consideration is rather for the maturer student. To reach the best
results every topic that is studied should send the pupil again and
again to the book to find definite answers to the questions given and to
establish the proof of his opinions.

OUTLINE FOR THE STUDY OF IVANHOE

I. Preparation

The class will probably be able to recall from their previous study of
Scott some interesting facts about the author. They will understand the
book better, too, if they are somewhat familiar with the following
topics:

The Norman Conquest.

Ideals of Chivalry.

Conditions of the Church.

The Crusades.

Story of King Richard up to his return from the Crusades.

II. Reading and Study

There are advantages in a first rapid reading of the book before the
more careful reading and class study, but for pupils unused to reading
long books this is too much to ask in the case of _Ivanhoe_. The
essential result to be attained in any event is familiarity with the
details of the story.

III. Study of the Book as a Whole

SETTING AND SITUATION.--When did the events of the story take place?

Locate upon some map or, better, draw a map to indicate the position of
Sheffield, Ashby, York, and the other places connected with the story.
In the opening chapters there are various details of the situation that
are more important than the actual time and place, for example,
condition of the country, and the relations of the people. Make a list
of them.

Compare _Ivanhoe_ with some other novel in regard to the definiteness
and importance of the setting.

What do we know from the story of the means of traveling? (pp. 14-16,
192-195, etc.); of the conditions of the clergy? (pp. 17-20, 468-474,
etc.); of the relations of the Normans and Saxons? of the habits of the
people? of the feudal system?

PLOT.--How long a time is involved from the beginning to the end of the
story?

Are there frequent surprises, or do the events occur as we expect them?
Illustrate.

How does Scott arouse our interest in the development of an action? Take
the Tournament, for example, and show how he arouses our expectation
before he relates the event.

When do you first suspect that the Palmer is a person disguised? How
does the author keep us in suspense as to his identity? (pp. 60-62, 90,
etc.).

Find other instances of this device for maintaining our interest in the
story (see p. 134).

Point out several events that appea