简要英文分析《唐顿庄园》中英式幽默(5分钟英文演讲稿)

Have you ever watched American sitcoms, such as the Friends or The big bang theory? Do you know the common element in those programs? In my view, they are all full of laughter, because you may be easily tickled by some scenes or words.
But when it comes to British television series, it’s hard to hear your laughter. A huge number of people may hold the point that British are serious and rigid, they don’t have much humor. In fact, only think actor’s dialogues again and again can you seize the British humor.
Today I want to share you with one episode about the British language humor in Downtown Abbey which focuses on the heir of the manor in the early 19 century.
The episode occurs between Mrs. Isobel Crawley (the heroine lady Mary’s mother-in-law) and elder lady Grantham (Lady Mary’s granny) ——she is my favorite actress, her real name is Maggie Smith. If you have watched the highly successful Harry Potter film series, you must know her well. She acted as the stern Professor Minerva McGonagall in the movies. In spite of her 79-year-old age, the honorary countess Violet’s wisecracks let you know she is having the time of her life. In Downtown Abbey, as long as Mrs. Isobel Crawley and elder lady Grantham appear together, rivalries can’t be avoided. Here we go.
(The eighth episode in series four: just recovered from a heavy disease, elder lady Grantham started a new round combat against Mrs.
Isobel Crawley.)
After knocked at the door, Isobel directly went into lady Grantham’s room and said, “It’s only me.” Only three syllables, showing her existence and emphasis she is the only person to look in the lady Grantham as usual. In terms of their background and relationship, I guess Isobel’s words may contain some unspoken meanings, such as “though you lady Grantham look down upon me used to be a nurse, but this time you got ill I’m glad to look after you and I even saved your life through my professional nursing care. I think we may be friends now.”
However, as a wife of earl, elder lady Grantham thought she was offended. How dare someone forget to greet her instead of saying “it’s only me.”? Even though you saved my life, our relationship won’t be closer, and our status remains the same, more importantly my dignity can’t be insulted. Therefore, she said quietly with sitting in a chair, “I always feel that greeting betrays such a lack of self worth.”
Can you see how witty the granny is? Though she wanted Mrs. Isobel to greet her, she used an impassive word, “betray”, as if she was by Isobel’s side. What a satire? Besides, she criticized Mrs. Isobel’s impoliteness with the phrase “a lack of self worth”, and also gave Isobel’s always saying “to realize self worth” a beautiful hit.
Then Mrs. Isobel had to give in and followed elder lady Grantham’s remarks with a lively voice,“How are we today?”
Yet, our imperious elder lady Grantham was not satisfied. She said, “My dear, please stop talking to me, as if I were a child past hope.” You see, she kept nagging at Mrs. Isobel’s tone.
Mrs. Isobel couldn’t win the ague as usual, thus, she said, “Very well. How are you feeling?”
“Like Doctor Manette.If I don’t get out of this house soon, I shall remember nothing but my number.”, finally elder lady Grantham seemed to have a chance to pour out her woes. What a lovely granny!
Each time when I recall lady Grantham’s classic expression and her clever remarks, I can’t help bursting into laughter.。