McGuffey's Sixth Eclectic Reader, Revised Edition · Lesson IX · Part 2: Lessons I-XII: Storms, dawns and old tales
15. The Artist Surprised
Goal: Your student follows a longer story with a twist, and discusses its surprising ending.
You'll need
- The book, or the scan beside this guide
- A notebook and pen
- A dictionary
What's in the book
A story about Albert Durer's ill-tempered wife, a poor pupil named Duhobret, his illness, the auction where his picture sells for a fortune, and what became of him. Notes on Durer and the places named follow.
The lesson, step by step
Words and meanings
Read the book's note on Albert Durer (1471-1528) of Nuremberg, painter and engraver on copper and wood, one of the first artists to study anatomy and perspective. There are notes on Neuburg and on Bergen Abbey too.
Before reading, find these words in the selection and look up any your student does not know: peevish, propitiation, conciliating, delirious.
Read it aloud
Early in the story:
Some of the former were cunning enough to purchase peace for themselves by conciliating the common tyrant,
Then your student reads on. The story is long; split it over two days if needed. The turning point:
'May it please your honor,' said the supposed beggar, 'I am the painter of that picture!'
Talk about it
SayHow did Durer's wife treat his pupils, and Duhobret in particular?
SayWhat happened when Duhobret fell ill, and what does it show about how others saw him?
SayDescribe the auction. Why did the price climb so high?
SayDuhobret's good fortune did not last. Why do you think the writer ended the story that way?
Tell it back
Your student retells the whole story in order: the household, the illness, the painting, the auction, and the end.
Copywork and memory
Copy:
'May it please your honor,' said the supposed beggar, 'I am the painter of that picture!'
Write (optional)
Write a paragraph: was Duhobret's ending happy or sad? Give reasons from the story.