Any activity that has no compulsory elements in it is no longer work, but play. What is the real meaning of the paragraph describing the schoolmaster's method of discipline? The work of the school-room, being compulsory, and therefore disagreeable to idle boys, becomes exceedingly painful when long continued.
Contrast Daffydowndilly's previous life with his experience at school. Brought up under the indulgence of his mother, his life had been very pleasant. Now, introduced to real work, he finds life very unpleasant.
What gives us a suggestion as to the identity of the stranger whom Daffydowndilly met on the road? We are told that he was "trudging" "along the road", and that his voice "seemed hard and severe".
Why is "trudging" a better word than "walking"? It suggests effort, and hence work.
How does the form of the question, "Whence do you come so early, and whither are you going?" harmonize with the description of the stranger?
We are told that he had a "grave and sedate appearance", and the somewhat stilted form of the question is quite in harmony with this description.
Why had his voice "a sort of kindness in it"? Because moderate work, such as this walking early in the day, is not altogether unpleasant.
Explain "ingenuous disposition". How does Daffydowndilly show this?
What made his discovery of Mr. Toil among the labourers in the hayfield so unexpected? The circumstances and surroundings—"the sunshine", "the blue sky", the singing birds, the fragrant hay—were so pleasant that it was hard to see how anything so unpleasant as work could intrude there.
Why is Mr. Toil recognized in the owner of the field rather than among the labourers? In directing the activities of the men, as well as working himself, he is performing the most arduous labour of all.