Why should Burke turn again to specific figures in paragraph 26%

What is the argumentative effect of paragraph 28? What literary qualities do you find in paragraph 30? What universal political principles are stated in paragraphs 32-36!

What is the function, as a paragraph, of paragraph 37? Find similar examples farther on.

Why do the references to the history of England in paragraph 39 apply specifically to the American colonies?

In what ways is force secured in paragraph 44?

What is the purpose, as a paragraph, of paragraph 45? Show how it differs from paragraph 37. Find similar examples farther on.

Can you think of any other feasible ways of proceeding besides those mentioned by Burke in paragraph 48?

Why should paragraph 52 be set off as a paragraph?

How had England shown the disposition to impoverish the colonies mentioned in paragraph 53?

What powerful bits of sarcasm do you find in paragraphs 54, 58%

57,

State in substance the sound political wisdom underlying paragraphs 60 and 61.

What does Burke gain by leaving out of consideration the right of taxation (par. 67)? To what feeling is the appeal of this paragraph?

Explain in your own words the inconsistency which Burke points out in paragraphs 72-74. On this matter see the Speech on American Taxation (pp. 169-193).

Explain all historical references of importance in paragraphs 80-87.

Consider paragraphs 80 in the light of the present “Irish question.''

Summarize the points of similarity between England's treatment of Wales and of the American colonies, as given in paragraph 82.

Why should Burke, in paragraph 85, quote the exact language of the people of Chester?

Do the questions in paragraph 86 indicate anything as to the course of procedure adopted by Parliament with relation to American petitions?

Is paragraph 87 a unit?

Explain carefully the actual concession which Burke proposes in paragraph 91.

What is the effect of paragraph 92, followed by resolutions all but one embodying mere matters of fact, couched in the language of previous Parliaments?

95.

Name all the literary effects you find prominent in paragraph

What historical events were the basis for the resolution of 1748 (par. 101)? That of 1756?

Why should Burke precede his sixth resolution by the bit of argument contained in paragraph 105?

Which of the acts mentioned for repeal in paragraph 109 does Burke discuss specifically in the following paragraphs? Can you tell why he does not discuss all?

For more details as to paragraph 113, see Burke's Letter to the Sheriffs of Bristol (pp. 194, 195).

Explain the resolutions as to courts (pars. 114-15).

What is the essential point of paragraph 120?

Do you think Burke really almost forgot his purpose to comment on the plan of Lord North, as referred to in paragraph 123? Does he, however, give sufficient attention to it? State clearly all his points against it.

How would Lord North's plan break the union of the colonies (par. 131) ?

Note the effective antithesis of paragraph 132.

Explain the figure at the end of paragraph 133.

What is the nature and purpose of Burke's concluding appeal? Is it necessary to the argument?

What was the "ideal of democracy'' expressed by Burke (p. 4), and how does this speech bring it out?

THEME SUBJECTS

1. Burke's life (pp. 22-29). See also reference works and
biographies.

2. Burke's literary friends (p. 23; cf. Boswell's Life of
Johnson, Irving's Oliver Goldsmith, etc.).

3. Burke's work in behalf of the American colonies.

4. Burke and Indian affairs (cf. Macaulay's Warren Hast-
ings).

5. Burke and the French Revolution (p. 28).

6. Summary of the historical events leading up to the Speech
on Conciliation.

7. The character and aims of George III (pp. 14-21, 146-
162).

8. English opinion in relation to the American colonies (pp.
129-145, 243-282).

9. Explanation of the measures Burke wished repealed.
10. Arguments on the measures separately.

11. The growth of the American colonies (pp. 49-56). (Con-
trast the America Burke thought so wonderful with America
today.)

12. The causes of the American love of freedom (pp. 60 ff.).
Can additions be made to Burke's list?

13. Historical precedents in favor of conciliation (pp. 89 ff.).
14. Parallels between the case of Wales and that of America
(pp. 91 ff.).

15. Characteristics of Burke's choice of words.

16. Sarcasm in this speech. (Is it effective? Cite examples.)
17. Burke's principles of government (pp. 46, 59 ff., 124 ff.,
etc.).

18. Burke's character as indicated by this speech.

19. The paragraph structure of this speech.

20. How the speech was received and what it accomplished.
(Would a similar speech be effective if delivered in our United
States House of Representatives, in the face of a hostile ma-
jority?)

SELECTIONS FOR CLASS READING

1. Burke's reasons for speaking (pp. 41-46).

2. The growth of America (pp. 53-55, 57-58).

3. The American love of freedom (pp. 60-68).

4. Possible ways of dealing with the colonies (pp. 72-80).
5. Burke's general proposition (pp. 81-84).

6. Precedents for conciliation (pp. 89-95).

7. The first two resolutions (pp. 98-101).

8. Objections to Lord North's plan (pp. 115-121).

9. Conclusion (pp. 124-127).

10. English views of the American Revolution (pp. 129-132).
11. How officers viewed the service against America (pp.
140-144).

12. How George III built up his power (pp. 149-154).
13. Lecky's characterization of George III (pp. 156-161).
14. The repeal of the Stamp Act (pp. 183-186).
15. Burke's view of taxation (pp. 189-193).

16. Evil results of the American war (pp. 197-202).
17. The Earl of Chatham's view (pp. 244-249).

INDEX

Numbers refer to pages. Numbers 5-39 refer to Preface
and Introduction, 41-127 to the text of the Speech, 129-282 to
the Collateral Readings, 283-303 to the Notes.