is classification in paragraph beginning "There are all degrees
of proficiency" (p. 164).

How does the cultured man's view of prudence differ from that of the man
who lacks culture?

By referring to the comedies that you know, verify the statement, "The
spurious prudence ... is the subject of all comedy" (p. 165).

What are the "petty experiences which usurp the hours and years"? (p.
167). How are we instructed by them?

How does nature punish neglect of prudence?

Name some of the imprudences of men in general, of men of genius, of
scholars (pp. 171-173).

What is the result of such imprudence?

Why is prudence called a _minor_ virtue? (p. 175).

To what conclusion does the discussion lead?

_Shakespeare; or, The Poet_

What is the theme of this essay?

Explain fully the meaning of originality.

What is more important in a man of genius than originality? Illustrate.

In Shakespeare's youth how were dramatic entertainments regarded?

What material did Shakespeare find at first to work upon?

What were the great sources of his material in the plays with which you
are familiar?

Have other writers felt free to borrow as they pleased?

What is their justification?

Explain the meaning of: "It is easy to see that what is best written or
done by genius in the world, was no man's work" (p. 191).

What have scholars and Shakespeare societies found out about
Shakespeare? How did his contemporaries regard him? Explain:
"Shakespeare is the only biographer of Shakespeare" (p. 198), and "He is
the one person, in all modern history, known to us" (p. 200).

What do we learn of him through his works?

Sum up the author's idea of Shakespeare's creative power, representation
of life, power of expression, cheerfulness, imperfection.

_Gifts_

What is the theme of this essay? What motives prompt people to give
gifts? Which ones are right? Which wrong? What things are suitable for
gifts? What are _most_ appropriate? What danger is there in giving those
things that are substantial benefits? Are beautiful things better for
gifts than useful ones? Why? "He is a good man who can receive a gift
well" (p. 214). Explain.

Discuss the good and the evil of our custom of Christmas giving.

Discuss Carlyle's statement: "It is a mortifying truth, that two men, in
any rank of society, could hardly be found virtuous enough to give
money, and to take it as a necessary gift, without injury to the moral
entireness of on