89
7
5
OUTLINE STUDIES
IN
COLLEGE ENGLISH
MAUD ELMA KINGSLEY, A.M.
THE TRAVELLER
( Oliver Goldsmith )
COPYRIGHT, 1911, BY
THE PALMER COMPANY
120 BOYLSTON STREET, BOSTON. MASS.
OUTLINE STUDIES IN LITERATURE
By MAUD ELMA K1NGSLEY. A.M.
COLLEGE ENGLISH SERIES:
Each Outline 15 cents ; in quantities of single titles for class use at xo% off.
f SILAS MARNER George Eliot
2 SIR ROGER DE COVERLEY PAPERS Joseph Addison
3 JULIUS CAESAR Shakespeare
4 THE MERCHANT OF VENICE . . Shakespeare
5 THE VICAR OF WAKEFIELD . . Oliver Goldsmith
6 THE ANCIENT MARINER . . . Coleridge
7 IVANHOE ,<.<., Sir Walter Scott
8 ESSAY ON BURNS . . Thomas Carlyle
9 THE PRINCESS Tennyson
JO VISION OF SIR LAUNFAL . . . J. R Lowell
U MACBETH * . . • . . . Shakespeare
\2 L'ALLEGRO AND IL PENSEROSO . John Milton
J3 COMUS John Milton
U LYCIDAS John Milton
J5 SPEECH ON CONCILIATION . Burke
16 ESSAY ON MILTON Macaulay
YJ ESSAY ON ADDISON M&caalay
J8 LIFE OF JOHNSON Macaulay
19 LIFE OF GOLDSMITH Irving
20 LADY OF THE LAKE Scott
21 IDYLLS OF THE KING .... Tennyson
22 CONNECTING LINKS FOR THE COLLEGE ENGLISH
THE PALMER COMPANY, PUBLISHERS
130 BOYLSTOW ST., BOSTON, MASS.
LIBRARY
% ^^
OUTLINE STUDY
NO. 7O
THE TRAVELLER
(OLIVER GOLDSMITH, 1728-1774)
A. PREPARATORY WORK. — Character of Goldsmith's Lit-
erary Era : Character of THE TRAVELLER.
B. FIRST READING. — Outline of the Poem: Study of the
Text.
C. SECOND READING. — The Execution of the Poem: Its
Literary Merits.
D. SUPPLEMENTARY WORK. — Oliver Goldsmith: Theme
Subjects.
OUTLINE STUDY, LXX, THE TRAVELLER
A. PEEPAEATOEY WOEK.
*
CHARACTEROF GOLDSMITH'S
LITERARY ERA: CHARACTER
OF "THE TRAVELLER."
ji
I. CHARACTER OF GOLDSMITH'S LITERARY ERA.
Note 1. % That period in the history of English Literature,
of which Goldsmith is one of the representative
writers, extends from the year 1750 to the year 1800
and is known as "The Age of Johnson".
Among the prose writers, we find Johnson, Gold-
smith, and Burke ; the poets are represented by
Burns, Goldsmith, Gray, and Cowper.
In poetry the improvement of this period over the
preceding (See Outline Study of Pope's "Rape of the
Lock") is very marked. "The artificialities of Pope
and his imitators were abandoned, and there was a
gradual return to nature and the human heart as the
true source of poetic inspiration. The improvement
was begun by Thomson in the preceding age and was
carried to a glorious consummation near the close of
this period by Burns, Goldsmith and Cowper".
II. CHARACTER OF "THE TRAVELLER".
Note 2. "THE TRAVELLER", a philosophical poem of
great literary merit, is constructed on a most simple/7'
and effective plan: — the poet, an English wanderer, \
seated on a crag among Alpine solitudes, near the \
point where three great countries meet, looks down )
OUTLINE STUDY, LXX, THE TRAVELLER 3
on the kingdoms spread out before him and wonders
if there is any spot wherein perfect happiness reigns,
where man and nature are in complete harmony. Fol-
lowing out this train of thought, he reviews his own
wanderings, recalls the varieties of scenery, of cli-
mate, of government he has encountered, the different
types of character he has seen, and comes to the con-
clusion that although the inhabitants of each nation
think their own kingdom the best, there is really no
place on earth where man and nature are in com-
plete harmony — a necessary condition of absolutely
perfect happiness. He decides, too, that the amount
of happiness existing among different nations varies
but little : each ill has a compensating advantage ;
each advantage has a balancing disadvantage. The
lesson taught by the poet's philosophical discussion
and by the facts advanced to illustrate and prove his
assertions is that one's happiness depends little upon
political institutions and much upon the temper and
regulation of one's own mind.
