1. At the theater.
  2. At a school play.
  3. By reading, in case there is no chance to see a play, one of the following:
    1. Fitch, W. C. Barbara Frietchie, or Nathan Hale.
    2. Gilbert, W. S. The Mikado, or Pinafore.
    3. Goldsmith, O. She Stoops to Conquer.
    4. Maeterlinck, Maurice. The Bluebird.
    5. Phillips, Stephen. Ulysses.
    6. Shakespeare, W. Any play.
    7. Shaw, G. B. Cæsar and Cleopatra.
    8. Sheridan, R. B. The Rivals, or The School for Scandal.
    9. Tarkington, Booth. The Man from Home.

VI. Organization

From the following list of paragraph topics, select those which are best worth discussing in connection with the play which you desire to review.

Select those about which you can get the fullest information.

  1. The Four W’s.
  2. The Story.
  3. The Theme.
  4. Poetry.
  5. Humor.
  6. Construction.
  7. Philosophy.
  8. The Actors.
  9. The Scenery.
  10. Character Portrayal.

If the play is noteworthy for its poetry, its wit, or its philosophy, these should be illustrated by one or two quotations. If the chief interest is in the story, tell the story. If its strength is derived from the skill of the actors, from the setting, or from character portrayal, devote your attention to a clear exposition of these phases of the play. Do not permit your notice to be shorter than I nor longer than II.

VII. Suggested Time Schedule

Monday—Discussion of Mistakes in former Themes.
Tuesday—Study of Models through Dictation.
Wednesday—Gathering of Material—Organization.
Thursday—Oral Discussion of First Drafts.
Friday—1. Present finished work to teacher.
2. Program.

VIII. A Shakespeare Program

If, for any reason, it seems unwise to send pupils to a play, they might be requested (1) to present the following program, or some modification of it, as typical of Shakespeare’s best work, and (2) to write notices or critiques thereon. It is perhaps unnecessary to add that no more profitable or delightful exercise can be devised for a class.