And don’t forget to put on some bug spray.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends that gardeners take breaks and drink enough water. Don’t forget that this is a workout. The group also suggests making gardening as easy on your body as possible. 18…………………… Ask for help if you can’t move something by yourself because it’s too big or heavy, or if you don’t know how to use a certain tool.

Gardening: A fun hobby that’s good for your health

Gardening may be a fun and relaxing way to spend time in nature, but did you know it’s also good for your health? People of all ages can enjoy gardening, which is good for both the mind and the body. Also, you can eat the tasty fruits, vegetables, and herbs you grow. So, get your tools and start digging! 

13…………………… The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that just 2.5 hours of moderate activity a week can help lower the risk of many health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes. You might not think of gardening as exercise, but Raychel Santo, MA, senior research programme coordinator, says that all the lifting, shovelling, and raking that goes into it does count. Time spent in the garden is also good for your mind. Being outside in the sun and fresh air can help you feel better and reduce your stress. 14…………………… If you have a lot on your mind, gardening can help you concentrate on something that will make you happy.

Don’t forget that the food you grow is good for your health. 15…………………… It can be hard to know where to start when deciding what to plant. But if you are new to gardening, start with easy-to-grow plants. Herbs and greens like lettuce, kale, and collards are what Santo suggests. Santo says that these foods are easy for people who have never gardened before and are also full of important nutrients. You can also try new healthy foods when you garden, which will help you and your family become more adventurous eaters. Growing different kinds of food is both fun and good for you. If you don’t get it right the first time, don’t give up. 16……………………

Make sure you have the right tools and gear so that you can garden safely. 17…………………… When you pull weeds or do other work that could hurt your hands, you must wear gardening gloves to keep your hands safe. And don’t forget to put on some bug spray.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends that gardeners take breaks and drink enough water. Don’t forget that this is a workout. The group also suggests making gardening as easy on your body as possible. 18…………………… Ask for help if you can’t move something by yourself because it’s too big or heavy, or if you don’t know how to use a certain tool.

Which extract mentions about a dietary practise that doesn’t have a number of restrictions and still allows you consume meat occasionally?

Which extract mentions about how your body get most of its energy from carbohydrates?

Which extract mentions about a dietary practise in which you can intake meat or animal products in each meal?

Which extract mentions about a dietary practise in which some people don’t eat meat because they believe it’s humane to hurt animals less?

Which extract mentions about a dietary practise that is comparable to a vegetarian diet but is more versatile?

Which extract mentions about a dietary practise that is comparable to being a vegetarian except that they consume seafood?

What does a ‘life of luxury’ really mean?

The idea of luxury has always seemed to be based on materialism. It has changed a lot over the years, but it has always been about owning beautiful, often unnecessary things. Luxes, which opens in October at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, looks at all of these different parts of history. It also asks if, in a world where natural resources are running out and overconsumption is destroying our environment, it might be possible to move toward a more meaningful definition of luxury that is in tune with both nature and our true selves. Even though the exhibition was planned before the pandemic, these issues seem more important than ever now that we are stuck in our homes and the rest of the world has stopped. We have been forced to think about what we really value in life.

Olivier Gabet, the director of the museum and curator of the show, tells BBC Culture, “It is clear that luxury today faces new challenges.” “Materiality and materialism are definitely being questioned. Luxury is rediscovering an immaterial dimension, like time, space, and experiences. A moment can be as luxurious as an object. Travelling in these times of confinement is the ultimate luxury, and it may stay that way for a while.

Time and travel, two things that seem to be priceless in and of themselves today, were important to the rise of luxury because contact with other countries made people want rare and unusual things. “Trade on a global scale is tied to the idea of luxury in a natural way. Gabet says, “Since ancient times, valuable materials have been at the centre of economic and even geopolitical issues.” “The idea of time, the time we spend transporting gold, silk, or spices, the distances we travel, and the idea of conquered space are just as important,” he says.

The discovery of different styles from around the world also changed what people thought luxury could be. Gabet says, “When the West found out about Japanese ceramics, it realised that luxury and sophistication can go with simplicity and purity.” “This experience is a Copernican revolution that imposes a new idea of luxury, from Jean-Michel Frank’s straw marquetry to Gabrielle Chanel’s little black dress.”

Frank, who is known today as one of the most radical interior designers of the 20th century, made starkly simple rooms that artists liked, like the writer Francois Mauriac, who called his style “the strange luxury of nothing.” When people like avant-garde art, it makes you wonder how much luxury has been about showing off your status and how much has been about showing off your unique taste.

