Evangeline Part 12

(To me, this selection is one of the finest in the poem. It is a fine tribute to _character_. We have in this and the preceding lesson two pictures in marked contrast. Recall the effects the Mandate must have had on the pioneers; how we of the cla.s.s would feel if we now received such an order. Think of the homes made by long years of patient toil, the familiar and much loved scenes--all that made life dear--must be left behind and life begun anew amid strange scenes and among strange people. What utter despair must have possessed them.)

What scene of wild pa.s.sion Father Felician met when he opened the church door! Could force have quieted this mob? Could they have been _made_ quiet?

Then Father Felician enters, raises his hand and stillness reigns. What causes this great change? What wisdom does the priest show? Does he say much? To what does he turn their thoughts? Why? Who is the "Prince of Peace"? What great character in history had a like power over a mult.i.tude?

Was it a great thing that the people could say from their hearts "O Father, Forgive Them"? Who said it before this? The evening service is held and quiet after the storm. How were their souls translated? What is the reference to Elijah?

_Evangeline's Service. Shadows._

Lesson X, Lines 487-523.

What change here introduced? Why should it come in here? Any reason except a continuation of the story? (A well written play or story has a careful mixture of pathos and humor. Explain and apply.) Note lines 499-501. What was the source of Evangeline's great strength of character? Who was the prophet? Has the reference to the Angelus any suggestive sadness? Why graves of the living? Why did the thunder speak to her? What did it suggest?

SEC. V.

_Gathering on the Beach._

Lesson XI, lines 524-590.

How long were they in the church? What was the att.i.tude of the Acadians?

What happens similarly in nature? What characteristic of woman is shown in lines 553-567? Compare Evangeline, Gabriel and Benedict at this point. Did Evangeline meet her father and Gabriel in different ways? Why? Did she show wisdom in so doing? What turning point now comes? Imagine a different circ.u.mstance--how would it affect the remainder of the story? Picture the village. Why refer to the waifs of the tide?

_The Camp. Burning Village._

Lesson XII, Lines 591-635.

Picture the camp. Why refer to Paul? What was the condition of Benedict?

What disposition did he show in this trouble? Do you suppose Basil was affected in the same way? How do an oak and a willow take a storm? Which is the better way? Who was the oak and who the willow? What does Father Felician do? Does he show discernment? Explain 612-615. How many and what distinct pictures do you find in the lesson? Write lines 613-620 in your own words and compare.

_Death. Separation._

Lesson XIII, Lines 636-665.

What was the effect of the fire on Benedict? The effect of her father's death on Evangeline? What does "without bell or book" mean? What of nature seemed in harmony with the occasion? What two great sorrows came to Evangeline so closely? Review closing incidents and Part One.

EVANGELINE--PART II.

SEC. I.

_Landing. Search Begun._

Lesson XIV, Lines 666-705.

How long time has elapsed since the embarking? What were the Acadian's Household G.o.ds? Why was the exile without an end? Why should the author use this comparison about their scattering? Explain fully about the seizing of the hills. What was the att.i.tude of many Acadians? Of Evangeline? What is the desert of life? Why so called? What makes life a desert? Explain fully lines 683-687. What was there singular about Evangeline's life? What effect had this on her life? What was the inarticulate whisper that came to her?

_Pressing On._

Lesson XV, Lines 706-740.

What is a voyageur? What was Evangeline advised to do by her friends?

Should she have followed their advice? Give reason. What was it to braid St.

Catherine's tresses? What do you think of Evangeline's reply? Learn lines 720-727. Explain. What was the funeral dirge which she heard What was the voice that replied? What is the Muse? Who appeals to it? How is it to be followed?

SEC. II.

_On the River. Forebodings._

Lesson XVI, Lines 741-789.

Has the author followed the wanderer's footsteps in Sec. I, Part II? Locate scene pictured in lines 741-745. How were these people bound together? How strongly? Picture the scene in lines 757-765 clearly. Why Golden Coast?

What is a maze? What did the moss look like? What is demoniac laughter? What purpose does the author serve in bringing in this incident? Describe scene in lines 763-767. How did the exiles feel this night? What about the mimosa?

What are the hoof-beats of fate? What effect have the hoof-beats? Was Evangeline in the same mood as the others? Read to line 863, and then consider carefully the scene and events to line 790. Study with care.

_Night on the River. The Pa.s.sing._

Lesson XVII, Lines 790-841.

Explain lines 790-794 and lines 798-799. Why do you suppose the bugle was not heard? What if it was? Why did they row at midnight? Why does the author bring in something weird again as in line 805? Note change from night with its weird uncertainty to day with its quiet peace and beauty. Why refer to Jacob's ladder? How can you account for conditions given in lines 824-5?

Note that here a calm precedes the storm. Who were in the boat speeding north? What was the last we heard of Gabriel? What changes had occurred in his appearance? How did he take his lot and disappointment? How different from Evangeline? Does the account of the pa.s.sing seem reasonable? Are such occurrences common in general life?

_Evangeline's Dream. Arrival._

Lesson XVIII, Lines 842-887.

Does it seem reasonable that Evangeline felt Gabriel was near? Explain and learn lines 852-4. Explain 858. Why Eden of Louisiana? Has Father Felician given up to despair on any occasion? What kept him from despairing? Had he despaired how would it have affected Evangeline and the story? Note scene in lines 864-868. Does the author here give a picture of nature in harmony with a condition of mind? Where? Find like treatment in this section. The mocking bird here reminds one of what bird in another scene? Does each seem an appropriate part of the picture? What was the prelude? Why were their hearts moved with emotion?

SEC. III.

_Meeting Basil. Disappointment._