76. The Heritage (James Russell Lowell)

The lesson, step by step

1. About the author

   The book says James Russell Lowell (b. 1819) was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, graduated from Harvard, later became a professor at Harvard, and in 1877 was appointed United States Minister to Spain. It names poems such as "The Vision of Sir Launfal" and "The Biglow Papers."

2. Words and meanings

   The words and meanings are printed at the end of the lesson. Read a few together before the reading, so they don't trip your child up:

   Heritage, that which is inherited, or taken by descent, from an ancestor.

   Sated, surfeited, glutted.

   Hinds, peasants, countrymen.

   The notes explain two phrases: "to hold in fee" means to have as an inheritance, and "prove title" means to prove the right of ownership.

3. Read aloud

   Read the poem aloud twice: you first, then your child. It begins:

   The rich man's son inherits lands,

   And piles of brick, and stone, and gold,

   Notice how the last two lines of each stanza change a little each time.

4. Talk about it

   SayThe rich man's son gets lands and gold. What troubles come with them, in the poem?

   SayWhat does the poor man's son inherit? Which list would you rather have?

   SayLowell repeats the "heritage" ending in every stanza, but changes a few words. Why do you think he does that?

5. Tell it back

   Close the book.

   SayTell me in your own words what Lowell is saying about rich and poor.

   Your child may also write two lists side by side: what each son inherits.

6. Memorize

   Learn these lines by heart this week:

   Stout muscles and a sinewy heart,

   A hardy frame, a hardier spirit;

   Add the rest of that stanza from the book as your child is ready.