Explain the following sentences in your own words, bringing out any implied meanings.

1. Oppenheimer has been “tried” for disloyalty to this country and that his clearance had been taken away. Why is “tried” in quotes?

Answer: Oppenheimer had not been tried by a court but was called before a three-member Security Board set up by the Atomic Energy Commission to hear accusations against him and to defend himself. The hearing lasted for four weeks.

2. What is the real reason for the “trial”?

Answer: The real reason is Dr. Oppenheimer opposed the development of hydrogen bomb by the United States. The “trial” took place in 1954, the time of McCarthyism.

3. Does the author think she was really ill?

Answer: No, he thinks it is only an excuse so “ill” is put in quotes.

4. Why did he teach in that way?

Answer: His answer was when he wrote he had given much thought to the subject and he considered his writing the best presentation of the subject. Since that was the case, he would rather read his great text.

5. What was Dirac’s remark when he was passing the Lincoln Tunnel once with T D. Lee?

Answer: He said if the toll was doubled and the tollbooths were halved, the tolls collected would be more or less the same.