Chapter IX: Appendix: College Entrance Examinations in English

COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION BOARD

(1905)

A--Reading and Practice[4]

_Select one subject from each of the following groups and write upon each a composition at least two pages in length. Be careful to keep to the subject. Pay special attention to the structure of sentences and paragraphs._

GROUP I

1 A scene from _Ivanhoe_ in which one of the following characters is
a principal figure: Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, Wamba, Rowena, Isaac of
York.

2 The Vicar finds Olivia.

3 The scene as it might have appeared to one standing just outside
the castle gate, as Sir Launfal emerged from his castle in his
search for the Holy Grail.

4 The ship of the Ancient Mariner is becalmed.

GROUP II

1 Why does Ida finally consent to marry the Prince?

2 Was the Dumfries aristocracy justified in "cutting" Robert Burns?

3 Show how the _Sir Roger de Coverley Papers_ deal with the foibles
of the time of Addison.

4 What does the Spectator mean when he says that Sir Roger is
"something of a Humourist"? Define Sir Roger's peculiar humor, and
contrast it with that of some other character in the _Sir Roger de
Coverley Papers_.

GROUP III

1 What elements in the character of Godfrey Cass account for his
relief at his wife's death and his failure to care for his child;
also for his confession to Nancy and resolve to adopt Eppie?

2 Tell the story of the caskets in _The Merchant of Venice_.

3 Which in your opinion is the superior character, Cassius or
Antony? Give the reasons for your opinion.

4 What qualities in the character of Brutus are brought home to us
in the last scene of _Julius Caesar?_ Trace in the action of the play
the influence of any one of these qualities.

B--Study and Practice

_The candidate is expected to answer four of the questions on this paper, selecting them in accordance with instructions under the headings._

_I Take one part only, either a or b._

_a_ "Sir, let me add, too, that the opinion of my having some
abstract right in my favor would not put me _much_ at my ease in
_passing sentence, unless_ I could be sure that there were no rights
which, in their exercise under certain circumstances, were not the
most _odious_ of all wrongs and the most vexatious of all
injustice."

(1) Name each clause by giving the grammatical subject,
the verb, and the complement (if any). State the kind of
clause. Give the reasons for your statements.

(2) Parse the italicized words.

_b_ (1) Comment upon the unity of the following sentence and give
the reasons for your opinion.

"_At this moment the clang of the portal was heard, a sound at which
the stranger started, stepped hastily to the window, and looked
with an air of alarm at Ravenswood, when he saw that the gate of
the court was shut, and his domestics excluded._"

(2) In each of the sentences printed below tell whether the use of
the italicized expression is right or wrong, and give the reason
for your decision.

_p_ The congregation _was_ free to go their way.

_q_ He said that he himself and I _should_ go to-morrow, but
that you _would_ not go till next week.

_r_ Seated on an upright tombstone, close to him, was a strange
unearthly figure, _whom_, Gabriel felt at once, was no being of
this world.

_s_ _After eating a hearty dinner our carriages_ were brought
to the door.

_II Take one part only, either a or b._

_a_ "Magnanimity in politics is not seldom the truest wisdom; and a
great empire and little minds go ill together. If we are conscious
of our station, and glow with zeal to fill our places as becomes our
situation and ourselves, we ought to auspicate all our public
proceedings on America with the old warning of the church, _Sursum
corda_! We ought to elevate our minds to the greatness of that trust
to which the order of Providence has called us."

Write one paragraph or two or more connected paragraphs on
the passage given above. Let your answer show (1) the
division of Burke's speech in which this passage occurs, (2)
the relation of the idea here expressed to his plan for the
government of America, (3) the manner in which his motions
carry out this plan.

_b_ "It appears that Addison, on his death bed, called himself to
strict account, and was not at ease until he had asked pardon for an
injury which it was not even suspected that he had committed,--for
an injury which would have caused disquiet only to a very tender
conscience. Is it not then reasonable to infer that, if he had
really been guilty of forming a base conspiracy against the fame and
fortunes of a rival, he would have expressed some remorse at so
serious a crime?"

Write one paragraph or two or more connected paragraphs on
the passage given above. Show clearly to what reference is
made in the last sentence.

_III Take one part only, either a or b._

_a_ "Thou hast it now: king, _Cawdor_, _Glamis_, all,
As the weird women promised, and I fear
Thou _play'dst most foully for't_: yet it was said
It should not _stand in thy posterity_,
But that myself should be the root and father
Of many kings. If there come truth from them--
As upon thee, Macbeth, their speeches shine--
Why, by the _verities_ on thee made good,
May they not be my _oracles_ as well
And _set me up in hope_? But hush, no more."

In a paragraph or two show who is the speaker and what the
passage suggests respecting his character.

Give the meaning of the italicized words and phrases.

_b_ "We wish to add a few words relative to another subject on which
the enemies of Milton delight to dwell--his conduct during the
administration of the Protector."

In a paragraph or two summarize Macaulay's views on the subject
indicated in the passage given above.

_IV Take one part only, either a or b._

_a_ "Mortals, that would follow me,
Love Virtue; she alone is free.
She can teach ye how to climb
Higher than the sphery chime;
Or, if Virtue feeble were,
Heaven itself would stoop to her."

By whom were these words said? to whom? when? where? under
what circumstances? Show the relation of these lines to the
opening lines of the poem; to the plot of the poem. Answer
in a paragraph or two.

