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QUESTIONS AND TOPICS FOR STUDY

CHAPTER I

1. How are the dog and the girl introduced into the story?

2. What purpose does the dog serve in this chapter?

3. What do you notice at once about the author’s style of writing?

4. How is Charles Gardiner West brought into the story? What impression of him does the reader get?

5. What can be learned of conditions in the South at this period from the conversation of Sharlee and West?

6. How does the author lead up naturally to the accident?

7. What impression of “the little citizen” does the reader get?

8. How does West’s dissatisfaction with his business suggest what sort of work Sharlee is engaged in?

9. How is the disclosure of the nature of Sharlee’s errand made dramatic?

10. Notice the headings of the chapters. How do they differ from those in most books which you have read?



CHAPTER II

1. What effect does Sharlee’s arrival have upon the boarders?

2. Describe the various types assembled in Mrs. Paynter’s parlor. How is each one characterized?

3. Where does the author show that he has noticed characteristic traits of women?

4. Characterize Sharlee’s Aunt Jennie.

5. How does Mrs. Paynter characterize a gentleman? Discuss this characterization.

6. What seems to be the strange young man’s employment?

7. Explain why the incident about Fifi and the dining-room is introduced into the story at this time.

8. What impression of the hero has been gained thus far from Mrs. Paynter’s conversation with Sharlee?

9. How is the reader’s attention drawn to Professor Nicolovius? To Fifi?

10. What is Sharlee’s plan for handling the “little Doctor?” (Notice how this plan works out.)



CHAPTER III

1. How do Mr. Queed’s actions and appearance suit his nickname, “the little Doctor”?

2. In what surprising way does the Doctor receive Sharlee’s proposal that he pay his board?

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3. In what ways does he make Sharlee feel that he has no time to waste?

4. What mystery is introduced by means of the letter?

5. What effect does Mr. Queed’s revelation of the nature of his work have upon Sharlee? Why?

6. Explain how Mr. Queed’s idea of theory and application differs from Sharlee’s.

7. Describe Mr. Queed’s attitude toward a job.

8. Explain why Sharlee says to Fifi, “He’s the saddest little man in the world.”



CHAPTER IV

1. What quality in West’s character is brought out by Sharlee’s consultation with him?

2. Describe the meeting between Charles West and Queed. How are the two men contrasted? Why does each one feel sorry for the other?

3. Why is reference made to Queed’s headache?

4. How is Colonel Cowles characterized before he actually appears in the story?

5. Describe the meeting between Queed and Colonel Cowles. What is the purpose of the Colonel’s long speech? Of Queed’s disapproval of the Colonel’s article on tax reform? Why is reference made to the time consumed by the interview?



CHAPTER V

1. What is the purpose of Charles West’s and the Colonel’s discussion of Queed’s articles? Of the discussion at the Byrds’ dinner-table?

2. How is the story of Henry G. Surface introduced into the novel? What preparation or hints has the author already given? Describe the effect on Professor Nicolovius.

3. Describe the meeting of Fifi and Queed in the dining-room. What element of pathos is there in the scene? Of humor?

4. How does Fifi innocently show wisdom beyond her years?

5. How does Fifi’s criticism affect Queed?



CHAPTER VI

1. What is the boarders’ opinion of Queed?

2. How much time does Queed devote to his book?

3. What trait does Queed show in his meeting with Sharlee at the office?

4. What does the reader learn about Queed that has hitherto been a mystery?

5. What reasons does Sharlee suggest for the queer behavior of Queed’s father?

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6. How is Sharlee’s official position revealed? Describe the effect of this revelation on Mr. Queed.

7. Why does Sharlee hesitate to accept Mr. Queed’s offer to write the reformatory article?



CHAPTER VII

1. Describe Queed’s encounter with Mr. Pat.

2. Why does Queed meet Mr. Klinker at an auspicious moment? What part is Mr. Klinker now going to play in Queed’s life?

3. What honest advice does Klinker give? Explain why Queed is impressed.

4. How has humor been introduced into this chapter?



CHAPTER VIII.

1. What quality is being developed in Queed by association with Fifi? What incidents are employed in the chapter to show this?

2. How has Mr. Queed’s sacred Schedule of Hours been violated?



CHAPTER IX

1. How does the author create in this chapter the atmosphere of the aristocratic Old South?

2. Describe the impression of Millicent Avery gained in the opening scene.

3. Why does Miss Avery show slight enthusiasm at West’s news of his probable election to the presidency of Blaines College?

