Thackeray came to the United States in 1852 and delivered his lectures on "The English Humorists." So pleased was he with the country that he returned again three years later and lectured on "The Four Georges." During these trips he became acquainted with the leading American writers of the day. THE MAN 1. With what noted English periodical was he connected? 2. Did he soon show an aptitude for fiction? 3. What authors were numbered among his most intimate friends? 4. What other eminent English writer was born in India? VIII, 3. 5. Describe his American visits. 6. Is the vein of cynicism which runs through his writings indicative of his real character? STYLE AND WORKS 1. Was Thackeray a realist? III, 266, 267. 2. Upon what was his creation of character based? 3. What great service did he render English society? 4. Which of his works were delivered in America in the form of lectures? 5. Which were particularly aimed at British snobbery? 6. Why is Dickens more popular than Thackeray? III, 248. 7. For which may we expect the more enduring fame? III, 264. 8. Read his metrical translations from Beranger. I, 428-431. 9. Which two novels are considered his masterpieces? 10. Was his work characteristically English, as contrasted with that of other nations? "CLUB SNOBS" 1. Why should bachelors be excluded from the luxuries of Clubs? 2. To whom should the privilege of attending these institutions be given and during what hours? 3. What evils are attributed to these institutions; wrongly or otherwise? 4. In general do women's clubs or men's clubs exert a more beneficial influence on the surrounding community? 5. How serious is the author? "THE SNOB ROYAL" 1. What queen of England is alluded to by "her present Majesty"? (See the dates of Thackeray's life.) 2. How does Thackeray's definition of a "Snob" compare with your conception of this type of person? 3. From your own knowledge of Charles II, do you consider him worthy of the title "snob"? 4. Compare Chesterfield's ideas of a gentleman with Thackeray's. III, 240-247. 5. Thackeray wrote several parodies of successful novels; which type does he satirize in the opening paragraph of this essay? 6. 'The Baron of Bradwardine' refers to Scott; do you agree with Thackeray's condemnation of Scott's conduct? Why? Why not? FOR REFERENCE "Life of Thackeray."--BENJAMIN. "Thackeray."--CHESTERTON. "Great English Novelists."--JACKSON. "Literary Studies."--BAGEHOT. "The Thackeray Country."--BENJAMIN. "Victorian Prose Masters."--BROWNELL. "Thackeray's Haunts and Homes."--CROWE. "With Thackeray in America."--CROWE. SAMUEL JOHNSON (1709-1784)