ENGLISH MEBY

職業選択の岐路:伝統と未来の狭間で」の英語長文問題

以下の英文を読み、設問に答えなさい。

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air in the small, family-run cafe, a familiar scent that had permeated Hana’s life since childhood. Her family had owned and operated ‘Koffee Corner’ for three generations, a testament to their unwavering dedication and the community’s enduring love for their expertly crafted brews. Hana, however, felt a growing unease. While she cherished the family legacy, the weight of expectation pressed heavily upon her. Her father, nearing retirement, constantly hinted at her taking over the cafe. He spoke of upholding tradition, of preserving the family’s legacy, and of the unwavering loyalty of their customers. But Hana harbored a different ambition. She had always possessed a passion for technology, a yearning to design innovative software solutions. She excelled in her computer science studies, receiving multiple accolades for her talent and creativity. The thought of abandoning her education and potential to inherit the cafe felt like a betrayal of her own aspirations, yet disappointing her family also caused her immense guilt. Adding to her predicament was the looming issue of succession. Her younger brother, Hiroki, showed little interest in the cafe, preferring the nomadic lifestyle of a freelance photographer. The family’s future, their source of livelihood and social standing within the community, seemed to hang precariously in the balance. Hana found herself caught in a complex web of familial obligations, personal aspirations, and the stark reality of a dwindling workforce in the culinary industry. She knew that closing the cafe would deeply disappoint her father, shatter cherished memories, and potentially destabilize the family’s financial security. Yet the pull towards her own career path felt undeniably powerful. In this delicate situation, what choices could she make to respect both her personal ambitions and her family’s legacy?

1. What is the main conflict Hana faces in the passage?

2. What best describes the significance of ‘Koffee Corner’ to Hana’s family?

3. What is the implication of the ‘dwindling workforce in the culinary industry’ mentioned in the passage?

4. Which of the following best represents Hana's internal dilemma?