And what may his brothers represent? Different kinds of work.
With this idea in mind, we shall now try to understand what each adventure really means. How are we prepared for Daffydowndilly's troubles with the schoolmaster and for his later unpleasant experience? The author tells us that he "took no delight in labour of any kind".
What flower did he resemble? The daffodil. The boy's name is another form of the name of the flower.
In what respect is he said to resemble a flower? He "loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labour of any kind".
Why is Mr. Toil first represented as a schoolmaster? Because it is at school that a boy is first introduced to real work. (This might be given a still more extended meaning. The school represents the preparation for our future vocation, whether it be in the school-room, or in an apprenticeship, or elsewhere. This involves hard work, and hence is, to some extent, at least, unpleasant.)
What is meant by saying that Mr. Toil "had done more good ... than anybody else in the world"? Work does everybody good: (1) It keeps us out of mischief. Criminals often become so because of the lack of profitable employment. (2) It improves character. The people of the best and strongest character are those who have had to work hard. (3) It makes the world happier. The most miserable people are those who have nothing to do.
"A very worthy character." Is "character" used in its usual sense here? It usually means what a person really is.
(Distinguish "character" and "reputation".)
Explain what is meant by saying that "he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden". Ever since that time man has had to work. God said to Adam (Genesis iii, 19), "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread".
Why is Mr. Toil represented as being such a disagreeable person? Because, to some people, work has many unpleasant features.