A
Theatre reflects the values of the civilization out of which it grows. The following are the types of theatre performances an ancient Roman might have witnessed then.
Fescennine Verse
Fescennine Verse was a pioneer of Roman comedy. Ironic and improvisational（即兴的）, it was used mainly at festivals or weddings, and as invective. With early native Italian funny dialogues in Latin verse, it was thought to have combined with a tradition of performances by masked dancers and musicians from Etruria.
Fabula Atellana
Fabula Atellana relied on common characters, masks, direct humor, and simple plots. They were performed by actors improvising. Fabula Atellana came from the Oscan city of Atella. There were 4 main types of characters: the braggart, the greedy blockhead, the clever hunchback and the stupid old man, like modern Punch and Judy shows.
Fabula Togata
Named for the clothing symbolic of the Roman people Fabula Togata had various subtypes. One was the Fabula Tabernaria, named for the tavern（酒馆）where the comedy’s preferred characters, lowlifes, might be found. One describing more middle-class types, and continuing the Roman clothing theme, was the Fabula Trabeata.
Fabula Praetexta
Fabula Praetexta is the name for Roman tragedies on Roman themes, Roman history or current politics. Fabula Praetexta was less popular than tragedies on Greek themes. During the Golden Age of drama in the Middle Republic, there were four great Roman writers of tragedy, Naevius, Ennius, Pacuvius, and Accius. Of their surviving tragedies, 90 titles remain.
All the performances above began as a translation of Greek forms, even to the extent of their being performed in Greek costume.
1. Where might an ancient Roman witness Fescennine Verse?
A. At a party. B. At a funeral.
C. At a wedding. D. At a concert.
2. Which type of performance describes the middle-class life?
A. Fabula Atellana. B. Fabula Tabernaria.
C. Fabula Trabeata. D. Fabula Praetexta.
3. What do the listed types of performances have in common?
A. They copy Latin dramas. B. They take on Greek forms.
C. They reflect Roman themes. D. They refer to Italian stories.
【答案】1. C 2. C 3. B
【解析】
【分析】这是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了几种罗马戏剧的表演形式。
【详解】1.细节理解题。根据第二段第二句所说的“Ironic and improvisational (即兴的), it was used mainly at festivals or weddings,”(它具有讽刺性且是即兴的，主要在节日和婚礼上表演)可知，Fescennine Verse 是即兴创作的，具有讽刺性，主要在节日和婚礼时上演。故选 C。
2.细节理解题。根据第四段最后一句“One describing more middle-class types, and continuing the Roman clothing theme, was the Fabula Trabeata.”(Fabula Trabeata 描述了更多的中产阶级类型且继续描写罗马服饰主题。)可知，Fabula Trabeata 反映了中产阶级的生活，故选C。
3.细节理解题。根据最后一段“All these performances began as a translation of Greek forms, even to the extent of their being performed in Greek costume.”(所有这些表演始于希腊戏剧形式的翻译，甚至表演者还会穿着古希腊服装表演。)可知，这几种表演方式沿袭了古希腊戏剧的形式，表演者甚至还会穿着古希腊的服装表演。故选 B。
