The Japanese Quince!(1910) By John galsworthy s Mr. Nilson, well known in the City opened the window of his dressing-room on Campden Hill, he experienced a peculiar sweetish sensation in the back of his throat, and a feeling of emptiness just under his fifth rib. Hooking the window back, he noticed that a little tree in the Square gardens had come out in blossom, and that the thermometer stood at sixty 'Perfect morning, he thought; 'spring at last! Resuming some meditations on the price of Tintos, he took up an ivory-backed hand-glass 4 and scrutinised his face. His firm, well-coloured cheeks with their neat brown moustaches and his round well-opened, clear grey eyes, wore a reassuring appearance of good health Putting on his black frock coat he went downstairs In the dining-room his morning paper was laid out on the sideboard Mr Nilson had scarcely taken it in his hand when he again became aware of that queer feeling. Somewhat concerned, he went to the french window and descended the scrolled iron steps into the fresh air. a cuckoo clock struck eight Half an hour to breakfast he thought; 'Tll take a turn in th wInce 榅桲(一种蔷薇科植物) 2此指华氏60°,相当于摄氏156 3Tito[西染色葡萄,此指该种葡萄制成的葡萄酒 4Hand-gas:有柄手镜
The Japanese Quince1 (1910) By John Galsworthy As Mr. Nilson, well known in the City, opened the window of his dressing-room on Campden Hill, he experienced a peculiar sweetish sensation in the back of his throat, and a feeling of emptiness just under his fifth rib. Hooking the window back, he noticed that a little tree in the Square Gardens had come out in blossom, and that the thermometer stood at sixty2 . 'Perfect morning,' he thought; 'spring at last!' Resuming some meditations on the price of Tintos3 , he took up an ivory-backed hand-glass 4 and scrutinised his face. His firm, well-coloured cheeks, with their neat brown moustaches, and his round, well-opened, clear grey eyes, wore a reassuring appearance of good health. Putting on his black frock coat, he went downstairs. In the dining-room his morning paper was laid out on the sideboard. Mr. Nilson had scarcely taken it in his hand when he again became aware of that queer feeling. Somewhat concerned, he went to the French window and descended the scrolled iron steps into the fresh air. A cuckoo clock struck eight. 'Half an hour to breakfast,' he thought; 'I'll take a turn in the 1 Quince: 榅桲(一种蔷薇科植物) 2 此指华氏 60°，相当于摄氏 15.6° 3 Tinto: [西]染色葡萄，此指该种葡萄制成的葡萄酒 4 Hand-glass: 有柄手镜
Gardens . He had them to himself, and proceeded to pace the circular path with his morning paper clasped behind him. He had scarcely made two revolutions,, however, when it was borne in on him that, instead of going away in the fresh air, the feeling had increased. He drew several deep breaths, having heard deep breathing recommended by his wife's doctor but they augmented rather than diminished the sensation --as if some sweetish liquor in course within him, together with a faint aching just above his heart. Running over what he had eaten the night before, he could recollect no unusual dish. and