4. Contrast Sharlee’s manner and speech with Miss Avery’s.

5. Why does Miss Avery offer West a spray of lily-of-the-valley?

6. Why does the author call her “Delilah”?

7. How does Sharlee again intervene to help Queed?

8. In what way does Sharlee get her revenge for Miss Avery’s act?



CHAPTER X

1. What incident brings out Queed’s opinion of friendship?

2. What influence does Fifi now exert upon Queed? Show how she does it.

3. How is pathos introduced into this scene with Fifi?

4. What effect has Queed’s month with Klinker had upon him?

5. Explain why Queed accepts Professor’s Nicolovius’s invitation.

6. What criticism of the Professor’s books does Queed make?

7. Why does the Professor not read history? What mystery is suggested by his bitter remarks?

8. What idea does the Professor suggest to Queed?

9. Describe the effect of Fifi’s absence on Queed.

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CHAPTER XI

1. What was Queed’s selection for a gift? Why had he thus chosen?

2. Describe Sharlee’s cleverness in handling the situation.

3. Describe the effect on Queed of his discharge from the Post and the course of action which he has determined upon. Why is this an important point in the development of Queed’s character?

4. Why does Sharlee invite Queed to call on her? Why doe he accept?

5. What is the result of Queed’s purchase of roses?



CHAPTER XII

1. Describe Queed’s visit to Fifi’s sickroom. What admissions does Fifi force him to make? What is the most humiliating confession the little Doctor makes?

2. What advice does Fifi give Queed? Why does he take this so seriously?

3. Give Fifi’s definition of happiness.

4. What element of pathos is there in the farewell scene between Fifi and Queed?

5. What item does Queed add to his Schedule? What process of thought led to this?

6. Why does Queed think that he was better off in New York? Is he convinced of this?



CHAPTER XIII

1. Describe Sharlee’s manner when the little Doctor calls.

2. What reasons does Sharlee give for Queed’s failure as an editorial writer? Which is the sharpest criticism?

3. Give Sharlee’s definition of the duty performed by a good newspaper. Do you agree with this?

4. What qualities does Queed reveal that rouse in Sharlee a liking for him?

5. What has been the secret of Colonel Cowles’ success?

6. Contrast Queed and the Colonel.

7. What other people have tried to do for Queed just what Sharlee has done?

8. Why does Sharlee consider Queed to be a failure as a sociologist?

9. Explain “Your cosmos is all Ego.”

10. What further disclosure concerning his early life does Queed make?

11. What is Sharlee’s feeling at the end of the interview?

12. What part do you think this talk with Sharlee will play in Queed’s development?

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CHAPTER XIV

1. Describe the change in Queed’s life.

2. Describe Queed’s attempt to carry out Fifi’s advice and its result.

3. What topic does Buck suggest for an editorial? How does he reveal unexpected depths?

4. How is Fifi’s death made dramatic?

5. Describe Queed’s reaction to the news of Fifi’s death.



CHAPTER XV

1. For what purpose is the motorman introduced into the story?

2. How does the funeral impress Queed? Why?

3. What is evidently Queed’s idea of immortality?

4. Trace Queed’s thoughts on the evening of the funeral.

5. With what force is Queed really contending?



CHAPTER XVI

1. Why is mention made of the postponement of West’s return?

2. What difficulties is West already encountering in the development of his schemes? What is his ideal? What trouble do you foresee for West? Why?

