What first prejudices us in favor of Rosalind? How does the author use Celia to make us like Rosalind the more? What characteristics are brought out to give us further admiration for Rosalind in II, 4; III, 2; III, 4; IV, 3; V, 2, etc.?
What is the chief characteristic of Jacques that distinguishes him from his companions? How is his view of life made to add to our appreciation of the life in the forest? Note how many of the fine passages of the play Shakespeare has put in the mouth of Jacques. Why do you suppose he did this?
Contrast the two dukes. Are they conventional characters, or do they have distinct personalities? Compare Touchstone with Wamba in Ivanhoe.
Form.—What is the normal meter?
Show how Shakespeare varies the normal line by changing the number of the syllables; the relative position of the accented and the unaccented syllables; and the position of the pauses.
What characters always speak in prose? There is no accepted theory to account for Shakespeare's use of prose, but can you see any difference in the importance of the thought or in the depth of feeling between scenes altogether in prose and those altogether in verse?
The Life and Character of the Author.—See outline for the study of The Merchant of Venice, p. 72.
Outline for the Study of Julius Cæsar
I. Preparation
Little is required to arouse the interest of any class in the play of Julius Cæsar. A brief account of the salient facts of Roman history that center about Cæsar's life, and an interesting account of the man himself will help the student to an appreciative study.