Are there frequent surprises, or do events occur as we expect them to?
Are all the events probable? Has the author succeeded in making them seem probable?
Is the plot simple or complex? How many chapters are used to introduce the story? What is the climax?
Is there, as in Ivanhoe, a series of scenes closely connected? Are there incidents that might have been omitted as superfluous? If so, would the story have been more, or less, interesting without them?
How far does Mr. Burchell influence events? How far does Mr. Jenkinson influence them? Squire Thornhill?
Characters.—Does the author make us acquainted with the various characters by what he says of them; or by what they say and do themselves; or by what they say of one another; or by all of these methods? Examine Chapters I, III, VII, and XI.
Is the Vicar a man of intelligence? of sincerity? of good judgment? Name his chief traits. Would he command our respect if he were our neighbor? Account for the fact that people have been charmed with his character ever since the book was written.
Do the characters seem true to life? Do they remain the same kind of persons from first to last, or do they show development?
Contrast the Vicar and his wife; Olivia and Sophia; Squire Thornhill and Sir William.
Interpretation.—The writer of a historical novel aims to give a vivid picture of certain dramatic events in history. The writer of a novel of life and manners usually has some ideal of life or character, more or less clearly defined, that he endeavors to picture. Try to frame a statement of some truth the Vicar's life may fairly be said to illustrate which seems to you the central idea of the story.