3. How is Queed’s name introduced into Sharlee’s conversation with West? To what purpose?

4. What is learned about Queed from the conversation between Colonel Cowles and West?

5. Explain the purpose of Colonel Cowles’ remark on Queed’s complexion.

6. What changes have there been in Queed’s life? From what time do these changes date?

7. How do Queed’s articles now compare with Colonel Cowles’?

8. What boast is being made good?



CHAPTER XVII

1. Where do Queed and Sharlee meet?

2. Describe the changes which Sharlee notes in Queed’s appearance. Has he changed in other respects?

3. What has Queed learned about the supremacy of the intellect?

4. What makes Queed’s compliment unusual?

5. What is Queed’s theory about his father?

6. Does Sharlee hit upon Queed’s real reason for going to live with Professor Nicolovius?

7. Why are the references to the pleasure-dog and to the two Queeds introduced at the end of the chapter?

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CHAPTER XVIII

1. What part does James E. Winter play in West’s career? By what incidents is this shown?

2. Discuss the mistakes that West makes and their consequences.

3. What trait of West’s character is strongly emphasized in this chapter? How?

4. What quality of character does Queed show in his refusal to print West’s article?

5. Who was Plonny Neal? What is the purpose of his visit? The effect?

6. What thought does Colonel Cowles’ death suggest to the reader?



CHAPTER XIX

1. What impulse has Queed’s intimacy with Professor Nicolovius developed in him?

2. Describe the change in Queed’s attitude toward the paper.

3. What is Professor Nicolovius’s attitude toward the coming Reunion? What is there puzzling about this attitude?



CHAPTER XX

1. How does West interfere with Queed’s election to the editorship of the Post?

2. To what person is Mr. Hickok compared? Why?

3. How is Sharlee affected by West’s election to the editorship?

4. What further light has been thrown on West’s character by this chapter? Select sentences that illustrate your point.



CHAPTER XXI

1. How does the author convey to the reader the atmosphere of excitement and sentiment attendant upon the Reunion?

2. What is Queed’s attitude toward West’s election?

3. Why does Queed mention Professor Nicolovius?

4. Why is the young man on the sidewalk introduced into the story? Who is he? Where has he appeared in the story before?

5. Describe the effect of the parade on Queed.

6. What admission does Sharlee wring from him?

7. Explain what Queed means when he says, “I am no hedonist.”

8. What is the purpose of the conversation between Sharlee and her mother given at the end of the chapter?



CHAPTER XXII

1. How does Professor Nicolovius’s reaction to the parade further increase Queed’s doubts?

2. How does Queed discover who Professor Nicolovius is?

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3. What preparation has there been in the story for the startling disclosure of the Professor’s identity?

4. What is Queed’s reaction to the discovery? How does this surprise him? What does it show the reader? How does Fifi’s influence make itself felt?

5. Why is mention made of the sunset and the striking of the town clocks?

6. Explain why Professor Nicolovius’s story seems tragic even though the reader condemns him as guilty.

7. Contrast the thoughts of the two men on that evening.



CHAPTER XXIII

1. Describe the conditions in the State which made difficult the passing of the reformatory bill.

2. Why is Queed interested in the reformatory?

3. What traits of West’s character that have already been noted would render him unfitted to cope with the problems of a newspaper editor?

4. What changes in his life is West now contemplating?

5. What is West’s call on Sharlee intended to show?



CHAPTER XXIV

1. How is humor introduced into the opening scene?

2. Why is Professor Nicolovius’s name mentioned in the conversation?

3. What is the purpose of Queed’s visit to Sharlee? Does he say anything that shows the reader his growing regard for Sharlee? Is he conscious of this? Is she?

4. Why does Queed wish to establish a free night-school for boys?

5. How does Queed show his honesty?



CHAPTER XXV

1. Explain the purpose of Plonny Neal’s visit to the office of the Post.

2. What quality in West’s character is shown in the interview between Neal and West?

3. In what respects does Plonny Neal show his cleverness in handling West? What advantage has he?

4. What problem now troubles Queed? What does he learn from West?

5. Trace the arguments by which West convinces himself that he should advocate the reformatory bill.

6. How is West’s change of front going to affect Queed?



CHAPTER XXVI

1. Point out the sacrifice that Queed is willing to make to clear his honesty of stain.

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2. How is the interview between Queed and the Professor made dramatic?

3. In what respects are the two men here contrasted?

4. Has there been any preparation earlier in the novel for the startling disclosure of Queed’s identity?



CHAPTER XXVII

1. In what ways has the editorial in the Post been cleverly handled?

2. Describe its effect on (1) Sharlee and the Rev. Mr. Dayne, (2) on the action of the legislature, (3) on Queed.

3. Describe the interview between Queed and West. In what way does West endeavor to put Queed in the wrong?

4. How does West manage to put the blame for the editorial upon Queed?

5. How has the reader’s opinion of West changed since the opening chapters of the book?

6. Why is the scene between Plonny Neal and his associates introduced at the end of the chapter?



CHAPTER XXVIII

1. Why has Queed remained with his father?

2. What is the purpose of the meeting between Queed and Sharlee in the post-office?

3. Relate Queed’s history as he has learned it from Tim Queed.

4. Why can Queed not tell Sharlee the truth about the editorial? What price must he pay?



CHAPTER XXIX

1. Describe Queed’s call on Sharlee. How is he forced to reveal his identity?

2. What makes the interview harder for Queed than he thought it would be?

3. What added quality of character has Queed developed?

4. What trait in Sharlee’s character does Queed most admire? Why?

5. “He knew the truth about living at last.” Explain what this means.

6. To what other night in Queed’s life can this be compared?



CHAPTER XXX

1. What was the effect of the disclosure of Professor Nicolovius’s identity upon the city? Upon Queed’s friends? Upon Queed himself?

2. What fact does the discovery of the Surface fortune disclose to Queed?

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3. Why does Sharlee refuse to accept Queed’s offer? Why will her refusal hurt Queed?



