action takes place outside the poem and is related?

Note the use of the supernatural (p. 239). Does it seem impressive?

Is the conclusion sustained and dramatic?

DESCRIPTION

Are the nature descriptions given for scenic effect, or do they serve as
a background and setting for the story?

Does Scott employ incidents of plot for the sake of dragging in
descriptions?

Which is the best in the poem: nature description, plot construction,
character, description, or the portrayal of old life and customs?

Is the descriptive language suggestive?

Are the landscape scenes given minutely, or are they drawn broadly, with
a free hand?

Does Scott keep closely to the geography of the region of his tale (see
map, p. 6, and note 461, p. 259)?

Perry Pictures 912-17 (from Landseer's paintings of deer) and 1511 (Ben
Lomond) may be used in illustration of _The Lady of the Lake_.

CHARACTERS

Are the characters distinctly drawn--do they seem real people of flesh
and blood?

How is Ellen's character displayed?

Do you feel any sympathy for Roderick Dhu? Does your impression of his
character improve (pp. 96, 98, 99, 182, 188, 195, and 241)?

Was Douglas an historical character?

Is the character of James Fitz-James true to James V of Scotland?

Is Allan-bane representative of the place in the ancient Scottish clan
which the minstrel had?

THEME SUBJECTS

1. Scott's boyhood (with emphasis on the cultivation of characteristics
displayed in his poems; pp. 10-12).

2. Scott as a landed proprietor (pp. 27-33). This may well take the form
of an imaginary visit to Abbotsford.

3. Scott in business (pp. 23-25, 34-36). Compare his struggle against
debt with Mark Twain's.

4. The historical setting of _The Lady of the Lake_ (pp. 46-48).

5. A visit to the scene of _The Lady of the Lake_.

6. Summary of the action; as a whole, or by parts (cantos or other
logical divisions).

7. Character sketches of Fitz-James, Roderick Dhu, Ellen, Malcolm,
Douglas.

8. Highland customs reflected in the poem (pp. 129 ff., 253, 254, etc.).

9. The use of the Minstrel in the poem.

10. The interpolated lyrics--what purposes do they, respectively, serve?

11. Descriptions of scenes resembling, in one way or another, attractive
scenes depicted in _The Lady of the Lake_.

12. Soldier life in Stirling Castle (pp. 219 ff.).

13. Contrast feudal warfare (especially as shown on pp. 81, 182) with
modern warfare.

14. Show,