VOA慢速英语:'The Fall of the House of Usher,' by Edgar Allan Poe, Part Three

短语讲解：

1. As we looked down upon her face, I saw that there was a strong likeness between the two.

look down upon 看轻; 蔑视，瞧不起
例句：We should spurn at the difficulties but not look down upon them.
我们应该蔑视困难，但绝不应轻视它们。

2. I tried to believe that much, if not all, of what I felt was due to the gloomy room, to the dark wall coverings, which in a rising wind moved on the walls. But my efforts were useless.

due to 由于; 因为
例句：Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, this year's show has been cancelled
遗憾的是，由于一些意外情况，今年的演出被取消了。

3. The old book which I had picked up was one written by a fool for fools to read, and it was not, in truth, one that Usher liked.

pick up 捡起; 接载; 学会
例句：I'd really like to pick up Grandpa at the railroad station.
我真想去火车站接爷爷。

4. Then I came to a part of the story in which a man, a strong man full of wine, begins to break down a door, and the sound of the dry wood as it breaks can be heard through all the forest around him.

break down 失败; 划分（以便分析）; 损坏; 衰弱下来
例句：The artificial distinctions of race also break down.
人为的种族差别也就会消除。

5. There could be no doubt.

no doubt 固然; 无疑地; 很可能
例句：I am sure he will come. I have no doubt about it.
我肯定他会来。我一点也不怀疑。

6. Here he jumped up and cried as if he were giving up his soul: “I tell you, she now stands at the door!

give up 放弃; 投降
例句：Don't give up hope; keep on trying.
不要灰心，继续努力。