Gabet says, “In antiquity, luxury was the most important sign of social and political status. It is the tribute that the loser gives to the winner, the gift that is given to show respect and get respect, and the things that the Egyptians take with them to the afterlife.” Luxurious fabrics like velvet were thought to be for royalty and nobility only. Starting in the 14th century, many societies issued sumptuary edicts that forbade people from lower classes to wear these fabrics so that they could keep their elite status.

Gabet says that as time goes on, luxury becomes more of a sign of individual distinction than of social distinction. This is what we call taste.

How does the idea of time and travel relate to the rise of luxury?

What does a ‘life of luxury’ really mean?

The idea of luxury has always seemed to be based on materialism. It has changed a lot over the years, but it has always been about owning beautiful, often unnecessary things. Luxes, which opens in October at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, looks at all of these different parts of history. It also asks if, in a world where natural resources are running out and overconsumption is destroying our environment, it might be possible to move toward a more meaningful definition of luxury that is in tune with both nature and our true selves. Even though the exhibition was planned before the pandemic, these issues seem more important than ever now that we are stuck in our homes and the rest of the world has stopped. We have been forced to think about what we really value in life.

Olivier Gabet, the director of the museum and curator of the show, tells BBC Culture, “It is clear that luxury today faces new challenges.” “Materiality and materialism are definitely being questioned. Luxury is rediscovering an immaterial dimension, like time, space, and experiences. A moment can be as luxurious as an object. Travelling in these times of confinement is the ultimate luxury, and it may stay that way for a while.

Time and travel, two things that seem to be priceless in and of themselves today, were important to the rise of luxury because contact with other countries made people want rare and unusual things. “Trade on a global scale is tied to the idea of luxury in a natural way. Gabet says, “Since ancient times, valuable materials have been at the centre of economic and even geopolitical issues.” “The idea of time, the time we spend transporting gold, silk, or spices, the distances we travel, and the idea of conquered space are just as important,” he says.

The discovery of different styles from around the world also changed what people thought luxury could be. Gabet says, “When the West found out about Japanese ceramics, it realised that luxury and sophistication can go with simplicity and purity.” “This experience is a Copernican revolution that imposes a new idea of luxury, from Jean-Michel Frank’s straw marquetry to Gabrielle Chanel’s little black dress.”

Frank, who is known today as one of the most radical interior designers of the 20th century, made starkly simple rooms that artists liked, like the writer Francois Mauriac, who called his style “the strange luxury of nothing.” When people like avant-garde art, it makes you wonder how much luxury has been about showing off your status and how much has been about showing off your unique taste.

Gabet says, “In antiquity, luxury was the most important sign of social and political status. It is the tribute that the loser gives to the winner, the gift that is given to show respect and get respect, and the things that the Egyptians take with them to the afterlife.” Luxurious fabrics like velvet were thought to be for royalty and nobility only. Starting in the 14th century, many societies issued sumptuary edicts that forbade people from lower classes to wear these fabrics so that they could keep their elite status.

Gabet says that as time goes on, luxury becomes more of a sign of individual distinction than of social distinction. This is what we call taste.

According to the article, how did the discovery of different styles from around the world change people’s idea of luxury?

What does a ‘life of luxury’ really mean?

The idea of luxury has always seemed to be based on materialism. It has changed a lot over the years, but it has always been about owning beautiful, often unnecessary things. Luxes, which opens in October at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, looks at all of these different parts of history. It also asks if, in a world where natural resources are running out and overconsumption is destroying our environment, it might be possible to move toward a more meaningful definition of luxury that is in tune with both nature and our true selves. Even though the exhibition was planned before the pandemic, these issues seem more important than ever now that we are stuck in our homes and the rest of the world has stopped. We have been forced to think about what we really value in life.

Olivier Gabet, the director of the museum and curator of the show, tells BBC Culture, “It is clear that luxury today faces new challenges.” “Materiality and materialism are definitely being questioned. Luxury is rediscovering an immaterial dimension, like time, space, and experiences. A moment can be as luxurious as an object. Travelling in these times of confinement is the ultimate luxury, and it may stay that way for a while.

Time and travel, two things that seem to be priceless in and of themselves today, were important to the rise of luxury because contact with other countries made people want rare and unusual things. “Trade on a global scale is tied to the idea of luxury in a natural way. Gabet says, “Since ancient times, valuable materials have been at the centre of economic and even geopolitical issues.” “The idea of time, the time we spend transporting gold, silk, or spices, the distances we travel, and the idea of conquered space are just as important,” he says.