_b_ In Macaulay's _Essay on Milton_ occurs the following passage:

"In none of the works of Milton is his peculiar manner more
happily displayed than in the _Allegro_ and the _Penseroso_.
It is impossible to conceive that the mechanism of language
can be brought to a more exquisite degree of perfection.
These poems differ from others as attar of roses differs
from ordinary rose-water, the close-packed essence from the
thin, diluted mixture. _They are, indeed, not so much poems
as collections of hints, from each of which the reader is to
make out a poem for himself. Every epithet is a text for a
stanza._"

Quote from _L'Allegro_ and _Il Penseroso_ several phrases,
lines, or passages that exemplify the statements in italics.
Give your reasons for the selection of any one of these.

(1907)

A--Reading and Practice

_Select one subject from each of the following groups, and upon each subject you select write at least two pages._

GROUP I

1 Under what circumstances did "the vision" come to Sir Launfal?

What was "the vision"? What was its effect upon him?

2 In what respect was Macbeth, though the bravest of the generals,
"infirm of purpose"?

3 Show how, as the villagers said, "Silas Marner had brought a blessing
on himself by acting like a father to a lone, motherless child."

4 Compare _Ivanhoe_ with the most interesting story (by some other
author) that you have ever read.

GROUP II

1 Give an account of the duel between Fitz-James and Roderick Dhu.

2 Relate how Sir Bedivere dealt with Excalibur.

3 Describe Goldsmith as he probably appeared to Johnson or Garrick or
Boswell or Burke.

GROUP III

1 Show from the _Sir Roger de Coverley Papers_ that the Spectator spoke
truly when he said, "the city is the great field of game for sportsmen
of my species."

2 Which question or questions on this paper has your training in English
best fitted you to answer? Give the reasons for your answer.

3 Describe the most dramatic moment (as it seems to you) in _The
Merchant of Venice_.

4 What are the chief characteristics that you would emphasize in the
presentation of Shylock on the stage? Give the reasons for your answer.

B--Study and Practice

_Answer four of the questions on this paper, selecting them in accordance with the instructions under the headings._

_I Take one part only, either a or b._

_a_ "Mr. Dance told me to jump down and knock, and Dogger gave me a
stirrup to descend by. The door was opened almost at once by the
maid.

"'Is Dr. Livesey in?' I asked.

"No, she said; he had come home in the afternoon, but had gone up to
the Hall to dine and pass the evening with the squire.

"This time, as the distance was short, I did not mount, but ran with
Dogger's stirrup-leather to the lodge gates. Here Mr. Dance
dismounted, and taking me along with him, was admitted at a word
into the house."

1 State as to each of the verbs in the sentences in the preceding
passage whether it is (_a_) transitive or intransitive, (_b_) active
or passive, (_c_) regular or irregular.

2 State which of the verbs here used transitively may be used
intransitively, and which used intransitively may be used transitively.

3 Give the principal parts of each irregular verb.

4 Name the voice, mood, tense, person, and number of two of the
principal verbs.

5 Explain the construction of one infinitive and one participle.

What constitutes a sentence? On the basis of your answer to this question, discuss whether the following are properly to be considered sentences. Recast those of the five that you deem unsatisfactory:

1 They were an odd couple and she was at least forty years old.

2 The enemy's troops charged, broke and fled, and we pursued them to the
edge of their camp.

3 His father's family having all died many years before.

4 One who stood foremost in every good work, never relaxing his efforts
till the cause in which they were enlisted had triumphed.

5 Many years had rolled by, many changes had taken place, but the old
elm still stood.

_In answering the questions selected from II, III, and IV, regard each answer as an English composition; give special attention to spelling, punctuation, and the construction not only of sentences and paragraphs but of the whole composition._

_II Take one part only, either a or b._

_a_ Who was on the English throne when Burke delivered his Speech on Conciliation? Was the speech delivered before or after the Stamp Act? Before or after the Declaration of Independence? Who was the English Prime Minister at the time? Did Burke's motions prevail?

Burke stated that the spirit of liberty among the Americans was "fierce", and that there were but three possible ways of dealing with it: one was, _to remove the causes_. What were the other two methods? Which of them did Burke advocate, and why?

_b_ Contrast at some length the policy of the English ministry with that of Burke as set forth in this speech.

_III Take one part only, either a or b._

_a_ From the facts in the play justify Cassius's estimate of the Romans:

"And why should Caesar be a tyrant then?
Poor man! I know he would not be a wolf
But that he sees the Romans are but sheep:
He were no lion, were not Romans hinds.
Those that with haste will make a mighty fire
Begin it with weak straws: what trash is Rome,
What rubbish, and what offal, when it serves
For the base matter to illuminate
So vile a thing as Caesar!"

--_Act I, Sc. 3, 103-111._

_b_ Discuss the speeches of Brutus and Antony at the funeral of Caesar, showing how each is characteristic of the speaker and of the part each bears in the action of the play.

_IV Take one part only, either a or b or c._

_a_ Quote from Milton or Shakespeare at least ten consecutive lines (other than those printed on this paper); give their setting and tell why to you the lines seem worth committing to memory.

_b_ Discuss the position of men of letters in the times of Addison and Johnson respectively.

_c_ Give the history of Johnson's _Dictionary_.

[4] In all these papers special attention should be given to spelling, punctuation and paragraph structure, and neatness.