"THE TRAVELLER" was published December 19,
1764, and its appearance at once altered Goldsmith's
intellectual standing in the estimation of society,
placing him in the first rank of poets then living.
Irving says in his Life of Goldsmith, "His associates
were lost in wonder and astonishment that a news-
paper essayist and bookseller's drudge should have
written such a poem. They knew not how to recon-
cile Goldsmith's heedless garrulity with _,the_ serene
beauty, the easy grace, the sound good sense and the
occasional elevation of his poetry. They could scarce-
ly believe that such magic numbers had flowed from a
man to whom in general, says Johnson, 'it was with
difficulty they could give a hearing' ".
The poem "vibrates with personality", since its
chief source of inspiration was the personal experi-
ences of the author.
OUTLINE STUDY, LXX, THE TRAVELLER
B. FIEST BEADING.
ji
OUTLINE OF THE POEM
STUDY OF THE TEXT
I. OUTLINE or THE POEM AND STUDY OF THE TEXT.
1. Introduction.
Note 3. "THE TRAVELLER" is dedicated to Goldsmith's
brother to whom the first sketch was sent from Swit-
zerland, many years before the date of the finished
work.
a. The Solitary Traveller, 1-10.
Suggestion 1. Study the picture of the homeless wander-
er. Note the force of the word slow in line 1. Study
that portion of the poet's life which inspired these
lines. Discuss line 7, which is an especially beauti-
ful line. Give the full force of the epithet untrav-
elled. Discuss the metaphor of line 10. What picture
arises in your mind as you read this line? Find on
your map the river Scheld (pronounced Skelt). the
river Po, and Carinthia. Justify the epithets used in
this connection.
Note 4. The picture of the solitary poet, presented by
line 1, is a most impressive one. The line is a true
climax, as the epithet slow evidently means that
slowness of motion which results from the heaviness
of heart implied in the preceding adjectives.
OUTLINE STUDY, LXX, THE TRAVELLER
Note 5. The first ten lines of the poem justify its title.
The geographical names inserted with great poetic
art signify the extent of the traveller's wanderings.
Note 6. By Campania, Goldsmith must mean the
Campagnd, or plain of Rome. This low tract of coun-
try, surrounding the city of Rome, is almost uninhab-
itable by reason of the malarial fever which infests
it.
Suggestion 2. Campania properly signifies what? Could
it be called "a weary waste"?
b. The Poet's Eulogy of his Brother, 11-22.
Suggestion 3. Note the devices used to bring about the
effect produced by these few simple lines: — (1) The
contrast between lines 1-10 and lines 11-22; (2) The
ideal of hospitality presented; (3) The beauty of
rhythm, etc. •
Suggestion 4. An early review of this portion of the
poem reads as follows : "The poet addresses his
. brother in the opening lines of his poem in as beau-
tiful language as was ever inspired by genius and af-
fection combined". To what extent do you agree with
the reviewer quoted above?
c. The Homeless Wanderer Looks Down on the Vast
Expanse of Country Stretching Before Him, 23-
30.
d. The Plan and Purpose of the Poem Announced,
31-44.
Suggestion 5. Paraphrase lines 33-36 ; 41-44. Study Note
7. What modern English adjective expresses the idea
of thankless in line 38?
e. The Poet's Apostrophe to the Scene Spread out
Before Him.
OUTLINE STUDY, LXX, THE TRAVELLES
(1). Climax of the introductory lines.
Note 7. Nothing could be more impressive than the con-
clusion of this introductory portion of our poem. The
sympathy of the reader has been aroused by the
melancholy condition of the homeless wanderer, who,
in the midst of populous towns and well-tilled lands,
gives utterance to the pathetic line,
"And find no spot of all the world my own".
"How finely is this line contrasted with the senti-
ment which follows ! No spot his own ! It is all his !
He has taken sympathetic possession of the whole ;
'The world, the world is mine!'"
now his exultant cry."
In this philosophical mood the poet applies him-
self to the carrying out of the plan of his poem.
2. The Body of the Poem.
a. Survey of the Several Regions of the Earth and
the Nations of Mankind.
( 1 ) . The poet would fain find unalloyed happiness
and contentment, 51-62.
(a). The inhabitants of each realm think their
own the best, 63-73.
a1. The sentiment of the true patriot.
Suggestion 6. How does the poet characterize and de-
scribe the cold and the hot regions of the globe?
What does he consider the advantages of each cli-
mate?
