少年派的奇幻漂流 Chapter 14

时间：2023-05-16 08:00:06

（单词翻译:单击）

Chapter 14
It is interesting to note that the lion that is the most amenable1 to the circus trainer's tricks is the one with the lowest social standing2 in the pride, the omega animal. It has the most to gain from a close relationship with the super-alpha trainer. It is not only a matter of extra treats. A close relationship will also mean protection from the other members of the pride. It is this compliant3 animal, to the public no different from the others in size and apparent ferocity, that will be the star of the show, while the trainer leaves the beta and gamma lions, more cantankerous4 subordinates, sitting on their colourful barrels on the edge of the ring.
The same is true of other circus animals and is also seen in zoos. Socially inferior animals are the ones that make the most strenuous5, resourceful efforts to get to know their keepers. They prove to be the ones most faithful to them, most in need of their company, least likely to challenge them or be difficult. The phenomenon has been observed with big cats, bison, deer, wild sheep, monkeys and many other animals. It is a fact commonly known in the trade.

   第十四章
    有趣的是，我们注意到最顺从马戏团驯兽师各种把戏的是狮群中地位最低的那头狮子，那个老小。它从与超级老大驯兽师的亲密关系中获利最多。这不仅仅是额外奖 赏的问题。亲密的关系也意味着狮群中其他成员的保护。正是这只顺从的动物，在观众眼里与其他狮子的个头和凶猛程度没有什么不同的狮子，将会成为表演明星， 而驯兽师却让狮群中的老二和老三，那些更难驾驭的下属，坐在表演场边上的彩色筒上。
    马戏团里其他动物的情况也是如此，而且这一情况在动物园里也能见到。在群体中地位低下的动物正是特别努力地、机敏地去了解饲养员的动物。事实证明，它们最 忠实于饲养员，最需要他们的陪伴，最不可能反抗他们或者诖他们为难。我们在大型猫科动物、野牛、鹿、野羊、猴子和很多其他动物身上都曾观察到这一现象。这 是我们这一行众所周知的事实。


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1 amenable pLUy3     
adj.经得起检验的；顺从的；对负有义务的
参考例句：
  • His scientific discoveries are amenable to the laws of physics.他在科学上的发现经得起物理定律的检验。
  • He is amenable to counsel.他这人听劝。
2 standing 2hCzgo     
n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的
参考例句：
  • After the earthquake only a few houses were left standing.地震过后只有几幢房屋还立着。
  • They're standing out against any change in the law.他们坚决反对对法律做任何修改。
3 compliant oX8zZ     
adj.服从的，顺从的
参考例句：
  • I don't respect people who are too compliant.我看不起那种唯命是从，唯唯诺诺的人。
  • For years I had tried to be a compliant and dutiful wife.几年来，我努力做一名顺从和尽职尽职的妻子。
4 cantankerous TTuyb     
adj.爱争吵的，脾气不好的
参考例句：
  • He met a crabbed,cantankerous director.他碰上了一位坏脾气、爱争吵的主管。
  • The cantankerous bus driver rouse on the children for singing.那个坏脾气的公共汽车司机因为孩子们唱歌而骂他们。
5 strenuous 8GvzN     
adj.奋发的，使劲的；紧张的；热烈的，狂热的
参考例句：
  • He made strenuous efforts to improve his reading. 他奋发努力提高阅读能力。
  • You may run yourself down in this strenuous week.你可能会在这紧张的一周透支掉自己。

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