lases to the King and to Roderick Dhu. It
tells of the love of Malcolm Graeme for Ellen
and of Roderick's hopeless love for her. It
shows us Roderick's noble traits of character
and the fearful cruelties of which he is
capable. He cannot possibly win Ellen's love.

CANTO III

The Gathering

What are the main divisions of this canto?

1. Roderick's determination to renew hostilities
2. Brian the Hermit
3. The ceremony
4. The message of the Fiery Cross
5. Roderick's devotion to Ellen
6. The gathering.

What are the best passages in this canto?

1. Description of Loch Katrine
2. The coronach
3. Hymn to the Virgin.

Why are funeral and wedding scenes introduced?
These serve to show how the message of the
Fiery Cross was looked upon as more important
than even death or marriage.

What insight into the life of the clansmen is
furnished in this canto?

1. The superstition of the Highlanders. This is shown in
Brian's faith and in the weird ceremonies in connection
with the Fiery Cross.
2. The method of mustering the clans by means of the message
of the Fiery Cross.
3. Their funerals and weddings.

Notice also the vigour of the stanzas that
describe the flight of Malise.

CANTO IV

The Prophecy

Give the main themes in this canto.

1. Return of Malise
2. Norman's guard
3. The augury and the prophecy
4. Return of Fitz-James to Ellen Douglas
5. The ring
6. Blanche of Devan
7. Death of Murdoch
8. Fitz-James meets Roderick Dhu.

What are the best stanzas? The ballad of "Alice
Brand".

Why is this ballad introduced? It shows the
character of Scottish minstrelsy, the belief in
the world of fairies, and the lesson of hope
that at the darkest moment the hour of
happiness may be near. It furnishes another
example of Allanbane's prophetic insight.

The introduction: "The rose is fairest when it
is budding new." Why is this stanza
appropriate? It shows the tenderness of
Norman's love, as contrasted with the fierce
warfare in which he is engaged.

Why is Blanche