THE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF THE AUTHORS.--What do we know of Addison's childhood? his school and college life? his reputation as a student? his tour of the continent? his entrance into political life? his political successes? his literary ventures and successes? his marriage? his death? What traits of character made him loved by his friends? How was he regarded by his political enemies? In the paper entitled _The Spectator_ what traits are like Addison's own traits? From the Spectator papers that you have read what do you infer of Addison's power of observation? his feeling toward the follies of the day? his attitude toward religion? Contrast Addison's early life with Steele's. Relate the main facts of Steele's school and college life, his experiences in the army, his first literary ventures, his popularity in society, his political successes and disappointments. Compare Steele's traits of character with those of Addison. OUTLINE FOR THE STUDY OF IRVING'S SKETCH-BOOK I. Preparation Most students have probably read _The Legend of Sleepy Hollow_ and _Rip Van Winkle_ before entering the high school, and know something about Washington Irving. To enjoy the other sketches fully one should know well the man who wrote them, for they are strongly personal. The reader is to travel with Irving, to see things with his eyes, and to consider subjects with his good sense and fine taste. One way to approach the task of teaching the _Sketch-Book_, then, is to assign for re-reading, or at least for review, the two stories mentioned above, and to awaken a lively interest in the genial man who wrote them. This may involve reversing the usual method of studying the author last. _Washington Irving_ by Charles Dudley Warner, in the American Men of Letters Series, and _The Life and Letters of Washington Irving_ by Pierre Irving will furnish abundant and interesting material for both teacher and student. What do we know of Irving's parentage? his characteristics as a boy? his education? his first trip to England? his travels? his friends? his habits? his return from abroad? his military experience? his first literary ventures? his long stay in Europe? his literary successes? his great reception on his return to New York? his life at Sunnyside? his public services? II. Reading and Study These sketches should not be read hurriedly but thoughtfully and, as far as time will permit, aloud in class. They contain many fine descriptions which should be used, with the aid of questions and composition exercises, to keep alert the imagination of the pupils. The following are a few of the topics that might be used for oral or written work: _The Author's Account of Himself_ The author's choice of facts. (Why he chose these and did not choose others.) The charm of travel in America and in Europe--a comparison and a contrast. _The Voyage_ What Irving has omitted in the account of his voyage.