setting? in the
plot? in the characters? in the style? in the lesson it teaches? or in
all of these factors together?

Compare this book, topic by topic, with _Ivanhoe_ or with some other
novel recently studied.

OUTLINE FOR THE STUDY OF CRANFORD

I. Preparation

It is important that a young student before he begins to study
_Cranford_ should have some idea of the kind of story that it is.
Otherwise he is likely to be disappointed and to fail to appreciate its
charm. Several ways are suggested for approaching the first reading. Let
the teacher, or if possible one of the class, give an account of a small
English village, using photographs, if they are available, to show some
characteristic features. Let the class write an account of some country
place that they know well with definite details of the houses, the
people, and the customs. Have the best accounts read in class. Present
to the class, or have them study from the introduction, the brief facts
of the history of this story: who Mrs. Gaskell was; her connection with
Knutsford; the original purpose of the _Cranford_ sketches.

II. Reading and Study

Oral reading is more than usually important in a book like _Cranford_,
for much of the enjoyment of the story comes from an appreciation of its
wit and humor, and these qualities can best be brought out by oral
reading. Some part of each day's recitation period might well be devoted
to the reading of choice passages. Of special value in securing
appreciation of the story is the preparation of compositions based on
the students' own knowledge of country life. They may be descriptions,
both real and imaginative, of some country village; accounts of small
social gatherings or card parties; dialogues to show the characteristics
of the people, etc.

In addition to these exercises there will, of course, be need for
cross-questioning to make sure that the important facts relating to the
scene, the characters, and the events are clearly understood. Some care
will be necessary to see that students understand the virtues as well as
the foibles of the characters.

III. Study of the Book as a Whole

SETTING AND SITUATION.--Does Cranford seem like a real place? Give
reasons for your answer.

When are the events related supposed to have taken place?

Why does Mrs. Gaskell pay so little attention to the details of time and
place?

Could the scene of this story be changed to some other place and time
without di