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

(1906)

_The examiner expects you to plan each answer before writing, to write neatly and legibly, to spell and punctuate correctly, and to be accurate and intelligent in choosing words and in framing sentences and paragraphs._

I

_Write carefully planned compositions on three of the following subjects._

1 The good traits in Macbeth's character.

2 Antonio and Bassanio as gentlemen.

3 The scenes in _The Merchant of Venice_ which excite sympathy for Shylock.

4 Scott's poetry.

5 My first reading of _The Lady of the Lake_.

6 The best scene in _The Lady of the Lake_ and my reasons for liking it.

7 "I found Him in the shining of the stars,
I mark'd Him in the flowering of His fields,
But in His ways with men I find Him not.
I waged His wars, and now I pass and die."

8 How Gareth became a knight.

9 Godfrey Cass.

10 My reading apart from the prescribed books.

II

_The examiner expects answers not merely correct but also well composed. Answer all the questions._

1 What is the plot of _Comus_?

2 Are the characters in _Comus_ as much like real persons as the
characters in Shakespeare's plays? Give reasons for your answer.

3 Relate the early life of Addison up to the time when he began to write
for the _Spectator_.

4 Tell what you know about Johnson's Club.

(1907)

_Write carefully: the quality of your English is even more important than your knowledge of the books. Plan your answers before you write them, and look them over carefully after you have written them._

_Omit either 3 or 4._

1 (Forty minutes.) Tell in the first person, as simply and as vividly as
you can, the story of _The Ancient Mariner_.

2 (One hour.) Explain as fully as you can the differences between the
life of knights and ladies at the time of King Arthur or of Ivanhoe, and
the life of people in London in the eighteenth century,--the time of Sir
Roger de Coverley, of Goldsmith, and of Dr. Johnson.

3 (Twenty minutes.) What does Macaulay mean when he says that Johnson
"came up to London precisely at the time when the condition of a man of
letters was most miserable and degraded"?

4 (Twenty minutes.) Write a letter, addressed to a person with whom you
are not acquainted, applying for a position and setting forth your
qualifications for it.

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY

(1907)

A

Any dishonesty in the examinations, including the giving as well as the receiving of aid, will, if detected, permanently debar the candidate from entering the University.

The purpose of this examination is to test (1) the candidate's ability to write English correctly, and (2) his acquaintance with certain specified works. The candidate is advised to go over his paper carefully before the end of the hour, to make sure that it is correctly spelled, punctuated, and paragraphed.

_Write short compositions on three of the following topics:_

I King Arthur as portrayed in the _Idylls of the King_.

II The English country squire as portrayed in the _Sir Roger de Coverley
Papers_ and in _Silas Marner_.

III The gradual deterioration of Macbeth's character.

IV Shylock and Isaac of York--a comparison.

V Lancelot's sojourn at Astolat.

B

The purpose of this examination is primarily to test the candidate's knowledge of certain specified works; but the examiners will refuse to accept any paper which shows marked deficiency in English composition. The candidate is therefore advised to look over his paper carefully before the end of the hour.

I (_a_) Why was Brutus chosen as the leader of the conspiracy? In what
events of the play does he show his fitness as a leader? In what events
does he show his unfitness?

(_b_) In what ways does Brutus reveal the gentler side of his
character?

II (_a_) Name the supernatural characters in _Comus_, and show what
influence each exerts upon the human beings of the play.

(_b_) To what ways of spending his old age does the speaker in _Il
Penseroso_ look forward?

III What does Burke say on each of the following topics, and how does he
relate his discussion of each to his argument for conciliation?

(_a_) The use of force in bringing a colony to terms.

(_b_) American fisheries. (_c_) The history of Ireland.

IV (_a_) Addison's travels.

(_b_) Johnson's intimate friends.

BRYN MAWR COLLEGE

(Spring, 1906)

_The composition should contain not less than sixty lines of the examination book, and should be correct in spelling, grammar, punctuation, paragraphing, and general arrangement._

(_Question 1. For candidates prepared on the reading set by Bryn Mawr College._)

1 How far, in your opinion, is Keat's saying, "I have loved the
principle of beauty in all things," borne out by those of his poems that
you have read? In answering the question consider, for instance, the
subjects chosen, the method of treatment, the style, and the meter.

(_Question 2. For candidates prepared on the reading set by the Conference on Uniform Entrance Requirements in English._)

2 Is Scott, in your opinion, greater as poet or novelist? Answer in as
full detail as you can, basing your opinion on _The Lady of the Lake_
and _Ivanhoe_.

(_Questions 3 and 4 are for all candidates._)

3 Describe Sir Roger de Coverley.

4 Tell, briefly, Shylock's story.

(Autumn, 1906)

1 The function of tragedy is said to be, "to touch the heart with a
sense of beauty and pathos, to open the springs of love and tears."
Compare the characters of Brutus and Shylock with this definition in
mind, stating which makes the stronger appeal to your sympathies and
why.

2 Describe the old Pyncheon house in the _House of the Seven Gables_.

3 Tell the story of _The Ancient Mariner_.

(Spring, 1907)

_Composition_ (1) _should contain not less than sixty lines of the examination book, composition_ (2) _not less than thirty lines, and both compositions should be correct in spelling, punctuation, grammar, paragraphing and general arrangement._

1 Write a composition on the Minor Poems of Milton that you have read,
discussing their chief characteristics and giving reasons for the
pleasure you derive from them. In writing the composition consider, for
example, the subjects chosen, the method of treatment, the style and the
meter.