(b). An equal proportion of good and evil m
every clime, people, and government, 74-98. /
Suggestion 7. Idra, see Idria. What is the meaning
and significance of line 84? Paraphrase lines 85, 86.
OUTLINE STUDY, LXX, THE TRAVELLER
Criticise the philosophy of lines 91-92. At this point
make a special study of the "Heroic Couplet". What \
impression does this form of versification make upon )
you as you read these lines to yourself? as you hear
them read? as you read them aloud?
Note 8. A different good, etc. — This is merely a ponderous
way of saying- that the human race can adapt itself \
to all circumstances and find comfort and happiness
everywhere.
Note 9.
(1). Wealth and freedom, etc. — i. e., the aspirations
inspired by unlimited opportunity tend to
make the less successful dissatisfied.
(2). Honour sinks, etc. — The mediaeval idea that
honor is an exclusive attribute of a military
caste and that men engaged in commercial
pursuits are necessarily cringing and mean
died out among English speaking people with
the eighteenth century.
(2). Manners and Government of Italy,
(a). Picture of Italy, 105-110.
Suggestion 8. Give a word picture of the scene spread
out before the Traveller. Expand the expression gay,
theatric pride.
Note 10. Some temples mouldering tops, etc. — The half-
ruined towers and pinnacles of the churches belong-
ing to towns of which the lower buildings were hid-
den from view by the foliage.
(b). What Nature has done for Italy, 111-122.
Suggestion 9. Put into your own words lines 111-122 and
study carefully the poet's expression for each
thought.
OUTLINE STUDY, LXX, THE TRAVELLER
(c)*' The evils that counterbalance Nature's
C^good.
a1>xxjEncect of commerce and consequent
.wealth upon the Sons of Italy., 123-144.
Note 11. The Italians known to the poet were slaves of
petty tyrants (who were themselves dependent upon
foreign despots) and were crushed beneath the weight
of an intolerably burdensome ecclesiastical organi-
zation. Under such circumstances, the Italian char-
acter was harshly criticised by foreign, and especial-
ly by English, travellers. Since the Italian race has
thrown off its shackles, it has proved itself inferior
to none in energy and capacity.
Suggestion 10. Expand the expression contrasted faults.
Explain the line, not far removed the date. Put into
your own words the meaning of lines 135-138. Re-
produce Goldsmith's arraignment of Italian civiliza-
tion in lines 123-144.
Note 12. Not far removed the date. — The glories of the
Italian city-republics had passed away before the
middle of the 17th century.
(d). Compensations for the loss of wealth and;
industry, 145-154.
Note 13. Pasteboard triumphs, etc. — Love of pageantrjN
and parade is a prominent trait of the Italian char-/
acter. The degenerate Italians whom Goldsmith
knew, amused themselves by mimicking the splendid
ceremonial triumphal procession of their ancestors.
(e). Deterioration of the country, 155-164:— <^
Suggestion 11. How have these lines proved the author's /
conclusion (See Note 2) that happiness exists not inf'
material things but in the mind? How have they\
proved his statement that there is an equal proportion/
OUTLINE STUDY, LXX, THE TRAVELLER
\ of good and ill in every clime, people, and govern-
•T ment?
(3). Eeflections upon the condition of Switzer-
land and the Swiss.
(a). Character of the country, 165-174.
Suggestion 12. Note the force of the epittiets
torpid. Describe the physical aspect of
Switzerland in your own words, stating the facts that
Goldsmith has stated. Compare the prose and the
poetical descriptions.
Note 14. Man and steel: — In the seventeenth and eight-
eenth centuries, Swiss soldiers found ready employ-
ment in all the countries of Europe as body guards-
men, and in all stations where faithfulness, steady
courage, and a tall, well-built figure were requisite.
As the money brought back to Switzerland was the
only outside wealth which ever came into the coun-
try, in those days, it might well be said that the
armed man was an article of export.
(b). Compensations for the natural disadvan-
tages of the county.
a1. Character of the Swiss Mountaineer: his\
simple wants : his patriotism, 175-208. -
Suggestion 13. Enumerate these compensations, stating
the facts in your own words. Paraphrase Content
can ____ redress the clime. Give the full force of the
argument which Goldsmith sums up in the line,
And sees Ms little lot the lot of all.
Paraphrase line 187. Enumerate the different word
pictures of these lines. What impression do they
give you of the Swiss mountaineer? Note the beauty
of lines 199-208. Why do they impress you as being)
especially beautiful. — ==r-r
10 OUTLINE STUDY, LXX, THE TRAVELLER
b1. The poet's reflections upon the effect of
this simple life, upon character, 209-238.