it occurred to him that it might possibly be some smell affecting him. But he could detect nothing except a faint sweet lemony scent, rather agreeable than otherwise, which evidently emanated from the bushes budding in the sunshine. He was on the point of resuming his promenade, when a blackbird close by burst into song, and, looking up, Mr. Nilson saw at a distance of perhaps five yards a little tree, in the heart of whose branches the bird was perched. He stood staring curiously at this tree, recognising it for that which he had noticed from his window. It was covered with young blossoms, pink and white, and little bright green leaves both round and spiky; and on all this blossom and these leaves the sunlight glistened. Mr. Nilson smiled; the little tree was so alive and pretty! And instead of passing on, he stayed 5 Revolution:旋转一周,绕圈 Promenade:兜风,散步 7 Blackbird.画眉,燕八哥
Gardens.' He had them to himself, and proceeded to pace the circular path with his morning paper clasped behind him. He had scarcely made two revolutions5 , however, when it was borne in on him that, instead of going away in the fresh air, the feeling had increased. He drew several deep breaths, having heard deep breathing recommended by his wife's doctor; but they augmented rather than diminished the sensation--as if some sweetish liquor in course within him, together with a faint aching just above his heart. Running over what he had eaten the night before, he could recollect no unusual dish, and it occurred to him that it might possibly be some smell affecting him. But he could detect nothing except a faint sweet lemony scent, rather agreeable than otherwise, which evidently emanated from the bushes budding in the sunshine. He was on the point of resuming his promenade6 , when a blackbird7 close by burst into song, and, looking up, Mr. Nilson saw at a distance of perhaps five yards a little tree, in the heart of whose branches the bird was perched. He stood staring curiously at this tree, recognising it for that which he had noticed from his window. It was covered with young blossoms, pink and white, and little bright green leaves both round and spiky; and on all this blossom and these leaves the sunlight glistened. Mr. Nilson smiled; the little tree was so alive and pretty! And instead of passing on, he stayed 5 Revolution: 旋转一周，绕圈 6 Promenade: 兜风，散步 7 Blackbird: 画眉，燕八哥
there smiling at the tree Morning like this! he thought and here I am the only person in the Square who has the --to come out and- -!' but he had no sooner conceived this thought than he saw quite near him a man with his hands behind him who was also staring up and smiling at the little tree. Rather taken aback Mr. Nilson ceased to smile, and looked furtively at the stranger It was his next-door neighbour, Mr. Tandram, well known in the City, who had occupied the adjoining house for some five years. Mr. Nilson perceived at once the awkwardness of his position, for, being married, they had not yet had occasion to speak to one another. Doubtful as to his proper conduct