2 Describe in as full detail as you can the scene from Scott's _Ivanhoe_
that you remember most vividly.

THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

(Spring, 1907)

_State:_

1 At what school you studied English.
2 Under whose instruction.
3 For how long.
4 The text-books used.

A--Composition

_Write a short composition on two of the following topics. Use plain, natural English, free from errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar, and correct in idiom. Before you begin, think what you are going to say. You will be judged by how well you write, not by how much._

1 The history of the writing of _The Ancient Mariner_, and its place
in the development of English Literature.

2 The story of _The Passing of Arthur_.

3 Banquo.

4 The siege of Front-de-Boeuf's Castle.

5 The character of Oliver Goldsmith.

B--Intensive Reading

_Explain the following passages:_

_a_ And Caesar's spirit, ranging for revenge,
With Ate by his side come hot from hell,
Shall in these confines with a monarch's voice
Cry "Havoc."

--_Julius Caesar_.

Who speaks, and when?

_b_ You shall digest the venom of your spleen,
Though it do split you;...
I'll use you for my ... laughter,
When you are waspish.

--_Julius Caesar_.

_c_ Philomel will deign a song,
In her sweetest, saddest plight,
Smoothing the rugged brow of Night
While Cynthia checks her dragon yoke
Gently o'er the accustomed oak.

--_Il Penseroso_.

_d_ Alas, what boots it with incessant care
To tend the homely slighted shepherd's trade,
And strictly meditate the thankless Muse?

--_Lycidas_.

C--Rhetoric

1 Explain and illustrate the principle of _coherence_, (_a_) in the
sentence, (_b_) in the paragraph.

2 Define and illustrate simple, complex, and compound sentences.
Write a brief account of a happening of yesterday; first write it in
simple sentences only, then rewrite it in complex and compound
sentences.

3 Comment on the use of the _italicized words_ in the following
sentences:

The _quick_ fishes _steered_ to and fro about the
body.

How terrible, in "The Ancient Mariner," are the dead _throats_
singing _spectral_ carols!

Stars are my _candles_, and the wind my _friend_.

(Autumn, 1907)

_State:_

1 At what school you studied English.
2 Under whose instruction.
3 For how long.
4 The text-books used.

A--Composition and Rhetoric

1 Write, first making an outline, on _two_ of the following topics:

_a_ Was Portia a lovable character--a girl who would
make a good wife?

_b_ The story of Lancelot and Elaine.

_c_ Johnson and Goldsmith.

_d_ Macaulay's ideas of the Puritans and of King Charles I.

_e_ High-school fraternities.

_f_ The town I like best.

2 Explain the principle of _coherence_, and show how, from sentence
to sentence, you have made the coherence plain in your two foregoing
compositions.

3 Define and give synonyms for the following words: _passive_,
_taunt_, _sanguine_, _affect_, _fix_, _stingy_. Be equally careful
about the truth and the form of your definitions.

4 Give, in a sentence of 30 words or more, three examples of
parallel constructions.

B--Literature

1 Who wrote: _The Faerie Queene_, _Rasselas_, _Treasure land_, _Vanity
Fair_, _Tintern Abbey_, _Love's Labor's Lost_, _Robinson Crusoe_,
_Locksley Hall_?

2 What becomes of _Fleance_? of _Rebecca, the Jewess_? of _Cassius_? of
_Gareth_? of _Godfrey Cass_? What was the result of Burke's speech on
Conciliation?

3 Locate and explain the following passages:

_a_ Comes the blind Fury with the abhorred shears.

_b_ Or bid the soul of Orpheus sing
Such notes as warbled to the string
Drew iron tears down Pluto's cheek,
And made Hell grant what love did seek.

_c_ He were no lion, were not Romans hinds.

_d_ I am a soldier, I,
Older in practice, abler than yourself
To make conditions.

_e_ The death of each day's life, sore labor's bath.

BROWN UNIVERSITY

(1905)

I

_Answer all the questions:_

1 Correct any errors in the following sentences. Give reasons for the
changes you make.

_a_ The man whom she thought was her cousin was not.

_b_ After digging for some weeks longer, another strata was
discovered.

_c_ Seating myself by the fire, which my odious companion had
lighted, he thus began his tale.

_d_ To the right of this monument stands the City Hall, a building
of granite, and a few more structures of less importance.

_e_ The tire was cut all the width and was caused by a wood-chopper
who placed an axe beneath the tire.

2 Insert the proper forms (shall or will) in the following sentences:

_a_ I be glad to do it.

_b_ I gladly do it.

_c_ If the school year is shortened, we find that
less work is accomplished.

_d_ you take my book, or you be able to do
without one?

3 Define the following expressions: predicate, passive voice,
intransitive, possessive, superlative.

II

_Answer three questions:_

1 Describe the quarrel between Brutus and Cassius in the Fourth Act
of _Julius Caesar_. What characteristics of each does the quarrel
reveal?

2 Narrate the adventures of Moses at the fair in _The Vicar of
Wakefield_.

3 Where does Carlyle place the responsibility for the misfortunes of
Burns?

4 Sketch the life of Lowell.

5 Describe the change which came over the title-character in _The
Princess_.

III

_Answer all the questions:_

1 Explain words in italics.

The English power is near, led on by Malcolm,
His uncle Siward, and the good Macduff:
Revenges burn in them; for their _dear_ causes
Would to the bleeding and the grim _alarm_
Excite the _mortified_ man.

Whether beyond the stormy Hebrides,
Where thou perhaps under the whelming tide
Visit'st the bottom of the _monstrous_ world;
Or whether thou, _to our moist vows denied_,
Sleep'st by the fable of Bellerus old,
Where _the great Vision of the guarded mount_
Looks toward _Namancos_ and _Bayona's hold_.

2 Scan the last two lines in the second passage above, as they would be
read naturally. Name the feet in the first of the two lines, and give
the metrical name for the second line as a whole.

