Following these events comes the Union of Scotland, Ireland and Wales with England, a topic full of interest. Discuss the bargain each country made; what did she lose and what did she gain? What results were brought about later?
The unpopularity of the Union in Scotland had one direct result, that of the rising in favor of the Young Pretender. Have a paper on this romantic episode. Observe how it led to the establishment of the Protestant Succession.
In closing this period study as many of the great leaders of English political life as possible, notably Walpole, Bolingbroke and the Earls of Oxford and Shrewsbury.
V—LITERATURE OF THE TIMES
Turning now from war and politics, there may be a delightful study of the literature of the time, for the period was one of great intellectual originality.
Dean Swift, the greatest English satirist, may be taken up first, his life, his work and his influence. Read from "The Tale of a Tub."
Addison may be studied as a man, a poet, an essayist and a dramatist. It was, however, as one of the two authors of The Spectator that he was most remarkable. Writing in collaboration with his friend Steele he gave his paper a world-wide popularity. Read from "Sir Roger de Coverley" and from comments upon it from some writers. Note also the founding of The Tatler, and point out the differences between that and The Spectator.
Alexander Pope was one of the geniuses of the time. Give a sketch of the man and his eccentricities. Read from the "Rape of the Lock," the "Dunciad," and the "Essay on Man"; also from his other poems, and his translations from Homer.
The life of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu should be discussed, with readings from her still celebrated "Letters." The work of Daniel Defoe must also be noticed.
Addison was famous as a dramatist, and his "Cato" was believed at that time to be the forerunner of a new and brilliant era in the drama; it was received in London with enthusiasm.