Notice also the vigour of the stanzas that describe the flight of Malise.
CANTO IV
The Prophecy
Give the main themes in this canto.
1. Return of Malise 2. Norman"s guard 3. The augury and the prophecy 4. Return of Fitz-James to Ellen Douglas 5. The ring 6. Blanche of Devan 7. Death of Murdoch 8. Fitz-James meets Roderick Dhu.
What are the best stanzas? The ballad of "Alice Brand".
Why is this ballad introduced? It shows the character of Scottish minstrelsy, the belief in the world of fairies, and the lesson of hope that at the darkest moment the hour of happiness may be near. It furnishes another example of Allanbane"s prophetic insight.
The introduction: "The rose is fairest when it is budding new." Why is this stanza appropriate? It shows the tenderness of Norman"s love, as contrasted with the fierce warfare in which he is engaged.
Why is Blanche of Devan introduced? To furnish an example of Roderick"s cruelty, so that Fitz-James should feel justified in punishing him. Blanche of Devan also warns Fitz-James of Murdoch"s treachery. This stanza explains the allusions in the lesson in the _Fourth Book_, for example: "a braid of your fair lady"s hair", and "There lies red Murdoch stark and stiff".
What characteristics of Roderick are shown in the canto?
1. His care for the defenceless in his clan 2. His cruelty to his enemies 3. His hospitality 4. His superst.i.tion.
What was the prophecy?
Who spills the foremost foeman"s life That party conquers in the strife.
What is the value of the prophecy in the poem?
It furnishes a reason for the eagerness of the clansmen to take the life of the huntsman, as the former would then "conquer in the strife".
CANTO V
The Combat
Give the main events in this canto.
1. Roderick guides Fitz-James to neutral ground 2. The combat 3. Douglas surrenders 4. The games 5. The popularity of Douglas.
What is the most striking part of this canto?
The story of the combat.
Why? It is a fine example of Scottish bravery and chivalry.
What Scottish characteristics are found in this canto?
1. The character of Scottish games in the city 2. The fickleness of the mob 3. The chivalrous conduct of the combatants.
CANTO VI
The Guard-room
What are the main themes in this canto?
1. The rough soldiers 2. Ellen presents the ring 3. The battle of Beal" an Duine 4. Death of Roderick 5. Ellen"s request to James 6. Happiness of the Douglases and of Malcolm Graeme 7. Farewell to the Harp.
Why are the rough soldiers introduced? This pa.s.sage furnishes a good description of the character of the soldiers, and shows the power of Ellen"s quiet dignity and modesty.
What is the value of the battle of Beal" an Duine? It affords an opportunity to the valiant Roderick to imagine himself in battle, so that when death comes he does not realize that it finds him a prisoner and his clan vanquished.
How does the poem end? Ellen, her father, and Malcolm Graeme are united and happy, and Fitz-James reveals his ident.i.ty and shows his magnanimity.
What should be read in connection with the last three stanzas? The first three stanzas of the poem. They are an Invocation to Scottish minstrelsy. We now have the Farewell.
Which cantos do you consider are the best? The first and the fifth.
Why? The first contains such wonderful word-pictures and the fifth seems to be the crisis of the story. The interest is not sustained in the sixth canto, as one knows matters are sure to be adjusted.
CHAPTER IX
SELECTIONS FOR MEMORIZATION
Little deeds of kindness, Little words of love, Make our earth an Eden, Like the heaven above.
--BREWER
G.o.d make my life a little light, Within the world to glow,-- A little flame that burneth bright.
Wherever I may go.
The world is so full of a number of things, I"m sure we should all be as happy as kings.
--STEVENSON
Be kind and be gentle To those who are old, For dearer is kindness And better than gold.
Politeness is to _do_ and _say_ The kindest thing in the kindest way.
Two ears and only one mouth have you; The reason, I think, is clear: It teaches, my child, that it will not do To talk about all you hear.
Whene"er a task is set for you, Don"t idly sit and view it, Nor be content to wish it done; Begin at once and do it.