3 What does Macaulay say of Addison as a satirist?

(1907)

I

1 Decline the personal pronouns.

2 Give the preterites and past participles of the following verbs: lie,
lay, sit, set, raise, rise, dive.

3 Give the plurals of the following nouns: spoonful, Mussulman,
mother-in-law, series, sheep, alumnus, prospectus.

4 Give the case, number and construction of each noun and pronoun, and
the mood, tense, voice and construction of each verb in the following
sentence: If, in short, a writer sincerely wishes to communicate to
another mind what is in his own mind, he will choose that one of two or
more words equally in good use which expresses his meaning as fully as
it is within the power of language to express it.

II

_Write carefully prepared themes, about two pages in length, on two of the following topics:_

1 A mediaeval tournament.

2 The career and character of Lancelot.

3 The outlaws in _Ivanhoe_.

4 Goldsmith's early life.

5 The death of Banquo.

6 Literary life in England in the eighteenth century.

III

_Answer all the questions:_

1 Explain the italicized words in the following passages from _Il
Penseroso:_

(_a_) The fickle _pensioners_ of _Morpheus'_ train.

(_b_) 'Less _Philomel_ will deign a song.

(_c_) Or call up _him that left half told_
The story of _Cambuskan_ bold.

(_d_) _Storied_ windows richly _dight_.

2 Give some account of Johnson's works.

3 Who were Garrick, Reynolds, Burke, and Boswell?

4 In what form were Macaulay's _Essays_ first published?

5 From what source did Shakespeare take most of the material for _Julius
Caesar_?

SHEFFIELD SCIENTIFIC SCHOOL

(1905)

A

The candidate is advised to be careful in paragraphing, spelling, punctuation, and form of expression.

_Select either of the two following lists of topics, plainly indicating at the head of the paper which list is selected. Write short compositions (containing about one hundred words each) on five subjects chosen from that list._

_The candidate must draw all his subjects from the one list selected_.

FIRST LIST

1 The Excursion to the Waterfall in _The Princess_.

2 The Elopement of Jessica.

3 Cedric's Escape from Front-de-Boeuf's Castle.

4 Antony's Speech over Caesar's Body.

5 Sir Launfal and the Leper.

6 Sir Andrew Freeport.

7 Carlyle on the Sincerity of the Poetry of Burns.

8 The Influence of Eppie upon Silas Marner.

9 Carlyle on Burns as a Poet of Scottish Peasant Life.

10 A brief Sketch of Goldsmith's Life.

SECOND LIST

1 Sir Lancelot in _Gareth and Lynette_.

2 Sir Lavaine in _Lancelot and Elaine_.

3 Arthur's Sword, Excalibur.

4 The Elopement of Jessica.

5 The Witches in _Macbeth_.

6 Sir Andrew Freeport.

7 Cedric's Escape from Front-de-Boeuf's Castle.

8 The Songs in _The Lady of the Lake_.

9 The Influence of Eppie upon Silas Marner.

10 Goldsmith's Acquaintance with Dr. Johnson.

B

1 (_a_) Describe in detail the scene in which occurs the knocking at the
gate of Macbeth's castle.

(_b_) How do Ross, Donalbain, and Hecate figure in the action in
_Macbeth_?

(_c_) Trace throughout _Macbeth_ the part of Macduff.

2 (_a_) Justify fully the phrase "companion pieces" often applied to
_L'Allegro_ and _Il Penseroso_.

(_b_) Thoroughly explain the significance of the following portion of
the complete title of _Lycidas_: "The Author ... by occasion foretells
the ruin of our corrupted clergy, then in their height."

(_c_) Discuss the songs in _Comus_.

3 (_a_) What, according to Macaulay, were the most important public
questions with which Milton concerned himself?

(_b_) What does Macaulay say of _Il Penseroso_, _L'Allegro_,
and _Comus_?

(_c_) Show clearly Macaulay's estimate of Richard Steele.

4 What does Burke say, (_a_) of American commerce;
(_b_) of American fisheries; (_c_) of
precedents for conciliation.

(1906)

A

The candidate is advised to be careful in paragraphing, spelling, punctuation, and form of expression.

_Write short compositions (containing about one hundred words each) on four subjects chosen from this list. One of these must be number 1, the others must be chosen from three different works. The Idylls of the King is to be regarded as one work._

1 My Preparation for this Examination.

2 The Discovery of the Murder of Duncan.

3 The Elopement of Jessica.

4 Gareth's Arrival at King Arthur's Court.

5 Sir Roger and Moll White.

6 Athelstane.

7 Nancy Lammeter.

8 Gawain's Search for the Winner of the Tournament.

9 The Sleep-Walking Scene in _Macbeth_.

10 The Stealing of Silas Marner's Gold.

B

_The questions should be answered in order:_

I (_a_) How does Artemidorus figure in _Julius Caesar_?

(_b_) How does Antony characterize Lepidus?

(_c_) Describe in detail the scene between Brutus and Portia.

II (_a_) The earliest printed editions of _Comus_ entitle the piece
"A Mask presented at Ludlow Castle." Explain fully the circumstances of
its presentation. What passages in the Mask itself refer to these
circumstances?

(_b_) Describe in detail the method of your preparation for the
examination on Milton's minor poems.

III (_a_) What successive steps in Burke's argument lead to the definite
resolutions which he introduces?

(_b_) What are the chief arguments by which Burke supports these
resolutions?

IV (_a_) What does Macaulay say of Addison's _Cato_?

(_b_) Of Addison's poem, _The Campaign_?

(_c_) What information does Macaulay give concerning "Johnson's Club"?

