The Little Mermaid▼ That Became Part of Our World 開創迪士尼動畫新時代的《小美人魚》 Disney’s version of this classic tale opened up an entire era of timeless animated films.
這個經典故事的迪士尼版本開創了一整個歷久不衰的動畫電影時代。
This year marks the 30th anniversary▼ of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. In its wake, Disney produced some of its most loved movies, including The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast, during its golden age of animation▼ known as the Disney Renaissance▼. This helped pave the way for later popular animations, like the hit movie Frozen. The Little Mermaid helped to prove that fairy tales and animation weren’t just for children to enjoy.
Jodi Benson, who lent her voice to the brave and stubborn mermaid Ariel, did not expect much when she tried out for the role. In fact, she had forgotten all about it by the time she was hired a year later. Back in those days, voice acting was considered just something to add to a résumé▼. Benson’s life, however, changed overnight. The success of The Little Mermaid led to two Grammy awards and three Academy Award nominations.
Now, there is a live-action remake▼on the way and the original animated film will be re-released on Blu-Ray this year. This will give new generations▼ the chance to come to recognize Benson’s voice and to fall in love with Ariel like others before.
1. mark vt. ……的紀念日在（某年／月／週）
This week marks the 108th anniversary of the birth of Walt Disney.
這週是華特•迪士尼的一百零八歲冥誕。
2. in sth’s wake 緊隨在某事物之後
The huge army left a path of destruction in its wake.
那支大軍壓境過後留下了一條破壞造成的路徑。
* destruction n. 毀壞，破壞
3. pave the way for sth 為某事物鋪路
Tom’s law degree paved the way for his success.
湯姆的法學學位為他的成功鋪路。
4. fairy tale n. 童話故事
The fairy tale tells of the romance between a mermaid and a prince.
這個童話是在講美人魚和王子之間的愛情故事。
5. stubborn a. 固執的，頑固的
Zack is too stubborn to take others’ advice.
柴克太固執了，聽不進別人的忠告。
6. try out for sth 參加（劇組的）試演；參加（運動隊的）選拔
In senior high school, Jessica tried out for all the school plays.
在高中時，潔西卡會去參加所有學校戲劇的試演。
Larry wants to try out for the college basketball team.
賴瑞想參加大學籃球隊的選拔。
7. overnight adv. 一夕之間，突然
The rich man lost all of his money overnight.
那位富翁在一夕之間就破產了。
8. on the way 即將發生，即將來臨
Big changes are on the way for the company.
公司即將發生重大變化。
▼mermaid n. 美人魚 ▼anniversary n. 週年紀念日 ▼animation n. 動畫片 ▼ renaissance n.（尤指藝術、文學或音樂的）復興 ▼résumé n. 簡歷，履歷 ▼remake n. 重拍的電影 ▼generation n. 一代；世代
by the time
by the time 在本文中作副詞連接詞，表「等到……的時候」，引導副詞子句修飾主要子句，by the time... 可置於主要子句之前或之後，若置於之前須用逗點和主要子句隔開。其用法分為以下兩種：
1. 表「過去狀態」時，by the time 引導過去式的副詞子句（如本文用法），句型如下： 例 By the time + 主詞 + 過去式動詞, 主詞 + 過去式／過去完成式
The show was over by the time Amy got home.
艾咪回到家時，那個節目已經結束了。 例 By the time I realized I didn´t turn off the TV, I had already left my house.
等我意識到我沒有關電視時，我已經離開家了。
2. 表「未來狀態」時，by the time 引導的子句用現在式代替未來式，句型如下：
By the time + 主詞 + 現在式動詞, 主詞 + 未來式／未來完成式 例 It will be after midnight by the time we arrive home.
我們回到家時將會是午夜過後了。 例 By the time I graduate from college, my father will have retired.
等到我大學畢業時，我父親便已經退休了。