Suggestion 14. Put into your own words the argument
of these lines. How far do you agree with Gold-
smith?
(4). Manners and Customs of France.
Note 15. "Perhaps the happiest of all the national porV
traits in Goldsmith's "TRAVELLER" is that of
France. He sympathized with the French ; his pen is
often employed in defending them from absurd at-
tacks, and combating the prejudices of the English*
man of his day."
(a). Character of the land and its people, 239-
280.
Suggestion 15. Quote two lines in which Goldsmith
characterizes France. What personal allusion is made
in these lines? Is there any justification for the
rhyming in lines 243, 244? What idea does Gold-
smith express in line 246? Give the word picture of
lines 251-254. What idea is suggested to you by the
expression idly busy? WTiat do you think Goldsmith
means by lines 259-266? (See Note 16). Expand line
266, giving your own views on the subject. Put into
your own words Goldsmith's arguments in proof of
the assertion in lines 269, 270. Explain in full the
expression solid worth of self applause. Note the
beauty and excellence of the last four lines of this
passage. Explain what is meant by the criticism
that in these four lines "there is a refinement of anal-
ysis expressed in the most graceful diction".
Note 16. Honor, that praise, etc. — That is, distinction and
praise are the rewards most highly valued by a .
Frenchman and he is willing to pay others in the /
same coin. In Goldsmith's time, the English regarded/
OUTLINE STUDY, LXX, THE TRAVELLER 11
the French as their natural and inveterate enemies "
and it was fashionable to speak disparagingly of the
French character. r
(5). The Poet's reflections upon the condition of
Holland.
(a). Character of the country, 281-296.
Suggestion 16. Put into your own words the description
of Holland contained in these lines. Compare your
description with that of the poet. Give the force of
the adjectives patient and amphibious. Put into .1
prose description the picture of lines 293-296. How
does line 290 impress you?
Note 17. Patient sons:— The Hollanders were, and still
are, famed for phlegmatic persistency.
Note 18. Amphibious world. — A region which may be
dry land or sea, as its inhabitants will.
(b). The good and the ill effects produced by
opulence upon the character of such a people,
279-316.
Suggestion 17. Put into your own words the argument
of these lines. Study Notes 19, 20, 21, 22.
Note 19. Craft and fraud. — In the keen commercial riv-
alry between England and Holland at this period, the
advantage was usually on the side of the Dutch.
Consequently, the English virtuously deplored the
sordid commercialism of their rivals and their addic-
tion to tricks of trade.
Note 20. Land of tyrants. — The Netherlands were, at
this period, (1764), ruled by the great commercial
corporations (we would call them "trusts") which
dominated the politics of the "seven provinces". The
lines are, however, a gross libel on a brave people who
for three hundred years had maintained their inde-
12 OUTLINE STUDY, LXX, THE TRAVELLER
pendence at a cost of which the English people, never
seriously threatened by foreign enemies, could form
no conception.
Note 21. Belgic sires. — The swamps where the industry
of later ages created the seven provinces of the Neth-
erlands were included in the region named by Julius
Caesar, Belgic Gaul. The Romans were never able to
subdue or exterminate the inhabitants of these for-
est-covered morasses.
Note^ZT~'"OuT poet is determined to find an equal pro-
/ portion j)f good and evil in every clime; and some-
tn»es he is guilty of a little overcharge in this or
that particular, in order to keep the balance even.
Only thus can we account for the very severe lan-
guage with which he takes leave of Holland. He had
found the people of that country so very comfortable
that it was absolutely necessary to abuse them as —
'A land of tyrants and a den of slaves' "
(6). England.
(a). The Poet's estimate of the Briton, 317-
334.
Suggestion 18. How does Goldsmith manage his transi-
tions from one theme to another in his poem? How
does the poet describe England and the English? Ex-
plain the expression courts the western spring. What
are the characteristics of such a people as line 327
describes? To what social condition does Goldsmith
ascribe the English character?
Note 23. Western Spring. — (a). An allusion to the myth-
ological fable of ever vernal islands in the depths
of the western ocean, (b). Arcadian pride. — Arca-
dia was the one district of ancient Greece where
cities were unknown and where people lived in rural
simplicity. To Greek poets, Arcadia or Arcadian
OUTLINE STUDY, LXX, THE TEAVELLEK 13
suggested unspoiled nature ; this idea was further de-
veloped in the pastoral poetry and romance of later
ages. (c). Hydaspes. — The river Indus or one of its
tributaries. The name was known in Europe as the
eastern limit of the conquests of Alexander the Great.
