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家庭環境、道徳、そして古典文学:相反する価値観の葛藤」の英語長文問題

以下の英文を読み、設問に答えなさい。

The old wooden house stood on a windswept hill overlooking the town. Inside, sixteen-year-old Hana meticulously practiced calligraphy, her brow furrowed in concentration. The strokes of her brush, guided by centuries-old techniques, mirrored the rigid discipline instilled in her by her grandmother, a staunch upholder of traditional Japanese values. Hana's grandmother, a woman of unwavering moral strength, had raised her after the death of her parents. She emphasized the importance of filial piety, respect for elders, and adherence to the Confucian principles that had guided her own life. Classical literature, particularly the tales of the Heike clan and the epic poem "The Tale of Genji," formed the bedrock of Hana's education. These stories, rich in moral lessons and the complexities of human relationships, were not mere narratives; they were guides to navigating the moral landscape of life. However, Hana’s life outside her grandmother’s house contrasted sharply with the world depicted in the classical texts. At school, she interacted with peers who held more liberal views, embracing individualism and questioning traditional authority. They discussed Western philosophy, debated social issues, and readily challenged societal norms that Hana had been taught to respect. Their perspectives, while often jarring, opened her eyes to a world of conflicting values and competing ideals. The contrast between her grandmother’s unwavering adherence to traditional morality and the fluid, relativistic perspectives of her friends created a deep internal conflict within Hana. The elegant beauty and subtle wisdom of classical literature offered a sense of stability and moral clarity, yet the dynamism and intellectual stimulation of her school environment presented an equally compelling counterpoint. Torn between these two worlds, she wrestled with questions of personal identity, societal responsibility, and the very nature of morality itself. One evening, while reading a particularly poignant passage from "The Tale of Genji," Hana felt an overwhelming sense of sadness. It wasn't sadness for the fictional characters, but a profound sorrow arising from the stark contrast between the idealized world of the Heian court and the complexities of her own present reality. This realization sparked within her a desire not to reject her upbringing, but to reconcile the seemingly contradictory values of tradition and modernity, finding a path that integrated the wisdom of the past with the dynamism of the present.

1. What is the central conflict in Hana’s life?

2. How does Hana’s education in classical literature shape her understanding of morality?

3. What does Hana's sadness at the end of the passage reveal about her internal conflict?

4. Which of the following best describes the tone of the passage?