Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1911 edition. Excerpt: ... PREFATORY NOTE TO THE TEACHER Before the reading of this oration is taken up for class work, the teacher should make a careful study of that period of our history known as the "Formation of the Nation," which includes the controversy with England, resistance leading to independence, and the struggle for independence, in order to give a correct interpretation of this great masterpiece. While this oration will appeal to the ordinary reader, yet for a study of it, such as may be required for the class-room, some preliminary work is essential. This critical study should be of a two-fold character: first, the historical foundations upon which the orator built his framework; second, references to orations of others, similar in character, with which portions of this oration may be compared and contrasted. Outline For Class Reading The appreciation of a classic improves with each reading, and this oration should be read by the class at least three times. First Reading The first step in the reading of any classic is to read it as a whole, for the purpose of permitting the student to get the thread of the discourse. This can best be done by a single rapid reading. In no sense should this reading be used as a formal reading lesson. We shall make an inevitable failure if we attempt to teach reading in connection with literary appreciation of a classic. The first lessons, then, should require merely an intelligent reading. It should be read aloud in a pleasing manner, to get a good understanding of the discourse. Do not stop to look up words or to refer to the notes. Each day's reading should be so planned that it will stop at some interesting place, in order to keep up sustained interest on the part of the class. When we have read and have grasped...