All the stories which reached the Greeks and Romans
of the wonders of the great rivers of India were ap-
plied by them to the Hydaspes, the only one which
had a Greek name.
(b). The Social evils produced by Freedom,
335-359.
Suggestion 19. Explain line 338. What is the chief ad-
vantage of freedom, according to Goldsmith? Ex-
plain and expand line 341. Reproduce the argument
of lines 349-359, after studying Note 25. How is
England characterized in this passage?
Note 24. Self dependent lordlings. — That is, every man
whose social position gave him influence felt free to
use that influence as his own judgment or whim
might dictate. Englishmen had never known the ne-
cessity for keeping a united front against the world
— a necessity which, in other countries, eliminated
the spirit of faction, or, at least, kept it hidden.
Note 25. As nature's ties decay. — In common with moSjb
literary men of his day, Goldsmith deplored the pass-
ing of the feudal basis of society, "service for pro-
tection", and the substitution for it of the modern
spirit of commercialism which made the natural de-
pendents of the great their tenants or employees and
reduced the military vassals of the crown to the po-
sition of mere taxpayers. He sincerely believed that
this tendency would result in a mad scramble for
wealth in which the successful contestants would lose
all sense of honor and responsibility and the defeated
would forfeit their self respect and personal freedom.
14 OUTLINE STUDY, LXX, THE TRAVELLER
Experience has proved the groundlessness of this fear.
No one would defend commercialism as an ideal basis
for human society; but from the standpoint of the
masses of civilized men it has proved the best basis
which society has ever had.
(c). Apostrophe to Freedom, 361-376.
Suggestion 20. Study this passage with the aid of Note
20.
Note 26. Those who think etc. — Under the commercial
system, no one is exempt from toil or forbidden to
think. The feudal system assigned the thinking to
one class of the community and the toiling to an-
other.
(d). The Poet's reflections on the political and
social condition of England, 377-432.
Suggestion 21. What is the historical allusion in line
381? in lines 387, 388, 404? Paraphrase lines 401, 402.
Eeproduce Goldsmith's views on depopulation. Study
Note 27 in this connection.
Note 27. Stern depopulation. — It is difficult to justify
this statement, which was repeated a few years later
in the "Deserted Village", by any facts that could
have come under Goldsmith's observation. There
never was any wholesale emigration from England to
America, and the great migrations from Ireland and
the western islands of Scotland belong to a later gen-
eration. We can only suppose that the poet accepted
as an accomplished fact what was nothing more than
an alarmist's prediction.
Suggestion 22. What portions of America are designated
by lines 421-432? Did Goldsmith know anything
about the country described? How is Niagara pro-
nounced here? Note that line 432 is one of the few
stilted and affected lines of the poem.
OUTLINE STUDY, LXX, THE TBAVELLEB 15
Note 28.
(1). Contending chiefs — i. e., Party leaders. At the
time "THE TRAVELLER" was written, King
George III was making the last stand of the
kings of England for the right of personal
participation in the government.
(2). Pillaged from slaves, etc. — The wealth brought
home by the conquerors of India figured
prominently in the shameless corruption of
British politics at this period.
(3). Till half a patriot, etc. — That is, "Regal powerw
may be abused ; and I know not whether it is
patriotism or cowardice which prompts me to
risk despotism as an escape from the violence
and turmoil of party government."
(4). When first ambition, etc. — An allusion to the
English revolution of 1688 which established^/
the principle that the kings of England
reigned by consent of the nation and not by
"divine right".
Note 29. Oswego and Niagara were probably selected at
random from the American geographical names
known to the poet.
3. Conclusion, 433-448.
Suggestion 23. What two lines here sum up the con-
clusions reached by Goldsmith in his discussion?
Learn the last eight lines of the poem. Study Note
2. Explain the allusions of line 446.
Note 30. Luke's iron crown. George and Luke Dosa
headed an unsuccessful revolt against the Hungarian
nobles in the early part of the sixteenth century.
Luke (according to Goldsmith) underwent the torture
of the red-hot iron crown as a punishment for allow-
ing himself to be proclaimed king. History says it
was George, not Luke.
16 OUTLINE STUDY, LXX, THE TRAVELLER
Note 31. Damiens' bed of steel.— Damiens in 1757 at-
tempted the life of Louis XV. He was taken to the
conciergerie ; an iron bed, which likewise served as
a chair, was prepared for him, and to this he was
fastened with chains. He was then tortured, and
ultimately torn to pieces by wild horses.
