To the Student You have now completed the course of study in English and American Literature. You have become intimately acquainted with, and learned to appreciate many great masterpieces. You know something of the sources of an author's power, and how he manifests it. You recognize personally a number of fictitious characters whose place in literature is as well established as that of their creators. Besides this you have learned to know the peculiarities and personal qualities of many of the world's famous literary men, have grouped these men in chronological order and have related them as their work compels. These things you have done, but the greatest purpose of the course has not been accomplished unless you have learned to read more freely, to enjoy more fully, and to long for further study in the numberless books awaiting you. Your taste has improved, and you will read with more discrimination. You will find in the future that it is unnecessary to think particularly about how or what you read. Without effort you will read as you should and the meaning will come to you clearly and distinctly. But the power you have gained in your recent studies is not of necessity permanent. If one |