11. The book I want to talk about is the only published novel by Oscar Wilde “The Picture of Dorian Grey”.

First of all I’d like to say a few words about the author of the book and his ideas. The author was deeply impressed by the English writers John Ruskin and Walter Pater, who argued for the central importance of art in life. Wilde later commented ironically when he wrote in “The P. of D.G” – “All Art is quiet useless”. The statement was meant to be read literally, as it was in keeping with the doctrine of Art for Art’s sake. As the leading aesthete in Britain, Wilde became one of the most prominent personalities of his day.

The novel tells of a young man named D. Gr., the subject of a painting by artist Basil Hallward. Basil is impressed by D’s beauty and becomes infatuated with him, believing his beauty is responsible for a new mode in his art. Talking in Basil’s garden, Dorian meets Lord Henry Wolton, a friend of Basil’s, and becomes enthralled by Lord Henry’s world view. Realizing that one day his beauty will fade, Dorian cries out, expressing his desire to sell his soul to ensure the portrait would age rather than himself. Dorian wish is fulfilled, plunging him into debauched acts. The portrait reminds of each act upon his soul, with act sin displayed as a disfigurement of his form, or through a sign of aging.

In a letter O. Wilde said the main characters were reflections of Basil Hallward are what I think I am: Lord Henry is what the world thinks me: Dorian is what I would like to be – in other ages perhaps.

I personally like the book because it shows us that we should be responsible for our actions. Each person has 2 sides inside: a black one and a white side. And its up to each of us which side to choose. In this particular situation Art plays a role of so called indicator of man’s personality. Art is quite useful, I should say it’s not the tool but it is an inspiration.

12. Talk about a most unfortunate experience of a holiday arranged through a travel agency («The Association of Travel Agents»)

First of all I’d like to say that travelling is necessary for all of us as it’s a kind of relaxation and a good opportunity to relax your body, renew your energy and refresh your spirit. Many people love visiting beautiful places and look forward to going on holiday just to escape the daily grind of work and day-to-day pressures and get away from their usual sources of stress. Sometimes you need a change and you are waiting for a holiday of your lifetime. You book a holiday with some travel agency. Which costs you a fortune, pack your suitcases, board the plane and get to the place of destination. But what you see there is far from your expectations. Your holiday turns out to be a complete disaster and you can’t avoid to get back home.

Fortunately, I personally have never experienced such holidays but I know that many people face a problem like this. Let’s take Mrs. Hopkins for instance. The Hopkins booked the holiday through a local travel agent. What they wanted was a quiet little hotel near the beach for their kids and their agent recommended the hotel Solara, which looked just what they wanted in the brochure. But when they arrived at the airport they were met by the tour representative who was nice and apologetic but she said that she was taking them to another hotel because the Solara was booked up. The Hopkins went along with it. But the hotel wasn’t what they wanted. First, it was far more expensive but not a bit personal, just like a factory and it was miles from the beach and besides it was very noisy at night. The kids used to wake up and the hotel was not for a family at all. The Hopkins complained several times but in the end they just came home early. What is more they had to pay extra for the flight. Mrs. Hopkins is very disappointed and thinks that the travel agency ought to give her money back.

Mrs. Hopkins is not the only person who had such an experience. And in spite of the fact that there are so many travel agencies today, unfortunately, not all of them can guarantee that the hotel will not be overbooked.