C. SECOND BEADING.
THE EXECUTION OF THE POEM:
ITS LITERARY MERITS
ji
I. . THE EXECUTION OF THE POEM.
1. Epithets Used in the Poem.
Suggestion 24. State the significance of each word
printed in italics. Note that each single word serves
to bring to the mind a long train of thought. Quote
the line in which each expression occurs.
a. Unfriended, lazy Scheld, wandering Po, heart un-
travelled, a ready chair, the ruddy family, thankless
pride, palmy wine, sea-born gale, gelid wings, bleak
Swiss, stormy mansion, torpid rocks, finny deep,
level life, tuneless pipe, amphibious world, stern de-
population, giddy tempest.
2. Passages to parp^hrase.
Suggestion 25. Note the phraseology of each sentence,
Pnt each sept^^f into sirrmle words and compare
the r>ros^ vf»r«'™ with the noetical. Be careful t."»
the a thor's exact meaning.
OUTLINE STUDY, LXX, THE TRAVELLER 17
a. Trim their evening fire.
b. Ye lakes, whose vessels catch the busy gale.
c. Ye bending swains that dress the flowery vale.
d. Shuddering tenant of the frigid zone.
e. These rocks by custom turn to beds of down.
f . Let us try these truths with closer eyes.
g. Whose bright succession decks the varied year.,
h. Sea-born gales their gelid wings expand.
i. To winnow fragrance round the smiling land,
j. The pregnant quarry teemed with human form,
k. Winter lingering chills the lap of May.
1. With patient angle trolls the finny deep,
m. Love's and friendship's finely pointed dart,
Fall blunted from each indurated heart,
n. Where the broad ocean leans against the land,
o. Where Britain courts the western spring,
p. Her useful sons exchanged for useless ore.
3. Characterizations.
Suggestion 26. Identify each.
a. Where the rude Carinthian boor, etc.
b. The circle bounding earth and skies.
c. Kinder skies where gentler manners reign.
d. Gay sprightly land of mirth and social ease.
e. The wave-subjected soil.
f . A land of tyrants and a den of slaves.
g. The land of scholars and the nurse of arms.
18 OUTLINE STUDY, LXX, THE TRAVELLER
h. Thou transitory flower alike undone,
By proud contempt or flavor's fostering sun.
i. Lords of human kind,
j. Where beasts with man divided empire claim.
4. Word Pictures from the Poem.
Suggestion 27. Enumerate all the details which enter
into the composition of the following- word pictures
in the "Traveller".
a. The wandering Po.
b. The shuddering tenant of the frigid zone.
c. The negro panting at the line.
d. Italy seen from the summit of the Apennines.
e. Those domes where Caesars once held sway.
f. Switzerland.
g. The Swiss mountaineer,
h. The murmuring Loire,
i. Holland, Lines 293-296.
j. The pensive exile bending with his woe.
II. THE LITERARY MERITS OF THE TRAVELLER.
1. The Versification of the Poem.
a. Written in "heroic verse".
"Note 32. Heroic verse is an iambic of ten syllables. It
is written in rhyming couplets.
b. In spite of the fact that heroic measure is usually
stilted and artificial, the versification of THE
TEAVELLEE is characterized by harmony, sweet-
ness, and grace.
OUTLINE STUDY, LXX, THE TRAVELLER
2. Quoted Criticisms of THE TRAVELLER.
Suggestion 28. Explain the meaning of each paragraph,
illustrating your explanation with extracts from the
poeni under discussion. State your opinion of each
criticism.
a. When THE TEAVELLER was published (De-
cember, 1764), the most skillful critics of the time
agreed that nothing finer had appeared in verse
since the fourth book of the "Dunciad". — Macaulay.
Suggestion 29. Give the full force of this criticism, tak-
ing into account the time in which it was written.
b. In one respect THE TRAVELLER differs from
all Goldsmith's other writings. In general his de-
signs were bad and his execution good. In THE
TRAVELLER the execution, though deserving of
much praise, is far inferior to the design. No phil-
osophical poem, ancient or modern, has a plan so
noble, and at the same time so simple.
c. "There is not a bad line in the poem".
Suggestion 30. Do you agree unreservedly with this
statement?
d. There is perhaps no other poem in the English
language which combines an equal amount of ease
and polish — which preserves a juster medium be-
tween negligence and constraint. The sentiments
and language are of the same mild and equable cast.
