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GUARD: It’s only a statement. I’m trying to help you.

ZHANG LIN: Help me how?

GUARD: Help you be happy.

’

LIULI enters. The GUARD does not see her.

ZHANG LIN: I read a study recently. A scientific study, it claimed that the happiest people are the ones who are best at lying to themselves. For example, an athlete who believes, truly believes, there’s no one faster than him, is happy. Even if he comes last every time, he’s still happy.

GUARD: Is there a point to this?

ZHANG LIN: Yes. I think you are a happy man.

Explanation and Analysis:

A Guard employed by the Public Safety Bureau, the agency that punishes seditious and potentially “dangerous” behavior in China, questions Zhang Lin after he’s arrested for writing an article about the air pollution in Beijing. The Guard urges Z...

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Original

Romeo

(aside) She speaks.
O, speak again, bright angel! For thou art
As glorious to this night, being o’er my head,
As is a winged messenger of heaven
Unto the white, upturnèd, wondering eyes
Of mortals that fall back to gaze on him
When he bestrides the lazy-puffing clouds
And sails upon the bosom of the air.

Juliet

O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art though Romeo?
Deny they father and refuse they name.
Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love,
And I’ll no longer be a Capulet.

Modern

Romeo

(to himself) She speaks. Speak again, bright angel! For tonight you are as glorious, there up above me, as a winged messenger of heaven who makes mortals fall onto their backs to gaze up with awestruck eyes as he strides across the lazy clouds and sails through the air.

Juliet

O Romeo, Romeo! Why must you be Romeo? Deny your father and give up your name. Or, if you won’t change your name, just swear your love to me and I’ll give up being a Capulet.

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