CHAPTER XXXI

1. Describe the effect upon West of Meachy Bangor’s candidacy for the nomination of Mayor.

2. What is Miss Avery’s purpose in forcing West to acknowledge to Sharlee that he wrote the article about the reformatory?

3. Describe the effect of West’s confession on Sharlee.

4. What is West’s recovery intended to show?

5. What comparisons is Sharlee forced to recognize in the light of her new estimates of West and Queed?

6. Why does Queed answer Sharlee’s summons by coming to her office?



CHAPTER XXXII

1. How does Mr. Dayne show tact and kindness?

2. What is the purpose of the author’s introducing Behemoth into the story again.?

3. How does Queed show generosity to West?

4. What are Sharlee’s reasons for wishing to name the reformatory the Henry G. Surface Home?

5. How does Queed’s boast come true? Compare his present attitude with that which he had at the time when he made the boast.

6. Why is Queed better fitted to accept the editorship now than he was when Colonel Cowles died?

QUESTIONS AND TOPICS FOR REVIEW AND DISCUSSION

1. How is the hero of this novel introduced into the story? What sort of impression does he make at the outset? Does the author create this impression by action, conversation, or description? Explain in detail.

2. What impression does Charles Gardiner West make at the beginning of the story? At the end? Select scenes in which he is contrasted with Queed. Is there any point at which the two cease to be contrasted and pass each other?

3. “Spiritually he is unborn — he simply doesn’t exist at all.” Explain why this remark applies to Queed.

4. Discuss Sharlee’s character and her importance to the plot of the novel. Can you select incidents that show her to be a natural, lovable, modern girl?

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5. State what part each of the following plays in the development of Mr. Queed’s character:

Fifi
Klinker
Professor Nicolovius
Colonel Cowles

     Characterize each of the above-mentioned persons.

6. Which characters in this novel undergo development? Which remain static?

7. Compare the character of Queed with that of Silas Marner.

8. What purpose does Miss Avery serve in the novel?

9. How does Mr. Harrison give us the atmosphere of Mrs. Paynter’s boarding-house? Can you give a probable characterization of each of the boarders portrayed? Is Mrs. Paynter a familiar figure? Why?

10. Why is Queed a character novel?

11. What is the spirit of the New South as it is portrayed in this novel?

12. What social problems appear in this novel? What use is made of them in the development of the plot? Can you think of any similar problems in your community or State?

13. What ideals of character and service are portrayed in Queed?

14. How is the author’s spirit of optimism shown in this novel?

15. Mr. Harrison is a Southerner and a Democrat. Are there evidences of these facts in this novel?

16. If you were preparing Queed for the stage, what scenes and events would you select as having dramatic possibilities? What scenes would you omit?

What would be lost in adapting Queed for the movies? What scenes could be used to advantage?

17. Where does the introduction end? Where is the climax, or turning-point reached? The conclusion?

18. Show how the necessary elements of time and place (setting), character, and situation are brought into the introduction of Queed.

19. Describe the setting of the novel. Select scenes introduced into the story for background. How is atmosphere created?

20. What are the various subplots, or threads of the main plot? Show how these subplots are drawn together.

21. Select the incidents (or complications of the plot) that form the rising action of the novel.

22. How does the author show his craftsmanship in leading from one point of development to the next? In introducing each character into the novel?

23. Most plots represent a struggle between opposing forces. What is the struggle in this novel.

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24. By what methods does Mr. Harrison show the development of character?

25. Show how pathos is introduced into the novel.

26. How is suspense created?

27. Discuss Mr. Harrison’s humor. Select scenes best adapted for showing this.

28. Select passages of description that seem particularly vivid. How does Mr. Harrison achieve originality and vividness in his descriptive passages?

29. What literary allusions are there in this novel? Select examples.

30. Compare the characters and situations in this novel with those of other novels which you have studied or read.

TOPICS FOR ORAL THEMES

Fifi and her Influence on Queed’s Life

Queed’s Development

A Comparison of Fifi with Eppie in Silas Marner

“Theory and application are as totally distinct as the poles.” (Discuss this.)

The Spirit of the New South toward the Civil War

The Burdens of a Newspaper Editor

West’s Failure as a College President; as an Editor

The Importance of the Minor Characters in the Novel

The Popular Man (as illustrated by Charles Gardiner West)

Humorous Scenes in Queed

TOPICS FOR WRITTEN THEMES

Mr. Queed Attends the Athletic Club (imaginary)

Narrative in which a Dog Plays a Part

Queed’s Early Life

Mrs. Paynter’s Boarders Discuss Mr. Queed (Imaginary conversation. Try to imitate Mr. Harrison’s style.)

