Ontario Teachers' Manuals: Literature Part 15

It suggests effort, and hence work.

How does the form of the question, "Whence do you come so early, and whither are you going?"

harmonize with the description of the stranger?

We are told that he had a "grave and sedate appearance", and the somewhat stilted form of the question is quite in harmony with this description.

Why had his voice "a sort of kindness in it"?

Because moderate work, such as this walking early in the day, is not altogether unpleasant.

Explain "ingenuous disposition". How does Daffydowndilly show this?

What made his discovery of Mr. Toil among the labourers in the hayfield so unexpected? The circ.u.mstances and surroundings--"the sunshine", "the blue sky", the singing birds, the fragrant hay--were so pleasant that it was hard to see how anything so unpleasant as work could intrude there.

Why is Mr. Toil recognized in the owner of the field rather than among the labourers? In directing the activities of the men, as well as working himself, he is performing the most arduous labour of all.

Why does the stranger say the farmer is a "more disagreeable man" than his brother, the schoolmaster? Because the activities of farm life are more laborious than those of the school-room.

What expression that takes the form of a proverb is used in describing this incident?

"To make hay while the sun shone."

Distinguish its meaning, as the author uses it, from its meaning as a proverb. The author uses it in its literal meaning. The farmer must make the most of fine weather and sunshine in curing ("making") his hay, for, if rain comes after it is cut, it will be more or less injured. Used as a proverb, the expression means that one should seize the opportunities presented and make the most of them.

What does Hawthorne mean by placing a Mr. Toil at the head of the company of soldiers?

Military movements, though very attractive to the eye, really involve work. Soldiers find their activities very toilsome, especially after the novelty has worn off.

Why is Mr. Toil placed even among the dancers?

The pursuit of pleasure soon becomes wearisome, and hence toilsome.

Why is the fiddler represented as a Frenchman?

France, as a whole, is reputed to be the gayest and sprightliest of nations.

What is meant by saying that "those who have known him best think him still more disagreeable than his brothers"? Those who devote themselves entirely to the pursuit of pleasure find it more toilsome and disagreeable than ordinary work. People frequently say, after a day given up to pleasure, that they are more tired than if they had worked hard all day.

In which of the incidents of the story does it seem least likely that Mr. Toil would be met with? In the incident of the merry-makers.

In which, most likely? The incident of the haymakers.

How has Hawthorne apparently arranged Daffydowndilly's experiences? He has so arranged them that in each successive incident we are more surprised at meeting with Mr. Toil.

Each one seems to promise less probability of his presence than the preceding.

Why had Daffydowndilly not recognized his companion before? His voice had been kind and his manner agreeable in the early stages of the journey.

Interpret this as has been done in the case of the other incidents. The early part of Daffydowndilly's journey had been pleasant, owing to the freedom from school and the interesting experiences by the way. But, as the day drew on, he gradually grew tired, and then it was that he recognized that walking is work.

What lesson did he learn? That he could not get away from work. It is to be found everywhere, in the most unexpected places, and one cannot escape from it by changing his occupation.

What is meant by Daffydowndilly's finding Mr.

Toil's ways more agreeable upon better acquaintance? When he grew accustomed to his work, he found that it was not so very unpleasant after all; "that diligence is not a whit more toilsome than sport or idleness".

What is Mr. Toil's "smile of approbation"? The consciousness of work well done.

Tell the pupils that this story is an Allegory. They have probably read other stories of a similar nature, and may be asked to frame a simple definition. An Allegory is a story, not literally true, containing incidents that have a deeper meaning than is apparent on the surface.

Its purpose is to teach some moral truth or universal principle. It differs from the Parable in being longer and more complex.

When the pupils reproduce the story, it will be well to adhere to the allegorical form, and not attempt to give its significance.

MOONLIGHT SONATA

(Third Reader, page 285)

AIM

To lead the pupils to appreciate the importance of details in the construction of a story.

PREPARATION

The teacher will have told the pupils a few facts about Beethoven and, if possible, will have shown them his picture. He will also have asked them to read the lesson at home and become familiar with the story.

PRESENTATION

What is the main point in the story? The circ.u.mstances under which the musician wrote the "Moonlight Sonata".

What is a sonata? It is a musical composition which consists of movements fast or slow, sad or playful, according to the varying mood of the composer.

Where was the scene? In Bonn in Prussia.

When? On a moonlight winter's evening.

Who were the two persons? Beethoven and the writer.

Notice that these three important facts are all told briefly at the beginning.

Why had the writer called on the musician? He wished to take him for a walk and afterwards take him home with him to supper.

Had he any reason except the desire for Beethoven's company? Yes, Beethoven's health was not good, his hearing was becoming impaired, and the writer evidently thought he needed rest and recreation. These circ.u.mstances led to an important result.

What happened next? In pa.s.sing through a narrow street, Beethoven heard some one playing his "Sonata in F".

What were his feelings? Surprise to hear it in such a place and delight at the excellence of the playing.

How did he show his feelings? By exclamations, questions, and short sentences.

What is told in the next three paragraphs? They describe a conversation.

Who are speaking? A brother and sister.