There are no bold flights of fancy, no daring meta-
phors, no sublime ideas or penetrating maxims. The
charm is in the happy selection of the particulars
20 OUTLINE STUDY, LXX, THE TBAVELLEB
which compose Goldsmith's pictures of men and
nature in the different countries of Europe, and in
the almost unvarying elegance, and often the ex-
quisite felicity, of the language in which these par-
ticulars are embodied. Many single lines are un-
surpassed for gentle beauty of expression, and for
the distinctness of the image which they place be-
fore the mind."
e. Goldsmith excels in those artifices of style by
which the repetition of words and phrases adds mel-
ody and force.
f. No man ever put so much of himself into a book
as Goldsmith. His recollections color THE TRAV-
ELLER and "The Deserted Village".
g. The principal name of his literary period is that
of Goldsmith, than which few names stand higher
or fairer in the annals of literature. As a poet, he
is the most flowing and elegant of our versifiers
since Pope, with traits of artless nature which Pope
had not, and with a peculiar felicity in his turns
upon words, which he constantly repeated with de-
lightful effect, such as :
" His I0t? though small,
He sees that little lot, the lot of all."
» Suggestion 31. This criticism was written in 1818. Has
the criticism the same value and force to-day?
OUTLINE STUDY, LXX, THE TRAVELLER 21
D. SUPPLEMENTARY WORK.
jl
OLIVER GOLDSMITH:
THEME SUBJECTS
4
I. OLIVER GOLDSMITH.
Note 33. That exhibition of serio-comic sprightliness and
naive simplicity which gives a peculiar charm to
Goldsmith's works, showed itself equally in his life.
In his writings it amuses us. But when we think of
the poverty and hardship and drudgery which fell to
his lot, we cannot smile at the man with the same
hearty good will. Still the ludicrous element re-
mains. Even in his outward appearance his biogra-
phers have to admit it, and make the best of it.
"Though his complexion was pale, his face round and
pitted with the smallpox, and though a somewhat re-
markable projection of his forehead and his upper lip
suggested excellent sport for the caricaturists, the
expression of intelligence, benevolence, and good
humour predominated over every disadvantage, and
made the face extremely pleasing."
At school and college he showed all the symptoms
of a dunce, and many of those of a fool. Then, after
idling some time, he succeeded in failing utterly in
a very fair number of attempts to set up in life, as
much out of sheer negligence and simplicity as in-
capacity ; and when his friends had pretty well given
him up, he set out, with a flute in his hand, and
nothing in his pocket, to see the world. He passed
ed
22 OUTLINE STUDY, LXX, THE TRAVELLER
through many countries and much privation; and
finally returned, bringing- with him a degree in med-
icine, some medical knowledge, and that wide experi-
ence of manners which ever fed his genius more than
reading or books. Now he became usher in a school,
apothecary's journeyman, poor physician, press cor-
rector, and other things, alternately or simultaneously
starving and suffering ; finally he became a reviewer.
He made one attempt more to escape from bondage;
obtained an appointment as medical officer at Coro-
mandel ; lost it, and then finally settled down to the
profession of author. Fame soon came to the side of
Sorrow, and Pleasure often joined them ; till death,
fifteen years later, took him away. He was buried
in the Temple burying ground, and his epitaph, writ-
ten by Johnson, was placed in Westminster Abbey.
Undoubtedly Goldsmith's greatest works are those
which were labors of love. THE TRAVELLER and
"The Deserted Village" stand first, with their grace-
ful simplicity without humor. Then the "Vicar of
Wakefield", which joins shrewd humor to simplicity.
His comedies proved most remunerative. In all his
works, self chosen or dictated by necessity, his style
remains attractive.
As to his character, Goldsmith has accurately
sketched himself : "Fond of enjoying the present,
careless of the future, his sentiments those of a man
of sense, his actions those of a fool ; of fortitude able
to stand unmoved at the bursting of an earthquake,
yet of sensibility to be affected by the breaking of a
teacup." Prosperity added to his difficulties as well
as to his enjoyments : the more money he had the
more thoughtlessly he expended, wasted, or gave it
away. Yet his heart was right. He squandered his
money quite as often in reckless benevolence as in
personal indulgence. In private life, or at the famous
OUTLINE STUDY, LXX, THE TRAVELLER
Literary Club, where he figured both in great and
little, in wisdom and in wit, his friends who laughed
at him, loved and valued him. When he died, Burke
wept. Reynolds laid aside his work. Johnson was
touched to the quick. "Let not his failings be re-
membered : he was a very great man", he said. —
Chambers' Book of Days.
II. THEME SUBJECTS.
1. Goldsmith's Journey on Foot Over the Continent,
2. Wiser Tie, whose sympathetic mind
Exults in all the good of all mankind.