N. B.--For IV (_a_) and (_b_) may be substituted the following:

(1) What does Macaulay say of Milton's minor poems?

(2) Of _Paradise Lost_ and _Paradise Regained_?

(1907)

B

_Answer all questions fully and in order:_

I (_a_) Discuss the relation of Addison's literary fame to his political
preferment.

(_b_) How did Johnson come to write _The Lives of the Poets_?

II (_a_) What was the occasion, and what the nature of _Lycidas_?

(_b_) Describe the part played by the Attendant Spirit, from first to
last, in _Comus_.

III Trace the successive steps by which Brutus was won to the
conspiracy.

IV How did Burke's plan of conciliation with the colonies differ from
other plans?

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

(Spring, 1907)

NOTE.--"No candidate will be accepted in English whose work is notably defective in spelling, punctuation, idiom or division into paragraphs."--_Extract from the University Catalogue._

A

1 Analyze the following sentence and parse the words italicized:

I grant there is one subject on which it is pleasant to talk on a
journey; and _that_ is, what one shall have for supper when we _get_
to our inn at _night_.

2 Write a paragraph of about fifty words on each of the following
subjects taken from the books of which a general knowledge is required:

_a_ Goldsmith's Hardships in London.

_b_ King Arthur's Last Battle.

_c_ The Character of Macduff.

_d_ The Contents of the Caskets.

_e_ Sir Roger at the Theater.

B

1 How did Antony think the motive of Brutus in killing Caesar differed
from that of the other conspirators.

2 What attitude toward slavery is revealed in Burke's speech?

3 Tell the story of _Comus_.

4 Tell where the following passage is found; in what measure it is
written; scan it; and explain the italicized words:

Sometimes with secure delight,
The _upland_ hamlets will invite,
When the merry bells ring round,
And the jocund _rebecks_ sound
To many a youth and many a maid
Dancing in the _chequered_ shade;
And young and old come forth to play
On a _sunshine_ holiday,
Till the livelong daylight fail:
Then to the spicy nut-brown ale,
With stories told of many a feat,
How faery _Mab_ the junkets eat.

(Autumn, 1907)

A

1 Analyze the following sentence and parse the words italicized:

The river goes on and on, and down through _marshes_ and sands,
_until_ at last it falls into the sea, where the ships are that
_bring_ parrots and tobacco from the Indies.

2 Write a paragraph of about fifty words on each of the following
subjects taken from the books of which a general knowledge is required:

_a_ The Death of Roderick Dhu.

_b_ Lynette's Contempt of Gareth.

_c_ The Witches' Part in _Macbeth_.

_d_ The Characteristics of Saxon and Norman in Ivanhoe.

_e_ Nancy Lammeter.

B

1 Write a character sketch of Dr. Johnson as you see him in Macaulay's
essay.

2 Give your impression of Addison as a man of letters, judging by
Macaulay's essay.

3 What part do Portia and Calpurnia play in _Julius Caesar_?

4 Tell where the following passage is found: in what measure it is
written; scan it; and explain the italicized words:

But let my due feet never fail
To walk the studious _cloister's_ pale,
And love the high _embowered_ roof,
With antique pillars massy proof,
And _storied_ windows richly dight,
Casting a dim religious light.
There let the pealing organ blow,
To the full-voiced _quire_ below,
In service high and anthems clear,
As may with sweetness, through mine ear,
Dissolve me into _ecstasies_,
And bring all Heaven before mine eyes.

YALE COLLEGE

(Spring, 1905)

A

The purpose of this examination is to test (1) the candidate's knowledge and appreciation of certain specified works, and (2) his ability to write correctly. As bearing on the latter point, he is advised to go over his paper carefully before the end of the time allowed, correcting any inaccuracies, not neglecting capitals and punctuation.

_Write about two hundred words on each of three topics selected by yourself from the following list (of a pair of subjects enclosed in brackets, choose but one):_

{ Jessica's Escape from her Father's House. { { Launcelot Gobbo.

Sir Roger at Church.

The Encounter of Fitz-James and Roderick Dhu.

{ Goldsmith's Life as a Student. { { The Circumstances of the Composition, the First { Performance, and the Publication of _She Stoops { to Conquer_.

{ Lynette's Behavior toward Sir Gareth. { { The History of "the nine-years-fought-for diamonds."

Carlyle's Defense of Burns's Personal Character.

(Only candidates taking _final_ examinations may choose the last.)

B

1 (_a_) Explain the significance of the italicized words and phrases:
"_Memorize_ another _Golgotha_"; "To _alter favor_ ever is
to fear"; "Wicked dreams _abuse_ The curtained sleep"; "But in them
_nature's copy's_ not _eterne_"; "His two chamberlains Will I
with wine and _wassail_ so _convince_."

(_b_) What important persons of the drama are absent from the banquet?
Where is each at that time? How far do these circumstances influence any
later events in the play?

(_c_) Give the substance of Malcolm's actions and utterances as far as
they are presented on the stage.

2 (_a_) What is said respecting the parentage of Mirth and Melancholy in
_L'Allegro_ and _Il Penseroso_? Interpret the meaning of each of
the various suggestions.

(_b_)
What was that snaky-headed Gorgon shield
That wise Minerva wore, unconquered virgin,
Wherewith she freezed her foes to congealed stone,
But rigid looks of chaste austerity,
And noble grace that dashed brute violence
With sudden adoration and blank awe?