The discovery of different styles from around the world also changed what people thought luxury could be. Gabet says, “When the West found out about Japanese ceramics, it realised that luxury and sophistication can go with simplicity and purity.” “This experience is a Copernican revolution that imposes a new idea of luxury, from Jean-Michel Frank’s straw marquetry to Gabrielle Chanel’s little black dress.”

Frank, who is known today as one of the most radical interior designers of the 20th century, made starkly simple rooms that artists liked, like the writer Francois Mauriac, who called his style “the strange luxury of nothing.” When people like avant-garde art, it makes you wonder how much luxury has been about showing off your status and how much has been about showing off your unique taste.

Gabet says, “In antiquity, luxury was the most important sign of social and political status. It is the tribute that the loser gives to the winner, the gift that is given to show respect and get respect, and the things that the Egyptians take with them to the afterlife.” Luxurious fabrics like velvet were thought to be for royalty and nobility only. Starting in the 14th century, many societies issued sumptuary edicts that forbade people from lower classes to wear these fabrics so that they could keep their elite status.

Gabet says that as time goes on, luxury becomes more of a sign of individual distinction than of social distinction. This is what we call taste.

According to the article, how has the idea of luxury evolved over time?

What does a ‘life of luxury’ really mean?

The idea of luxury has always seemed to be based on materialism. It has changed a lot over the years, but it has always been about owning beautiful, often unnecessary things. Luxes, which opens in October at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, looks at all of these different parts of history. It also asks if, in a world where natural resources are running out and overconsumption is destroying our environment, it might be possible to move toward a more meaningful definition of luxury that is in tune with both nature and our true selves. Even though the exhibition was planned before the pandemic, these issues seem more important than ever now that we are stuck in our homes and the rest of the world has stopped. We have been forced to think about what we really value in life.

Olivier Gabet, the director of the museum and curator of the show, tells BBC Culture, “It is clear that luxury today faces new challenges.” “Materiality and materialism are definitely being questioned. Luxury is rediscovering an immaterial dimension, like time, space, and experiences. A moment can be as luxurious as an object. Travelling in these times of confinement is the ultimate luxury, and it may stay that way for a while.

Time and travel, two things that seem to be priceless in and of themselves today, were important to the rise of luxury because contact with other countries made people want rare and unusual things. “Trade on a global scale is tied to the idea of luxury in a natural way. Gabet says, “Since ancient times, valuable materials have been at the centre of economic and even geopolitical issues.” “The idea of time, the time we spend transporting gold, silk, or spices, the distances we travel, and the idea of conquered space are just as important,” he says.

The discovery of different styles from around the world also changed what people thought luxury could be. Gabet says, “When the West found out about Japanese ceramics, it realised that luxury and sophistication can go with simplicity and purity.” “This experience is a Copernican revolution that imposes a new idea of luxury, from Jean-Michel Frank’s straw marquetry to Gabrielle Chanel’s little black dress.”

Frank, who is known today as one of the most radical interior designers of the 20th century, made starkly simple rooms that artists liked, like the writer Francois Mauriac, who called his style “the strange luxury of nothing.” When people like avant-garde art, it makes you wonder how much luxury has been about showing off your status and how much has been about showing off your unique taste.

Gabet says, “In antiquity, luxury was the most important sign of social and political status. It is the tribute that the loser gives to the winner, the gift that is given to show respect and get respect, and the things that the Egyptians take with them to the afterlife.” Luxurious fabrics like velvet were thought to be for royalty and nobility only. Starting in the 14th century, many societies issued sumptuary edicts that forbade people from lower classes to wear these fabrics so that they could keep their elite status.

Gabet says that as time goes on, luxury becomes more of a sign of individual distinction than of social distinction. This is what we call taste.

According to the information presented in the article, what is the pinnacle of luxury when one is confined?

What does a ‘life of luxury’ really mean?

The idea of luxury has always seemed to be based on materialism. It has changed a lot over the years, but it has always been about owning beautiful, often unnecessary things. Luxes, which opens in October at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, looks at all of these different parts of history. It also asks if, in a world where natural resources are running out and overconsumption is destroying our environment, it might be possible to move toward a more meaningful definition of luxury that is in tune with both nature and our true selves. Even though the exhibition was planned before the pandemic, these issues seem more important than ever now that we are stuck in our homes and the rest of the world has stopped. We have been forced to think about what we really value in life.

