What does the action-word "breasts" suggest: (1) about the character of these difficulties, (2) about the character of the man? Explain "grapples with his evil star". What is the allusion? Tell, in the poet's own words, what this "evil star" was. Imagine this man grappling with it. What term do boys often use for a similar action? Which is going to win this wrestling match? Give reasons, from what the man has already done, for thinking that he will win. What does this action show about his belief in luck? What do the action-words in this stanza suggest about the man's character? What sounds in each of the words help to emphasize this grim determination? State briefly the relation of the thought of this stanza to that of the first. Stanza III What effect did the man's early struggles have on his mental power and character? What does Tennyson call this increased energy and strength of character? He calls it "force". Now, explain "makes by force his merit known". What position in the gift of the nation do the next three lines show that he gained at last? What words indicate the emblem of the Premier's power? "Clutch the golden keys." What does this action suggest as to his character? What word is generally used to denote such determination to gain power and influence? What makes such ambition lawful? What use does Tennyson show this man made of his ambition? What is meant by "mould a mighty state's decrees"? As Premier, to whom would it be his duty to give advice? The people know that the sovereign must act on the advice of his ministers, of whom the Premier is the most influential; but they believe that the judgment of the sovereign often modifies and improves this advice. To the nation, this influence of the sovereign is a silent force, but, like the silent forces in nature, they believe it to be powerful. In what words does Tennyson express this mutual influence of the King and the Premier? What features of this influence are expressed respectively by the words "shape" and "whisper"? What action-words in this stanza suggest the relation (1) of effort, (2) of time, to the magnitude of the work? State in a single sentence the thought of this stanza. Stanza IV What is the final test of the value of a law? Its effects on the people. In what words does Tennyson show the effect on the people of the laws made through this man's influence?