_Locate the above quotation as exactly as you can, and show its relation to the general subject of the poem. Explain fully the allusions in the first three lines._

3 (_a_) "First, then, I cannot admit that proposition of a ransom by
auction, because it is a mere project.... Secondly, it is an experiment
which must be fatal in the end to our Constitution.... Thirdly, it does
not give satisfaction to the complaint of the Colonies." What was "that
proposition"? Give the substance of Burke's objections under the above
headings. What is the relation of this part of the speech to the whole?
Was the "proposition" accepted?

(_b_) What connection with the main argument has Burke's discussion
of slave-holding in the Colonies?

4 (_a_) Macaulay's remarks on _Comus_; (_b_) on Addison as a critic.

(1906)

A

_Write about two hundred words on each of three topics selected by yourself from the following lists (of a pair of subjects enclosed in brackets, choose but one):_

{The Banquet Scene in _Macbeth_. { {The Character of Antonio.

_The Jessamy Bride._

Gurth.

{The Contrast between Gareth and Geraint. { {Tennyson's Use of Natural Scenery in _The Passing of Arthur_.

A comparison of the Moral of _The Ancient Mariner_ with that of _The Vision of Sir Launfal_.

The finding of Eppie.

B

I (_a_) Narrate the events in _Julius Caesar_ that occur on the Ides of
March, _before_ the murder.

(_b_) In what book did Shakespeare find the material for _Julius
Caesar_? How does his conception of the character of Caesar resemble or
differ from that which you have formed in your study of Caesar's _Gallic
Wars_ or of Roman history?

II (_a_)

Sometime let gorgeous Tragedy
In sceptred pall come sweeping by,
Presenting Thebes, or Pelops' line,
Or the tale of Troy divine,
Or what (though rare) of later age 5
Ennobled hath the buskined stage.

(1) To what is Milton referring in line 3? (2) Comment on lines 5 and 6.
(3) What is meant by "sceptred pall"? by "buskined stage"? (4) What
similar pleasures were enjoyed by _L'Allegro_?

(_b_) Milton's remarks on the clergy in _Lycidas_.

III (_a_) Into what great divisions does Burke's _Speech on Conciliation
with America_ fall? What digression from the main subject is made, and
for what reasons?

(_b_) What plan had been proposed by the "Noble Lord in the Blue
Ribbon"? On what grounds did Burke criticize it?

IV Macaulay's remarks on the nature and influence of Addison's
_Spectator_.

(1907)

A

_Write about two hundred words on each of three topics selected by yourself from the following list (of a pair of subjects enclosed in brackets, choose but one):_

The Conversation between Lorenzo and Jessica in Act V of _The Merchant of Venice_.

The Effect of the Murder upon the Character of Lady Macbeth.

Sir Roger and the Widow.

The Publication of _The Vicar of Wakefield_.

The Personal Appearance of Silas Marner.

{ Bedivere.
{ Gareth's Combat with "The Noonday Sun."

B

I Describe (_a_) the interview between Brutus and Portia, and (_b_)
Brutus's treatment of Lucius in his tent near Sardis. How does each of
these scenes affect our estimate of the character of Brutus? What is
the last we hear of Portia?

II What opportunity is provided in _Comus_ for the introduction of
instrumental music? dancing? display of scenery? Describe the
concluding scene (beginning with the appearance of Sabrina) as you
imagine it to have been performed at Ludlow Castle in 1634.

III (_a_) What, according to Burke, are the three possible ways of
dealing with the American spirit of liberty? State his reasons for
rejecting the first two.

(_b_) What does Burke think should be the attitude of one nation toward
another in such a crisis as the one under discussion?

(_c_) Cite any reasons that appeal to you as helping to explain the
fame of Burke's _Speech on Conciliation with America_.

IV (_a_) Write an account of Johnson's early years in London.

(_b_) Macaulay says of Johnson: "No human being who has been more than
seventy years in the grave is so well known to us." Discuss the grounds
for this statement.

WELLESLEY COLLEGE

(1906)

A--Reading and Practice

_Answer two of the following questions:_

1 What qualities do Lady Macbeth and Portia of Belmont have in common,
and at what point do their characters diverge?

2 Which of the three required _Idylls of the King_, viz. _Gareth and
Lynette_, _Lancelot and Elaine_, _The Passing of Arthur_, seems to you
more beautiful, and why?

3 Compare the life of Goldsmith with that of Dr. Johnson. Which life
seems to you the more successful?

B--Study and Practice

_Answer two of questions_ 1, 2, 3, _question_ 4, _and either question_ 5 _or_ 6:

1 What makes the play of _Julius Caesar_ great?

2 Compare the nature pictures in _L'Allegro_ with those in _Il
Penseroso_, using, if you prefer, Milton's own language.

3 What were Burke's strong points as an orator?

4 Write a well-constructed paragraph of about two hundred words on the
character of Samuel Johnson as presented by Macaulay. Give your reasons
for the arrangement of the ideas in your paragraph. Show how the
principles of unity and coherence are illustrated by the arrangement of
the ideas or material of your paragraph.

5 (_a_) Give two examples of each of the following kinds of sentences:
simple, complex, compound.

(_b_) Punctuate the following passage:

"And night came down over the solemn waste
And the two gazing hosts and that sole pair
And darkened all and a cold fog with night
Crept from the Oxus soon a hum arose
As of a great assembly loosed and fires
Began to twinkle through the fog for now
Both armies moved to camp and took their meal
The Persians took it on the open sands
Southward the Tartars by the river merge
And Rustum and his son were left alone."

6 (_a_) Give explicit reasons for the correctness or the incorrectness
of the following sentences:

(1) He, in a moment of excitement and affection, did this act of
beneficence and of which he was very proud.

