Winston Churchill was one of the great men of his age. To show their respect for him, the British
lawmakers asked a fine artist, Graham Sutherland, to paint Winston Churchill's picture. When it was
completed, it was presented to him, at a grand affair in the Westminster Hall, at the House of Commons (下议院).
There is a famous film that shows Churchill accepting the gift. He describes the painting as "a
remarkable example of modern art", which draws loud laughter.
In fact he must have been unhappy with the painting. Sutherland later reported that he asked whether
it was to be painted with a "happy" or "angry" attitude. "Angry," replied Churchill. At the time, Churchill
was coming to the end of his political life and was unhappy that people wanted him to end his career.
Some twenty years later it was revealed that Lady Churchill hated the painting so much that she had it
destroyed. "It was preying on (折磨) his mind," she was reported as saying.
A leading art critic was asked what he thought about the matter. He said he could understand Lady
Churchill and had pity on her. Graham Sutherland was a very honest artist, who could only paint what
he saw. At the time it was painted, Churchill was an old man, worried by the thought that he would have
to end his political career soon. But Lady Churchill shouldn't have had the painting destroyed. It could
have been stored away until after their deaths.
1. Why did the British lawmakers ask Graham Sutherland to paint a picture of Winston Churchill?
A. To show their respect for him.
B. To make Churchill happy.
C. To put it in the Westminster Hall.
D. To make Churchill unhappy.
2. Where was the painting of Winston Churchill after it was finished?
A. In Churchill’s home.
B. In Churchill's office.
C. In the Westminster Hall.
D. In a busy town square.
3. Why was Churchill actually unhappy at that time?
A. Because he had to retire anti put an end to his political life.
B. Because the painting did not look like him one little bit.
C. Because Lady Churchill was not happy with the painting.
D. Because he was so very sick and did not feel well at all.
4. What is the author's attitude towards the painting being destroyed?
A. Approval.
B. Disapproval.
C. Anger.
D. Indifference.
