The teacher should study with the pupils the Invocation of the three opening stanzas and ask them to read the first canto. He should next discuss it briefly, as suggested in the following outline:
What are the main divisions of the first canto?
1. The chase
2. Description of the Trossachs
3. Description of Ellen Douglas
4. Description of Fitz-James.
Why is the story of the chase introduced? It brings Fitz-James alone into the enemy's country, where he meets Ellen Douglas, and prepares the way for the adventures that follow.
What is the story of the chase? The hundred huntsmen and the horses and the dogs become wearied in the long pursuit after the stag. One huntsman alone is left to enter the deep ravine where the stag escapes.
This description of the Trossachs made the spot famous, and ever since it has been a favourite resort of tourists.
CANTO II
The Island
What are the divisions of this canto?
1. The departure of the huntsmen
2. Description of the minstrel
3. The story of Roderick's love
4. Return of the Clan-Alpine
5. Malcolm Graeme
6. The quarrel.