(2) We know that Oliver Goldsmith was himself not unlike the Vicar
of Wakefield, which may partly account for the charm of the book.

(3) I neither regarded myself as rich nor poor.

(4) The book will not fail of a permanent place in literature,
because it is badly written.

(_b_) Give examples of the correct use of the following words: affect,
complement, mad, nice, fellow.

WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY.

(1907)

_Allow one hour for each division of the examination._

_Consider what you will say, and in what order you will say it, before you begin to write at all._

_Revise your work, and, if time permits, make a clean copy of it after revision._

_No candidate will be accepted in English whose work is notably defective in spelling, punctuation, idiom, or division into paragraphs._

I--Reading and Practice

One especial purpose of this division of the examination is to test the ability of the candidate to express his thoughts in clear, _connected_ sentences, properly combined in at least three _paragraphs_. Single, detached sentences will not meet the requirements.

_Select three of the following topics for discussion._ Be _accurate and avoid generalities_.

1 Give an account of Sir Roger at the play.

2 Describe Arthur's last battle and the last scene in _The Passing of
Arthur_.

3 (_a_) Under what circumstances and by whom are the following lines
uttered?

The man that hath no music in himself,
Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds,
Is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils.

(_b_) Outline the action from this point to the end of the play.

4 Goldsmith's life on the Continent after he left Dublin.

5 Describe the place, the cause, and the results of the combat in _The
Lady of the Lake_.

6 Give an account of the part of Gawain in _Lancelot and Elaine_.

7 Describe the attack on the castle of Front-de-Boeuf.

8 (_a_) Explain the following lines in every detail:

I hear _it_ by the way; but _I will send_:
There's _not a one of them_, but in his house
_I keep a servant fee'd_. I will _to-morrow_
(And _betimes_ I will) unto the _weird sisters_.

(_b_) What results from this resolution?

II--Study and Practice

_Discuss fully each topic in order as far as you go, even though you may not finish the paper._

1 Outline the part played by Casca, and quote any of his notable
sayings.

2 Show in some detail what difficulties Burke finds in the attempt to
change the spirit of the Colonists.

3 Who utters the following lines; to whom, where, and why?

Come lady, while Heaven lends us grace,
Let us fly this cursed place,
Lest the sorcerer us entice,
With some other new device.

4 Give an account of Johnson's friendship with the Thrales.

5 Macaulay's defence of Milton's political career.

GATEWAY SERIES OF ENGLISH TEXTS

General Editor, HENRY VAN DYKE, Princeton University

Addison's Sir Roger de Coverley Papers (Winchester) $0.40 Burke's Speech on Conciliation (MacDonald) .35 Byron, Wordsworth, Shelley, Keats and Browning--Selections (Copeland & Rideout) .40 Carlyle's Essay on Burns (Mims) .35 Coleridge's Rime of the Ancient Mariner (Woodberry) .30 Emerson's Essays--Selections (Van Dyke) .35 Franklin's Autobiography (Smyth) .40 Gaskell's Cranford (Rhodes) .40 George Eliot's Silas Marner (Cross) .40 Goldsmith's Vicar of Wakefield, and The Deserted Village (Tufts) .45 Irving's Sketch Book--Selections (Sampson) .45 Lamb's Essays of Elia (Genung) .40 Lincoln, Selections from (Draper) .35 Macaulay's Essay on Addison (McClumpha) .35 Essay on Milton (Gulick) .35 Life of Johnson (Clark) .35 Addison and Johnson. One Volume. (McClumpha-Clark) .45 Milton's Minor Poems (Jordan) .35 Scott's Ivanhoe (Stoddard) .50 Lady of the Lake (Alden) .40 Shakespeare's As You Like It (Demmon) .35 Julius Caesar (Mabie) .35 Macbeth (Parrott) .40 Merchant of Venice (Schelling) .35 Stevenson's Inland Voyage, and Travels with a Donkey (Blakely) .40 Tennyson's Idylls of the King--Selections (Van Dyke) .35 Princess (Bates) .40 Washington's Farewell Address, and Webster's First Bunker Hill Oration (Pine) .30

AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY (S. 99)

COMPOSITION-RHETORIC

By STRATTON D. BROOKS, Superintendent of Schools, Boston, Mass., and MARIETTA HUBBARD, formerly English Department, High School, La Salle, Ill. Price, $1.00

* * * * *

The fundamental aim of this volume is to enable pupils to express their thoughts freely, clearly, and forcibly. At the same time it is designed to cultivate literary appreciation, and to develop some knowledge of rhetorical theory. The work follows closely the requirements of the College Entrance Examination Board, and of the New York State Education Department.

¶ In Part One are given the elements of description, narration, exposition, and argument; also special chapters on letter-writing and poetry. A more complete and comprehensive treatment of the four forms of discourse already discussed is furnished in Part Two. In each part is presented a series of themes covering these subjects, the purpose being to give the pupil inspiration, and that confidence in himself which comes from the frequent repetition of an act. A single new principle is introduced into each theme, and this is developed in the text, and illustrated by carefully selected examples.

¶ The pupils are taught how to correct their own errors, and also how to get the main thought in preparing their lessons. Careful coordination with the study of literature and with other school studies is made throughout the book.

¶ The modern character of the illustrative extracts can not fail to interest every boy and girl. Concise summaries are given following the treatment of the various forms of discourse, and toward the end of the book there is a very comprehensive and compact summary of grammatical principles. More than usual attention is devoted to the treatment of argument.

AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY (S. 88)