Queed’s Encounter with Mr. Pat (as told by Mr. Pat or an onlooker)
Mr. Queed, a Character Sketch

Professor Nicolovius, a Character Analysis

Physical and Mental Development, their Relationship

The Reunion

Queed’s Appearance (at the beginning of the book; at the end)

The Importance of Environment

Honesty

Klinker (analysis of his character and his part in plot development)

The Background of Queed

Sharlee as Heroine of Queed
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Human Relationships; their Importance in the Development of Character (as illustrated by Queed)

Comparison of West and Queed

Fifi

Comparison of Queed with Some Other Novels in Respect to Character, Plot, and Setting

A Vivid Scene in Queed (Describe this and discuss its importance)

SCENES FOR DRAMATIZATION

1. The conversation among the boarders when Miss Weyland is seen entering the boarding-house, Chapter II. (Write in the necessary dialogue in places where it is only suggested.)

2. The interview between Sharlee and Queed, Chapter III.

3. Charles West’s call on Queed, Chapter IV.

4. The meeting between Fifi and Queed in the dining-room, Chapter V.

5. Queed’s encounter with Mr. Pat, Chapter VII.

6. Queed and Buck Klinker, Chapter VII.

7. An evening in the dining-room with Fifi and Queed, Chapter VIII.

8. The disclosure of Professor Nicolovius’s identity, Chapter XXII.

9. Scene between Queed and the Professor, Chapter XXVII. (This is a difficult scene and is suitable for use in classes where there are pupils of marked dramatic ability.)

10. Queed and Sharlee, Chapter XXIX.

QUESTIONS FROM RECENT COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS*

1. Choose one character from each of five novels or plays and show briefly in each case how this character changes for the better or for the worse because of one or more of the following reasons:

a. The influence of another character.
b. Circumstances over which the character has no control.
c. The character’s own strength or weakness.

2. Discuss the ending of the story in one of the novels you have read in preparation for this examination.

3. Discuss the setting or scene of one of the novels you have read in preparation for this examination, and its influence on the life of any one of the characters.

4. Compare any two novels that you have read in school with respect to the interest aroused either (a) by their plots, (b) by their characters, or (c) by the vividness of their scenes. (150 words).

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5. In what ways have the stories which you have read in preparation for this examination enlarged either your knowledge of human life lying outside your own experience or your ideas of how a story should be told?

6. Select from some great novel or play a person who undergoes a striking change of character, and show why and how this change takes place. (400 words.)

7. Narrate a crisis in any novel, poem, or play as if you saw it enacted. Comment on the importance of this scene as a link in the plot.

8. What advantages has the novelist over the writer of short stories?

9. Show how a minor character in some novel that you have read vitally influences the course of the story.

10. A good novel tells a story, draws characters, and depicts scenes. Show how this is true of some novel which you have read in school. Show in which one of these three elements the writer’s skill is best revealed.

11. Choose any novel with which you are familiar. Name and discuss an incident in the plot that is a direct result of the character or personality of one of the actors.

12. What are some of the means which a novelist can use but which a dramatist cannot:

a. To begin the story?
b. To make us know the characters?
c. To give the setting of the action?

     Illustrate your statements by contrasting, in a least two of these respects, a novel and a play that you have read.

13. Select an important situation in a novel which you have read. Is the action of the leading characters in this situation consistent with their actions in the previous course of the story? Explain your answer.

14. Describe the growth (or decay) of a character in any one of the novels you have read in preparation for this examination.

15. Write for your school paper a review of a modern novel.

16. Show how, in each of three plays or novels, a choice made by an important character between two possible courses of action determines the plot.

17. Show that the difficulties of the hero in a novel with which you are familiar are caused in part by the historical circumstances, or social surroundings, in which he is placed.

18. In any novel or play, describe the scene or incident in which the crisis of the story occurs. Where in the story does this scene occur, and why do you consider it the crisis of the action?

19. Describe the villain in a novel or a play that you have read, and relate the effect of his actions upon the lives of the other characters.

20. Narrate briefly some contemporary story read in your English course, and show how it meets the requirements of a good story.





* From examination questions copyrighted by the College Entrance Examination Board. Used by permission.



[End of the Riverside Series Teaching Edition of Queed]













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From Queed; A Novel by Henry Sydnor Harrison, New Edition Edited with Introduction, Notes, Questions and Study Helps by Elizabeth Shepardson Curtis; Houghton Mifflin Company; Boston, 1928; pp. 446-458.


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