Two methods are followed in the programs offered to clubs in this book. First, a year's work is divided up into ten meetings with four or five papers suggested for each meeting with readings and bibliography. Second, the year's work is again divided into ten meetings, but it is left to clubs to choose from the material furnished how many papers shall be written and what their titles shall be. The material offered in either case is sufficient for twenty meetings or more; indeed, in some cases, one theme might be expanded for the work of several years.
CHAPTER II
The Modern Drama
I—BEGINNING OF MODERN ENGLISH DRAMA—THE AGE OF ELIZABETH
1. First Paper (Introductory): Beginning of English Drama—Origin in the miracle-plays. Influence of the Renaissance. Change in the form of the drama through foreign influences.
2. Ben Jonson—Story of his life; character of his plays; his devotion to the classics.
3. Beaumont and Fletcher, Massinger, Ford, and Webster.
4. Shakespeare—Story of his life; how his plays were made; his imagination, wit, and tenderness; his supremacy.
5. The Theater in the Time of Elizabeth—Scenery, seating arrangements, costumes, absence of women actors; famous theaters.