A RETRIEVED REFORMATION 1. Show in what way the first few paragraphs give an unusual amount of information in small space. 2. What is our first impression of Jimmy Valentine? 3. What are Jimmy Valentine’s good characteristics as seen in the early part of the story? 4. What are the characteristics of Ben Price? 5. By what method does the author give the characteristics of the minor characters? 6. How do you account for Jimmy Valentine’s reformation? 7. How did Ben Price find where Jimmy Valentine lived? 8. How does the author give the impression of a contest? 9. Why did Jimmy Valentine ask for Annabel’s rose? 10. What forces are brought into full play at the end of the story? 11. Why do we admire both Ben Price and Jimmy Valentine? 12. Write an original story in which you show the full establishment of naturally good characteristics, and the development of a spirit of sacrifice. Make your story rise to a surprising conclusion. BROTHER LEO 1. In what way is the style appropriate to the theme? 2. Show how the author has gained unity. 3. What makes the story seem true to life? 4. How does Brother Leo differ from other men? 5. What ideals does the story present? 6. Why did the author make the events of the story so simple? 7. Write a character study of some person who has unworldly ideals,—an old lady, a sister of charity, a member of the Salvation Army, a missionary, or a devoted scientist. A FIGHT WITH DEATH 1. What advantage is gained by the use of dialect? 2. How is the story made to appeal to our sympathies? 3. How is the country doctor made heroic? 4. Point out all the ways in which the doctor’s character is emphasized. 5. How much of the worth of the story is due to local color? 6. Point out examples of pathos; of humor. Why have both been used? 7. Write a story of heroism in ordinary life. Use the slang, or the dialect of daily life as you have actually heard it, as a means of increasing the effect. Be sure to make your story tell of action as well as of character. Make it rise to a climax. THE DÀN-NAN-RÒN 1. Why is personal appearance emphasized in the beginning of the story? 2. Point out examples of poetic fancy. 3. Show how the author’s style of writing contributes to the effect the story produces. 4. Show how great a part belief in the supernatural is made to play. 5. How much of the story depends upon character? 6. What is the effect of the verse? 7. What keeps the story from being merely sensational? 8. What part does madness play in the story? 9. What is the author’s purpose in using so much Gaelic?