ARGUMENT.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
"Evangeline" is usually studied in the seventh school year--a time when a
somewhat intensive study of a piece of literature may be undertaken with
profit. This poem offers a most delightful introduction into the wider
realms of literature--an introduction fraught with much consequence since
the manner of it is likely to have a considerable bearing on the pupil's
future in this subject. It is certainly important that the most be made of
the opportunity.
We believe that the common lack of interest and effort in school work
is often due to an absence of definite and visible ends, and of proper
directions for the reaching of those ends. Pupils do not object to work, and
hard work, with something tangible. What they do object to is groping in
the dark for something that may turn up--which is too frequently the case
in their study of a piece of literature. Such a course may be commendable
later, but at this period, suggestion and direction are necessary. These are
furnished by our "Suggestive Questions," which indicate lines of study and
research.
In the ordinary reading class the work is largely done by a few of the
brighter pupils. It is quite difficult to secure a careful preparation by
the whole class. It is also difficult to ascertain how well the pupils are
prepared. The "Suggestive Questions" will be found very helpful here.
Care has been exercised in the division of the subject matter that each
lesson may, in a sense, be complete in itself. The lessons are supposed to
occupy twenty-five or thirty minutes; this, with the nature of the subject
matter and the number of unfamiliar words, determining the length of the
lessons.
The poem is to be studied twice:--
First, a general survey to get the story and the characters clearly in mind.
Second, a careful study of the text that the beauty and richness, the
artistic and ethical values of the poem may be realized.
It is obvious that no scheme, however carefully wrought out, can in any
sense be a substitute for earnestness, enthusiasm and sympathy; and careful
preparation is an absolute essential of all successful teaching. With these,
it is believed, excellent results may be secured by use of this plan.