When should we call a man of only ordinary ability "divinely gifted"? What have you read that illustrates this? (If the pupils cannot answer this question, the teacher should tell briefly the parable of the talents.)
What is meant by "Whose life in low estate began"? Why are the details about his early life mentioned? State briefly the thought contained in this stanza.
Stanza II
What was the effect of his humble birth on his progress in early life? In what ways did it act as a bar: (1) upon his own mind; (2) upon the good-will of others toward himself? Which of these two do the following lines from Œnone indicate that the poet would say must be overcome first?
Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control,
These three alone lead life to sovereign power.
State in your own words, the full meaning of "breaks his birth's invidious bar". Note.—"Invidious" means likely to incur, or bring on envy, ill-will, or hatred.
What idea is suggested in the second line as to the opportunities which come to such a man? Imagine him grasping these fleeting chances. What were his probable feelings toward those things which eluded his grasp? (Be careful in answering this. Remember that the man has gained the mastery of himself.)
What is meant by "blows of circumstance"? What were some of these difficulties?
What does the action-word "breasts" suggest: (1) about the character of these difficulties, (2) about the character of the man? Explain "grapples with his evil star". What is the allusion? Tell, in the poet's own words, what this "evil star" was. Imagine this man grappling with it. What term do boys often use for a similar action? Which is going to win this wrestling match? Give reasons, from what the man has already done, for thinking that he will win. What does this action show about his belief in luck?
What do the action-words in this stanza suggest about the man's character? What sounds in each of the words help to emphasize this grim determination?