Part 26 (1/2)

How is the fight between Clan-Alpine and the Earl of Mar described?

How much of the action takes place outside the poem and is related?

Note the use of the supernatural (p. 239). Does it seem impressive?

Is the conclusion sustained and dramatic?

DESCRIPTION

Are the nature descriptions given for scenic effect, or do they serve as a background and setting for the story?

Does Scott employ incidents of plot for the sake of dragging in descriptions?

Which is the best in the poem: nature description, plot construction, character, description, or the portrayal of old life and customs?

Is the descriptive language suggestive?

Are the landscape scenes given minutely, or are they drawn broadly, with a free hand?

Does Scott keep closely to the geography of the region of his tale (see map, p. 6, and note 461, p. 259)?

Perry Pictures 912-17 (from Landseer's paintings of deer) and 1511 (Ben Lomond) may be used in ill.u.s.tration of _The Lady of the Lake_.

CHARACTERS

Are the characters distinctly drawn--do they seem real people of flesh and blood?

How is Ellen's character displayed?

Do you feel any sympathy for Roderick Dhu? Does your impression of his character improve (pp. 96, 98, 99, 182, 188, 195, and 241)?

Was Douglas an historical character?

Is the character of James Fitz-James true to James V of Scotland?

Is Allan-bane representative of the place in the ancient Scottish clan which the minstrel had?

THEME SUBJECTS

1. Scott's boyhood (with emphasis on the cultivation of characteristics displayed in his poems; pp. 10-12).

2. Scott as a landed proprietor (pp. 27-33). This may well take the form of an imaginary visit to Abbotsford.

3. Scott in business (pp. 23-25, 34-36). Compare his struggle against debt with Mark Twain's.

4. The historical setting of _The Lady of the Lake_ (pp. 46-48).

5. A visit to the scene of _The Lady of the Lake_.