Back in the fifteenth century, in a village near Nuremberg, lived a family with eighteen children. Despite the hopeless condition, two of the children, Albrecht Durer and his elder brother Albert Durer, had a dream. They both wanted to become artists. After many long discussions, the two boys finally worked out an agreement. They would toss (投掷) a coin. The loser would go down to the nearby mines and, with his earnings, support his brother while he attended the academy (大学). Then, when that brother completed his studies, in four years, he would support the other at the academy.
Tossing a coin, Albrecht won and went off to Nuremberg. Albert went down to the dangerous mines and, for the next four years, supported his brother, whose work at the academy was excellent. By the time Albrecht graduated, he had earned a lot of money for his works of art.
When the young artist returned to his village, Albrecht thanked his brother for the years of support that enabled him to realize his dream. “ And now, Albert, it is your turn. Now you can go to Nuremberg to go for your dream, and I will take care of you.”
Tears running down his face, Albert said,” No, brother. I cannot go to Nuernberg. It is too late for me. Look…what four years in the mines has done to my hands! I have been suffering from arthritis (关节炎) so badly that I cannot even hold a wine glass. No, brother ... for me it is too late !”
Later, Albrecht Durer drew his brother’s hands. He called his drawing simply Hands, and later it was renamed The Praying Hands.
More than 500 years have passed. Among the works of Albrecht Durer, The Praying Hands, is probably the most familiar to people. Reproductions of it hang in people’s homes or offices.
Next time you see a copy of that touching painting, take a second look. Let it be your reminder — if you still need one — no one ever makes it alone!
Why did the two brothers work out the agreement?
A. They were curious about the result.
B. Their family couldn’t afford their attending the academy.
C. They had to support the other sisters and brothers in the family.
D. Neither of them wanted to study in the academy.
Why couldn’t Albert go to the academy after four years?
A. Albrecht changed his mind and refused to support Albert.
B. Albrecht was not able to earn enough money to support Albert.
C. Albert didn’t have a great love for painting any more.
D. Albert couldn’t hold a pen or brush to paint.
Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A. It proved that Albrecht was not good at painting.
B. Albrecht couldn’t earn any money while he was studying at the academy.
C. Years of hard work in the mines brought great suffering to Albert.
D. In the painting “The Praying Hands”, the hands were Albrecht’s.
What does the underlined sentence imply (暗示)?
A. You can achieve success all on your own.
B. Cooperation is important if you want to succeed.
C. There is other people’s sacrifice (牺牲) behind your success.
D. No one will succeed without working hard.