What do we know of Irving's parentage? his characteristics as a boy? his education? his first trip to England? his travels? his friends? his habits? his return from abroad? his military experience? his first literary ventures? his long stay in Europe? his literary successes? his great reception on his return to New York? his life at Sunnyside? his public services?
These sketches should not be read hurriedly but thoughtfully and, as far as time will permit, aloud in class. They contain many fine descriptions which should be used, with the aid of questions and composition exercises, to keep alert the imagination of the pupils. The following are a few of the topics that might be used for oral or written work:
The author's choice of facts. (Why he chose these and did not choose others.)
The charm of travel in America and in Europe--a comparison and a contrast.
What Irving has omitted in the account of his voyage.
An imaginative sketch of Irving as he may have appeared to one of his fellow-passengers. (Base the sketch on what Irving says that he did and saw.)
Descriptive features in the last four paragraphs.
The coachman at the inn-yard--a description.
Irving--a sketch by one of the travelers.
The dining room when the boar's head was brought in--a description.
An original account of some Christmas holiday.
What Irving actually saw that suggested the comments in this essay.
The conclusions that he drew from his observations.
Rural life in England, as Irving saw it, compared with rural life in America.
Going to church--an imaginative sketch based on Irving.
The rich man's arrival at church--a description.
A country audience in America--a sketch from real life.
The nobleman and the newly rich--a contrast.
A detailed outline of Irving's account of the two families.
Time and circumstances of the visit and the mood of the visitor.
What Irving saw in the abbey (omit the musings).
The setting for Irving's discussion of literature.
A summary of Irving's thought on the changing of.
How far is it honest for schoolboys and schoolgirls books for their essays?
An evening with Irving at the Red Horse Inn.
An original account of a visit to the home of an author, or to a place of historic interest, or of natural beauty.