Chapter V

What is the theme in the last chapter? Gluck's
attempt to turn the river into gold.

Give the main incidents.

1. The priest gave him holy water.
2. He gave water to the aged man and the child.
3. He gave his last drop of water to the dying dog.
4. The dog was transformed into the King of the Golden River.
5. He gave Gluck three drops of dew.
6. Gluck cast the water into the river.
7. Treasure Valley again became a fertile garden, and Gluck
became very rich.

What were the indications that Gluck would be
successful? After giving the old man some
water, the "path became easier"; "grasshoppers
began singing"; there was "bright green moss";
"pale pink starry flowers"; "soft belled
gentians"; "pure white transparent lilies";
"its waves were as clear as crystal".

What strong contrast is brought out in this
story? There is a contrast between this chapter
and the two preceding ones. Gluck's conduct is
so different from that of Schwartz and Hans;
and the aspect of nature, as it appears to him,
is very different from the scenes viewed by his
brothers.

Describe Treasure Valley after it was changed.
The "fresh grass sprang beside the new
streams"; "creeping plants grew"; "young
flowers opened"; "thickets of myrtle and
tendrils of vine cast lengthening shadows";
"his barns became full of corn and his house of
treasure".

Why did Gluck deserve so much kindness? He had
been hospitable to South-West Wind, Esq.; had
suffered hunger and punishment on his account;
had been industrious; had freed the King of the
Golden River from his enchantment; had obeyed
his instructions; had felt sorry for Hans; had
paid Schwartz's fine; and had shown mercy to
animals and helpless people.

Was there anything said about the two older
brothers? Yes, there are two black stones,
which people still call "The Black Brothers",
at the top of the cataract. This story tells
how these stones came to be there.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

(Fourth Reader, page 39)

The pupils have read _Scrooge's Christmas_, in the Fourth Reader. They have also read the synopsis of _A Christmas Carol_ at the beginning of the lesson. If they have read the first four _staves_ of the carol in a general way, they will be in a better position to study intensively the last stave, or chapter, which is the lesson in the Reader. They will understand the causes that have changed this "covetous old sinner" to the man "who knew how to keep Christmas Day well". This lesson should be taken up near Christmas. The pupils will discuss Stave I, after having read it at home.