For the advantages of his education how much did he owe to his parents and the circumstances in which he chanced to find himself as a boy? How much to fortunate association with wise men? How much to his own wise and persevering efforts?
Tell what you can of his ancestors, and discuss how much he owed his success to heredity.
How did Franklin manage men, get them to think as he did, and do what he wished? Illustrate by incidents.
What traits of character were in the main responsible for his attainments in each of the lines in which he gained a distinct success? Mention a few of the most important principles of his homely philosophy. Give incidents from his own acts to show whether or not he practised what he preached.
Outline for the Study of Carlyle's Essay on Burns
I. Preparation
Some of the following topics call merely for statements by the teacher; some for a special report; and others for class study. The more familiar the class are with the poetry and the life of Burns the more profitable will be their study of this essay.
The Scotchman's remarkable love for Burns.
The popularity of many of Burns's songs and poems.
Reading and study of some of Burns's poems.