3. His first, lest country ever is at home.
4. Where wealth and freedom reign contentment fails-
5. The "Long-fallen Columns" of Italy.
6. He sees his little lot the lot of all.
7. Seeming blest they grow to what they seem.
8. The Dikes of Holland.
9. The Blessings of Freedom.
10. The land of scholars and the nurse of arms.
11. Those who think must govern those who toiL
12. Our own felicity we make or find.
The Use of Outline Studies
The use of Outline Studies may or may not be advisable.
It depends on the character of the Outlines.
Those that furnish ready-made information; those that do
the work which the pupil should do for himself; those that make
it scarcely necessary for him to examine the book that is out-
lined; these are well named "Canned English." These deserve
the reprobation that is heaped upon them by thoughful teachers.
There are other Outlines that have been made with special
care for the scholarly interests of the pupil. They are based on
sound pedagogical principles. They are in every respect helpful
and commendable.
The Kingsley Outline Studies
Are distinguished from all others
by the following features:
1. They open with a brief paragraph on "Preparatory
Work," which helps the pupil to get his bearings, to place the
book to be studied in its proper setting in the general scheme
of history and of literature.
2. They require the pupil to read the book three times,
studying it critically each time from a different view point.
3. They close with a section on "Supplementary Work", in-
cluding a valuable list of theme subjects and examination ques-
tions.
4. Throughout, the Kingsley Outlines are almost wholly in
the form of suggestion and direction rather than of assertion.
They raise questions and set the pupil at work to do his own
thinking. They are not a crutch, but an inspiration.
The series numbers 70 on English, one each on Grammar and
Geography, 5 (4 ready) on History, and 10 on Latin (Caesar,
Cicero and Virgil).
Send for Complete Catalogue.
THE PALMER CO.
120 BOYLSTON STREET, - - BOSTON. MASS-
Grammar Grade Outline Studies
BACH OUTLINE, 15 CENTS. SINGLE TITLES IN
QUANTITIES FOR CLASS USE, 10% DISCOUNT
23 EVANGELINE Longfellow
24 COURTSHIP OF MILES STANDISH . Longfellow
25 HIAWATHA Longfellow
26 SNOWBOUND WhMer
27 RIP VAN WINKLE firing
28 LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW . . . Irving
29 LAY OF THE LAST MINSTREL . • . . Scott
30 MARMION Scott
3J MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY . . . Hale
32 TALES OF A WAYSIDE INN . . Longfellow
33 TWO YEARS BEFORE THE MAST . . Van*
34 CHRISTMAS CAROL Dickens
35 HOUSE OF THE SEVEN GABLES Hawthorne
-ALSO-
36 THE TEMPEST Shakespeare
37 MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM , . Shakespeare
38 HAMLET Shakespeare
39 AS YOU LIKE IT ..... Shakespeare
40 LAST OF THE MOHICANS ... Cooper
4J THE SAGA OF KING OLAF . . . Longfellow
For other Shakespeare Outlines and the College English list
Nos. i to 22, see back cover.
THE PAI/MER COMPANY
120 BOYI^STON STREET n :: :» BOSTON, MASS.
THE NEW COLLEGE ENGLI
We offer, as follows, a new series of Miss Maud Elma Kingsley's
Exceedingly Popular and Helpful
OUTLINE STUDIES
42 THE DESERTED VILLAGE
43 A TALE OF TWO CITIES ....
44 PILGRIM'S PROGRESS ....
45 MAZEPPA AND THE PRISONER OF CHILLOrs
46 SOHRAB AND RUSTUM ....
47 CRANFORD ......
48 POE'S POEMS
49 FRANKLIN'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY'.
50 TWELFTH NIGHT
51 KING HENRY V
52 THE RAPE OF THE LOCK
53 LORNA DOONE
54 LAYS OF ANCIENT ROME
55 SESAME AND LILIES ....
56 THE SKETCH BOOK ....
57 HENRY ESMOND .....
58 JOAN OF ARC AND THE ENGLISH M AIL COAC
59 WEBSTER'S FIRST BUNKER HILL ORATION
WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL ADDRESS .
60 PROLOGUE TO CANTERBURY TALES
61 FAERffiQUEENE. Book I ....
62 HEROES AND HERO WORSHIP .
63 ESSAySOFELIA
64 TREASURE ISLAND ....
65 NARRATIVE EPISODES FROM THE OLD TEJ
MENT
66 THE ILIAD
67 KING LEAR
15 cents each, postpaid
THE PALMER COMPANY, - Boston, Massack
Kingsley, M. E. pR
31*89
The traveller «T7<
(Oliver Goldsmith) K5