Introduction

Born into a French middle-class family in the late 1800’s, Romain Rolland maintained his belief throughout his literature career that art remains as one facet to bring about enlightenment . His works illustrate his struggle for social and political justice, as well as his tender devotion to music. During World War I, Rolland became an outspoken supporter of peace, though he was called a traitor in his home country as a result.

Jean Christophe , the grand story of a German musical genius , endured as Rolland’s most celebrated work. The central character, with a valiant and uncompromising spirit, is depicted as a tireless musician searching for his true calling.

maintain /meɪnˈteɪn/ vt. 坚持；保持

career /kəˈrɪə/ n. 生涯，事业

facet /ˈfæsɪt/ n. （多面体的）面；（事物的）一个方面

enlightenment /ɪnˈlaɪtənmənt/ n. 启迪，教化

illustrate /ˈɪləstreɪt/ vt. 阐明，描述

traitor /ˈtreɪtə/ n. 背叛者，叛国者

genius /ˈdʒi:njəs/ n. 天才，天赋；（［复］~es）天才人物

endure /ɪnˈdjʊə/ vi. 持久，持续

valiant /ˈvæljənt/ adj. 勇敢的，英勇的

uncompromising /ˌʌnˈkɒmprəmaɪzɪŋ/ adj. 不妥协的，不让步的，强硬的

depict /dɪˈpɪkt/ vt. 描写，描述