Olivier Gabet, the director of the museum and curator of the show, tells BBC Culture, “It is clear that luxury today faces new challenges.” “Materiality and materialism are definitely being questioned. Luxury is rediscovering an immaterial dimension, like time, space, and experiences. A moment can be as luxurious as an object. Travelling in these times of confinement is the ultimate luxury, and it may stay that way for a while.

Time and travel, two things that seem to be priceless in and of themselves today, were important to the rise of luxury because contact with other countries made people want rare and unusual things. “Trade on a global scale is tied to the idea of luxury in a natural way. Gabet says, “Since ancient times, valuable materials have been at the centre of economic and even geopolitical issues.” “The idea of time, the time we spend transporting gold, silk, or spices, the distances we travel, and the idea of conquered space are just as important,” he says.

The discovery of different styles from around the world also changed what people thought luxury could be. Gabet says, “When the West found out about Japanese ceramics, it realised that luxury and sophistication can go with simplicity and purity.” “This experience is a Copernican revolution that imposes a new idea of luxury, from Jean-Michel Frank’s straw marquetry to Gabrielle Chanel’s little black dress.”

Frank, who is known today as one of the most radical interior designers of the 20th century, made starkly simple rooms that artists liked, like the writer Francois Mauriac, who called his style “the strange luxury of nothing.” When people like avant-garde art, it makes you wonder how much luxury has been about showing off your status and how much has been about showing off your unique taste.

Gabet says, “In antiquity, luxury was the most important sign of social and political status. It is the tribute that the loser gives to the winner, the gift that is given to show respect and get respect, and the things that the Egyptians take with them to the afterlife.” Luxurious fabrics like velvet were thought to be for royalty and nobility only. Starting in the 14th century, many societies issued sumptuary edicts that forbade people from lower classes to wear these fabrics so that they could keep their elite status.

Gabet says that as time goes on, luxury becomes more of a sign of individual distinction than of social distinction. This is what we call taste.

According to the article, what was the primary use of luxurious fabrics like velvet in antiquity?

What does a ‘life of luxury’ really mean?

The idea of luxury has always seemed to be based on materialism. It has changed a lot over the years, but it has always been about owning beautiful, often unnecessary things. Luxes, which opens in October at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, looks at all of these different parts of history. It also asks if, in a world where natural resources are running out and overconsumption is destroying our environment, it might be possible to move toward a more meaningful definition of luxury that is in tune with both nature and our true selves. Even though the exhibition was planned before the pandemic, these issues seem more important than ever now that we are stuck in our homes and the rest of the world has stopped. We have been forced to think about what we really value in life.

Olivier Gabet, the director of the museum and curator of the show, tells BBC Culture, “It is clear that luxury today faces new challenges.” “Materiality and materialism are definitely being questioned. Luxury is rediscovering an immaterial dimension, like time, space, and experiences. A moment can be as luxurious as an object. Travelling in these times of confinement is the ultimate luxury, and it may stay that way for a while.

Time and travel, two things that seem to be priceless in and of themselves today, were important to the rise of luxury because contact with other countries made people want rare and unusual things. “Trade on a global scale is tied to the idea of luxury in a natural way. Gabet says, “Since ancient times, valuable materials have been at the centre of economic and even geopolitical issues.” “The idea of time, the time we spend transporting gold, silk, or spices, the distances we travel, and the idea of conquered space are just as important,” he says.

The discovery of different styles from around the world also changed what people thought luxury could be. Gabet says, “When the West found out about Japanese ceramics, it realised that luxury and sophistication can go with simplicity and purity.” “This experience is a Copernican revolution that imposes a new idea of luxury, from Jean-Michel Frank’s straw marquetry to Gabrielle Chanel’s little black dress.”

Frank, who is known today as one of the most radical interior designers of the 20th century, made starkly simple rooms that artists liked, like the writer Francois Mauriac, who called his style “the strange luxury of nothing.” When people like avant-garde art, it makes you wonder how much luxury has been about showing off your status and how much has been about showing off your unique taste.

Gabet says, “In antiquity, luxury was the most important sign of social and political status. It is the tribute that the loser gives to the winner, the gift that is given to show respect and get respect, and the things that the Egyptians take with them to the afterlife.” Luxurious fabrics like velvet were thought to be for royalty and nobility only. Starting in the 14th century, many societies issued sumptuary edicts that forbade people from lower classes to wear these fabrics so that they could keep their elite status.

Gabet says that as time goes on, luxury becomes more of a sign of individual distinction than of social distinction. This is what we call taste.

What is the main theme of the article?