2024年4月7日发(作者：)

新概念英语第一册49课课文原文

Lesson 49 A noble gangster

One of the most powerful gangsters in Chicago before the

start of World War II was Al Capone. He was born in Italy in

1899. His father was a hairdresser and his mother was a

seamstress. When Capone was 11 years old, he joined a street

gang. At the age of 14, he became the leader of a small group

of young criminals. Capone was sent to prison for the first time

at the age of 15 for carrying a concealed weapon.

After serving a few months in prison, Capone moved to

Chicago and started working for Johnny Torrio, a well-known

gangster at the time. Torrio taught Capone about the illegal

activities that were taking place in Chicago, such as gambling,

prostitution, and bootlegging. Capone quickly rose through the

ranks and became one of Torrio's most trusted men. When Torrio

retired, Capone took over as the leader of the gang.

Under Capone's leadership, the gang became extremely

powerful and influential. They controlled many illegal

businesses in Chicago and made millions of dollars. Capone was

known for his violent ways and his ability to eliminate anyone

who crossed him. However, he also had a reputation for being

generous towards the poor. During the Great Depression, Capone

opened up soup kitchens and distributed food to the needy. Many

people in Chicago saw him as a modern-day Robin Hood.

Capone's reign of terror eventually came to an end when he

was convicted of tax evasion in 1931. He was sentenced to 11

years in prison and was released on parole in 1939 due to his

deteriorating health. He spent his remaining years in Florida

before dying in 1947.

Al Capone's life is a fascinating example of how a criminal

can simultaneously be seen as both ruthless and generous.

Despite his illegal activities, he was admired by some for his

charitable acts, especially during times of hardship. This

paradoxical nature has made Capone a legendary figure in the

history of organized crime.。