What is the purpose of Canto III? Would the story be complete without it?
How does the prophecy related in the early part of Canto IV affect our interest in what follows?
What is the purpose of the Blanche of Devan incident?
What is the purpose of Canto IV in the development of the story?
What is the purpose of the dialogue in the early part of Canto V? of the games in the latter part? Show how Canto VI is a fitting conclusion.
Note in how many of the cantos the main action is told in a single scene vividly described.
How does the author retard the movement, keep the story from going too fast, in the most exciting parts?
What is the purpose of the Minstrel in the development of the story?
In what cases does Scott keep the identity of characters unknown to the reader for a time? for what purpose?
Are we more interested in the fortunes of Roderick or in those of Ellen?