What controversy was carried on during James's reign within the established church?
Distinguish from one another the terms Separatist, Puritan, Prelatist.
How were the Puritans gradually forced to take extreme positions in matters of theology as well as in matters of government?
Compare the Puritan of Milton's boyhood with the Puritan of the Civil War.
OUTLINE FOR THE STUDY OF THE DESERTED VILLAGE[3]
On account of the simplicity of this poem and the familiarity that many of the students already have with it, little preparation is necessary to introduce the class to the first reading. Original compositions on country scenes and country life will help them to get into the spirit of the poem, and a few facts about Goldsmith's early home in the country, and his perplexed life in the city, will show the poet's point of view.
A first reading should enable the student to understand the plan of the poem and to enjoy the descriptive passages. A simple outline, if required at this point, will aid him in fixing the main divisions in mind and will be useful for detailed study when he comes to the second reading. This second reading should enable the student to understand the poet's thought in every particular. He should ponder over the thoughtful passages, memorize the most beautiful ones, and examine the language and meter.
CONTENT.--Contrast the village of Auburn when the author saw it in youth, with the Auburn of his later years, in regard to its appearance and the condition of the people.
Give character sketches of "The Preacher" and "The Schoolmaster." Explain what the poet considers has caused the changes he laments in the village.
Contrast the simple natural pleasures with those of luxury and wealth.
What effect on the poor has greed for wealth? on the country? What is Goldsmith's idea of the lot of the emigrant?
FORM.--What is the prevailing meter? How do the lines rhyme? Compare this poem with _The Idylls of the King_ or with _The Merchant of Venice_ in respect to meter and rhyme.
Examine what you think are the most beautiful passages in order to find out, if you can, why they are beautiful. Are they so because of beauty of sentiment? simplicity of language? choice of words? figurative language? smoothness of rhythm?