Method of Narration.—Who tells the story?
Would the effect have been essentially different if someone else had told it, perhaps Mrs. Primrose, or the author himself?
Does the narrator speak from the standpoint of one who somehow or other knows all that the characters do and think and feel, or of one who recounts merely what he himself feels and sees and hears? Compare with Ivanhoe in this respect.
To what extent does the author use dialogue?
Style.—Is there any attempt to use dialect?
Do the characters talk as we should expect them to talk, or do they all talk like the author?
Note a few passages that express humor; some that express pathos. Find a few descriptions that present vividly a scene of beauty. Are the sentences easy and natural, or formal and dignified?
The Life and Character of the Author.—What do we know of Goldsmith's childhood? his family? his education? his professional training? his travels? his friends in London? his literary enterprises?
What can you find in the experiences and character of Dr. Primrose, of Mr. Burchell, or of George Primrose to suggest Goldsmith's own experiences and character, or those of his father?
What characteristics of Goldsmith do you think you have a right to infer from this story? Give reasons.