tion period may be used to
follow, in a broad way, the development of the thought.

After the class have thus become familiar with the main ideas of the
essay they will be ready for a second and more careful reading. This
will give the students opportunity for the study of details, for
completing the detailed outline, and for a general discussion of
conclusions, all of which should have for their purpose the appreciation
of the author's thought.

III. Study of the Essay as a Whole

This will include general questions on content, form, and the life and
character of the author.

OUTLINE FOR THE STUDY OF THE SIR ROGER DE COVERLEY PAPERS

I. Preparation

One of the chief causes of the great popularity of _The Tatler_ and _The
Spectator_ at the time when they were published was the truthful
representation of life that they contained. The touches of humor and
satire in the delineation of character and the criticism of the follies
of the day were most fully appreciated by those who were best acquainted
with English life. It would seem, then, that the best way to interest
boys and girls in these papers would be to introduce them briefly but
vividly to the life of England in the days of Queen Anne, by the
treatment of such topics as London, its size, population, and external
appearance; public morals; frivolities of women; lawlessness of young
men; the coffee-houses; newspapers, etc. Ashton's _Social Life in the
Reign of Queen Anne_ and Chapter III of Macaulay's _History of England_
will give the teacher a mass of material upon which he can draw to
supplement the introduction in the text-book. There is danger, however,
that the wealth of material will tempt him to devote too much time to
this preparatory work.

Other topics of value to the pupil are: the founding of _The Tatler_,
its purpose, and its success; how Addison became associated with Steele;
the founding of _The Spectator_; a few facts about Steele and Addison.

II. Reading and Study

If these papers are taken up too much in detail the work becomes
tiresome, but they contain so many references to the customs and manners
of the time, the discussion of so many practical matters, and so many
incidents full of human interest that a careful study is necessary for
an intelligent appreciation of them. Each paper should be considered by
itself; its main idea discovered; the truth of its statements tested;
the sidelights on the character, beliefs, and experie