1. The Man—Story of his life and remarkable friendships. Peculiarities. His style and satire. Compare his prose with Browning's verse. Were they purposely obscure? Why is Meredith not more popular? His later days. Compare him with Dickens and Thackeray.
2. Richard Feverel, and Beauchamp's Career—Analysis of the plots and description of the chief characters. Have these books a moral? Discuss the novel as a teacher of morals. Readings.
3. The Egoist—Analysis of the plot and description of the chief character, Sir Willoughby Patterne. Is his refined and unconscious selfishness a common occurrence? Discuss the proper limits of egotism. Quotation of clever sayings.
4. Diana of the Crossways, One of Our Conquerors, The Shaving of Shagpat—Description in detail of these books, and their purposes. If possible, indicate any characters supposed to be from life.
Books to Consult—E. J. Bailey: The Novels of George Meredith. Mrs. M. D. Henderson: George Meredith, Novelist, Poet, Reformer. R. Le Gallienne: George Meredith, Some Characteristics. J. W. Beach: The Comic Spirit on George Meredith.
Have a brief paper on George Meredith as a poet and the various estimates of his poetry by literary critics; read from some of the best-known poems. Indicate Meredith's relation to the Feminist Movement. Look up in the magazines published at the time of his death something about his manuscripts and how he disposed of them.