he decided at last to murmur: Fine morning! and was passing on, when Mr. Tandram answered: Beautiful, for the time of year " Detecting a slight nervousness in his neighbour's voice, Mr. Nilson was emboldened to regard him openly. He was of about Mr. Nilson's own height, with firm well-coloured cheeks, neat brown moustaches, and round, well-opened clear grey eyes; and he was wearing a black frock coat. Mr. Nilson noticed that he had his morning paper clasp ed behind him as he looked up at the little tree. And, visited somehow by the feeling that he had been caught out, he said abruptly Er--can you give me the name of that tree? Mr Tangram answered Caught out:使某人感到尴尬,难堪
there smiling at the tree. 'Morning like this!' he thought; 'and here I am the only person in the Square who has the--to come out and--!' But he had no sooner conceived this thought than he saw quite near him a man with his hands behind him, who was also staring up and smiling at the little tree. Rather taken aback, Mr. Nilson ceased to smile, and looked furtively at the stranger. It was his next-door neighbour, Mr. Tandram, well known in the City, who had occupied the adjoining house for some five years. Mr. Nilson perceived at once the awkwardness of his position, for, being married, they had not yet had occasion to speak to one another. Doubtful as to his proper conduct, he decided at last to murmur: "Fine morning!" and was passing on, when Mr. Tandram answered: "Beautiful, for the time of year!" Detecting a slight nervousness in his neighbour's voice, Mr. Nilson was emboldened to regard him openly. He was of about Mr. Nilson's own height, with firm well-coloured cheeks, neat brown moustaches, and round, well-opened, clear grey eyes; and he was wearing a black frock coat. Mr. Nilson noticed that he had his morning paper clasped behind him as he looked up at the little tree. And, visited somehow by the feeling that he had been caught out8 , he said abruptly: "Er--can you give me the name of that tree?" Mr. Tandram answered: 8 Caught out: 使某人感到尴尬，难堪
I was about to ask you that, " and stepped towards it. Mr. Nilson also approached the tree Sure to have its name on I should think, he said Mr. Tandram was the first to see the little label close to where the blackbird had been sitting Heread it out Japanese quince Ah! "said Mr Nilson, "thought so. Early flowerers Very, "assented Mr. Tandram, and added Quite a feelin in the air to-day Mr. Nilson nodded It was a blackbird singin,, "he said Blackbirds, "answered Mr. Tandram, "I prefer them to thrushes% myself, more body o in the note. "And he looked at Mr. Nilson in an almost friendly way Quite, "murmured Mr Nilson. These exotics, they don,'t bear fruit Pretty blossom! "and he again glanced up at the blossom, thinking: Nice fellow this i rather like him Mr. Tandram also gazed at the blossom. And the little tree as if appreciating their attention, quivered and glowed. From a distance the blackbird gave a loud, clear call. Mr. Nilson dropped his eyes. It struck him suddenly that Mr. Tandram looked a little foolish; and, as if he had 9 Thrush:鸫鸟,鸫科鸣禽,以叫声好听出名 10Bodv:此指质感的丰满,浓郁
