译文 对人性历史的考查表明,我们这个年代的人跟先前年代的人有很大的差别,以至于那种以为所有时代的人都具有被称做“人性”的共性特征的假设是不切实际的。
点睛 本句的主干是An examination...suggested that...。第一个that所引导的宾语从句that man in our epoch..."human nature."作主句谓语suggested的宾语,该从句中包含一个so...that...结构,表示某种程度所导致的结果;第三个that引导的宾语从句that men in every age...nature则作assume的宾语;第四个that引导的定语从句thatcan be called...作定语修饰something。
epoch意为“时期,时代”。如:
The teaching method marked a new epoch in education. 这种教学方法开创了教育的新纪元。
unrealistic意为“不切实际的,不实在的”。如:
He has an unrealistic expectation of winning a prize. 他对获奖抱有不切实际的希望。
have something in common意为“有共同之处,有共识”。如:
These two articles have something in common. 这两篇文章有共同之处。
“毫无共同之处”则可以表达为have nothing in common。
考点归纳 以下是so that与so...that...的用法辨析。
so that引导目的状语从句时,意为“为了,以便”,从句里的谓语动词前常加上may、might、can、could、will、would等情态动词。如:
Let's simplify the instructions so that the kids can understand them. 让我们简化指令吧,以便于孩子们理解。
The thief hid into the building so that nobody would see him. 那个盗贼躲进楼里,为的是不让人看见他。
so that还可以引导结果状语从句,意为“因此,所以”,从句和主句之前常有逗号出现。如:
The boy often tells lies, so that no one believes him. 这个男孩经常撒谎,因此没有人相信他。
It has been raining for ten days, so that everywhere floods. 雨已经下了10天了,结果到处都洪灾泛滥。
so...that...引导的是结果状语从句,意为“如此……以至于……”,在口语中,that常被省去。如:
Steven was so tired that he fell on sleep in the office. 史蒂文太累了,以至于在办公室睡着了。
You spoke so rapidly (that) we could hardly follow you. 你说得太快,我们很难听清楚你在说什么。