Must we suppose that these poems express conflicting views of different men, or may they represent views of the same man in different moods? State in a single sentence the main idea of each poem. FORM.--Indicate the meter of the normal line, or rather of the two types of lines most frequently used. What is the difference in effect between these two types? What are the principal variations in the position of accented syllables? in the number of syllables? in the kind of rhyme? Do you like these poems because of their beauty of sentiment? beauty of figurative expression? beauty of description? some other form of beauty? or because of all of these? Quote what seems to you most beautiful. Is there anything notable in the choice of words? in their arrangement? Do you find any passages where words have been chosen because their sound corresponds to the sense? THE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF THE AUTHOR.--(See outline for the study of _Lycidas_, p. 59.) OUTLINE FOR THE STUDY OF LYCIDAS I. Preparation This poem is made somewhat difficult by reason of the formal and conventional terms of pastoral poetry. Therefore, in the preparatory work, the teacher should explain these terms; and should dwell on the circumstances that called forth the poem. The history of the times should be touched upon sufficiently to make clear the meaning of the two digressions in the poem. II. Reading and Study The first reading should enable the student to trace the line of thought; to mark the digressions; and to understand the general plan of the poem. Other readings will include a careful study of the language, the meaning of the allusions, and, in detail, the poet's thought. III. Study of the Poem as a Whole A comprehensive study of the poem as a whole should be profitable after the work indicated in II. CONTENT.--What is the substance of the poet's lament for his friend? As we read the poem do we think more of him or of Milton? How do you account for this? What were Milton's relations to King? Were they intimate, personal friends? Put into a sentence the substance of each digression. In what part of the poem do we find that the allusions to the supernatural are classic and pagan? in what part, Christian? What corresponding difference is there in the tone of the poem? FORM.--What relation do the first two paragraphs bear to the rest? Where is the pastoral element first introduced? At what places does Milton drop the pastoral form? What is the effect of a change of person in the last eight lines? Has the poem unity? Give reasons. How would the poet have justified his digressions? How many syllables do you find as a rule in each line? How are the lines rhymed? Find several blank verse lines. What variations from the normal line do you note in the number of syllables and in the position of accented syllables? Does the poet show deeper feeling in his lament for King or in the digressions?