"I was about to ask you that," and stepped towards it. Mr. Nilson also approached the tree. "Sure to have its name on, I should think," he said. Mr. Tandram was the first to see the little label, close to where the blackbird had been sitting. He read it out. "Japanese quince!" "Ah!" said Mr. Nilson, "thought so. Early flowerers." "Very," assented Mr. Tandram, and added: "Quite a feelin' in the air to-day." Mr. Nilson nodded. "It was a blackbird singin'," he said. "Blackbirds," answered Mr. Tandram, "I prefer them to thrushes9 myself; more body10 in the note." And he looked at Mr. Nilson in an almost friendly way. "Quite," murmured Mr. Nilson. "These exotics, they don't bear fruit. Pretty blossom!" and he again glanced up at the blossom, thinking: 'Nice fellow, this, I rather like him.' Mr. Tandram also gazed at the blossom. And the little tree as if appreciating their attention, quivered and glowed. From a distance the blackbird gave a loud, clear call. Mr. Nilson dropped his eyes. It struck him suddenly that Mr. Tandram looked a little foolish; and, as if he had 9 Thrush: 鸫鸟，鸫科鸣禽，以叫声好听出名 10 Body: 此指质感的丰满，浓郁
seen himself, he said: "I must be going in. Good morning! a shade passed over Mr. Tandram's face, as if he, too, had suddenly noticed something about Mr. nilson Good morning, he replied, and clasp ing their journals to their ley separated Mr. Nilson retraced his steps toward his garden window, walking slowly so as to avoid arriving at the same time as his neighbour. Having seen Mr. Tandram mount his scrolled iron steps, he ascended his own in turn On the top step he paused With the slanting spring sunlight darting and quivering into it, the Japanese quince seemed more living than a tree. The blackb ird had returned to it and was chanting out lI his heart Mr. Nilson sighed; again he felt that queer sensation, that choky feeling in his throat The sound of a cough or sigh attracted his attention. There. in the shadow of his French window, stood Mr. Tandram, also looking forth across the Gardens at the little quince tree Unaccountably upset, Mr. Nilson turned abruptly into the house, and opened his morning paper Ii Chant out吟唱,唱出
seen himself, he said: "I must be going in. Good morning!" A shade passed over Mr. Tandram's face, as if he, too, had suddenly noticed something about Mr. Nilson. "Good morning," he replied, and clasping their journals to their backs they separated. Mr. Nilson retraced his steps toward his garden window, walking slowly so as to avoid arriving at the same time as his neighbour. Having seen Mr. Tandram mount his scrolled iron steps, he ascended his own in turn. On the top step he paused. With the slanting spring sunlight darting and quivering into it, the Japanese quince seemed more living than a tree. The blackbird had returned to it, and was chanting out11 his heart. Mr. Nilson sighed; again he felt that queer sensation, that choky feeling in his throat. The sound of a cough or sigh attracted his attention. There, in the shadow of his French window, stood Mr. Tandram, also looking forth across the Gardens at the little quince tree. Unaccountably upset, Mr. Nilson turned abruptly into the house, and opened his morning paper. 11 Chant out: 吟唱，唱出
《日本榅桲》中象征手法的运用 20世纪初,英国正经历着社会变革的阵痛转型期,文坛中对于资本主义的 质疑声也愈发高涨,无论是现实主义还是现代主义的作品中,都不乏以对人性、 社会的悲观与焦虑为主题的。在《日本榅桲》中,高尔斯·华绥大量采用了象征 的手法,与典型的人物形象相结合,讽刺了维多利亚晚期中上阶层自视甚高、自 欺欺人的形象,以及迂腐社会观念对人的压抑 ‘花儿开得多漂亮啊!可惜这些外来的植物,结不出果子。"这句对白揭示了 日本榅桲”的象征含义—作者之所以刻意选择了日本榅桲这种不为英国人所 知的远东植物,自然有其深意。在尼尔森先生这类迂腐顽固的“上层人士”眼里, 如此异域植物是非正统的,即使芳香扑鼻,也不会被他真正接纳。在这里,日本 榅桲象征着一切外来的、新鲜的事物,在当时社会转型期的大背景下,它可以是 对旧的资本主义文明的质疑声,也可以是从外国舶来、为正统所不齿的新思潮、 新意识形态。尼尔森所处的阶层对于维多利亚时期的资本主义有着顽固的坚持 而当突飞猛进的科技、纷繁复杂的非理性主义思潮涌入他的视线,他只会感叹 句:这些外来的东西,结不出果子 这句话亦能揭示出维多利亚晚期中上阶层的财产观。对于尼尔森先生来说, 只要不能结出果实,花开得再好也无意义。“果实”是一个文学作品中极为常见 的意象,通常象征着实用主义及结果,在这里则体现了尼尔森内心根深蒂固的实 用主义。而对这种唯金钱至上的迂腐财产观的抨击,在高尔斯·华绥的另一篇作 品《有财产的人》中也得以体现。潜意识里本能地为美好的日本榅桲所吸引,映 射出尼尔森的内心想要追求美好新生活的愿望。然而这种本我的冲动很快便被他 的自我给抑制了—他上层人的身份给他戴上了一层厚面具,让他无法摆脱传统
《日本榅桲》中象征手法的运用 20 世纪初，英国正经历着社会变革的阵痛转型期，文坛中对于资本主义的 质疑声也愈发高涨，无论是现实主义还是现代主义的作品中，都不乏以对人性、 社会的悲观与焦虑为主题的。在《日本榅桲》中，高尔斯·华绥大量采用了象征 的手法，与典型的人物形象相结合，讽刺了维多利亚晚期中上阶层自视甚高、自 欺欺人的形象，以及迂腐社会观念对人的压抑。 "花儿开得多漂亮啊！可惜这些外来的植物，结不出果子。"这句对白揭示了 “日本榅桲”的象征含义——作者之所以刻意选择了日本榅桲这种不为英国人所 知的远东植物，自然有其深意。在尼尔森先生这类迂腐顽固的“上层人士”眼里， 如此异域植物是非正统的，即使芳香扑鼻，也不会被他真正接纳。在这里，日本 榅桲象征着一切外来的、新鲜的事物，在当时社会转型期的大背景下，它可以是 对旧的资本主义文明的质疑声，也可以是从外国舶来、为正统所不齿的新思潮、 新意识形态。尼尔森所处的阶层对于维多利亚时期的资本主义有着顽固的坚持， 而当突飞猛进的科技、纷繁复杂的非理性主义思潮涌入他的视线，他只会感叹一 句：这些外来的东西，结不出果子。 这句话亦能揭示出维多利亚晚期中上阶层的财产观。对于尼尔森先生来说， 只要不能结出果实，花开得再好也无意义。“果实”是一个文学作品中极为常见 的意象，通常象征着实用主义及结果，在这里则体现了尼尔森内心根深蒂固的实 用主义。而对这种唯金钱至上的迂腐财产观的抨击，在高尔斯·华绥的另一篇作 品《有财产的人》中也得以体现。潜意识里本能地为美好的日本榅桲所吸引，映 射出尼尔森的内心想要追求美好新生活的愿望。然而这种本我的冲动很快便被他 的自我给抑制了——他上层人的身份给他戴上了一层厚面具，让他无法摆脱传统
的枷锁,抛弃看似高贵实则腐朽乏味的生活 尼尔森的“自我”人格,也在文中以象征手法得到体现。文中多处细节表明, 唐德拉姆先生是尼尔森的镜像——他们不仅外貌惊人的相似,同时注意到榅桲 树,举止、性格方面似乎也能从对方身上看到自己的影子。作者刻意安排了尼尔 森和“自己”的对峙,或者说是给他阶层的人们树立了一面看清自己的镜子,将 尼尔森的内心矛盾泛化到了整个资本主义社会中上层人士的圈子。他们孤芳自 赏、傲世轻物,却在面对自己时感到“像个傻瓜”,尼尔森无法正视自己,或者 说不能面对社会中千千万万个与自己似乎一样的人偶。这种情节体现出了人与社 会之间的尖锐冲突、与自身关系的扭曲和异化。他以为自己是独特的,唯一循迹 找到榅桲树的人,但实际上,他只是流水线所打磨出来的产品之一。金钱至上、 虚伪势力的社会环境把它的子民物化了,高尔斯·华绥既抨击讽刺了上流人士的 虚伪,同时也指出了他们的悲哀——当时的社会给他们安上了面具,又在不经意 时打破,其导致的精神创伤和反常心态已难以逆转。 在小说结尾,尼尔森捡起报纸,继续他的旧生活,关于日本榅桲的插曲仿佛 没有对他造成任何影响。对于他来说,寻找出路时的彷徨和艰难是由周围世界的 冷漠和荒诞所导致的。同高尔斯·华绥的另一作品《苹果树》一样,本文着笔于 探讨社会阶级观念对人的压制和局限。不同的是,《苹果树》中主人公最后悔不 当初,这样的幡然醒悟是其“超我”人格的体现。如果说《苹果树》中超我的升 华给整部小说带来了一点希望的曙光,那么《日本榅桲》中虚伪“自我”人格的 胜利则使作品充满了焦虑和悲观的色彩
的枷锁，抛弃看似高贵实则腐朽乏味的生活。 尼尔森的“自我”人格，也在文中以象征手法得到体现。文中多处细节表明， 唐德拉姆先生是尼尔森的镜像——他们不仅外貌惊人的相似，同时注意到榅桲 树，举止、性格方面似乎也能从对方身上看到自己的影子。作者刻意安排了尼尔 森和“自己”的对峙，或者说是给他阶层的人们树立了一面看清自己的镜子，将 尼尔森的内心矛盾泛化到了整个资本主义社会中上层人士的圈子。他们孤芳自 赏、傲世轻物，却在面对自己时感到“像个傻瓜”，尼尔森无法正视自己，或者 说不能面对社会中千千万万个与自己似乎一样的人偶。这种情节体现出了人与社 会之间的尖锐冲突、与自身关系的扭曲和异化。他以为自己是独特的，唯一循迹 找到榅桲树的人，但实际上，他只是流水线所打磨出来的产品之一。金钱至上、 虚伪势力的社会环境把它的子民物化了，高尔斯·华绥既抨击讽刺了上流人士的 虚伪，同时也指出了他们的悲哀——当时的社会给他们安上了面具，又在不经意 时打破，其导致的精神创伤和反常心态已难以逆转。 在小说结尾，尼尔森捡起报纸，继续他的旧生活，关于日本榅桲的插曲仿佛 没有对他造成任何影响。对于他来说，寻找出路时的彷徨和艰难是由周围世界的 冷漠和荒诞所导致的。同高尔斯·华绥的另一作品《苹果树》一样，本文着笔于 探讨社会阶级观念对人的压制和局限。不同的是，《苹果树》中主人公最后悔不 当初，这样的幡然醒悟是其“超我”人格的体现。如果说《苹果树》中超我的升 华给整部小说带来了一点希望的曙光，那么《日本榅桲》中虚伪“自我”人格的 胜利则使作品充满了焦虑和悲观的色彩