McGuffey's Sixth Eclectic Reader, Revised Edition · Lesson XXXIII · Part 4: Lessons XXV-XXXVI: Orators and soldiers
39. Character of Mr. Pitt (Henry Grattan)
Goal: Your student reads a portrait in balanced, pointed sentences and explains its picture of Pitt as a statesman.
You'll need
- The book, or the scan beside this guide
- A notebook and pen
- A dictionary
What's in the book
Grattan's famous portrait of the elder Pitt, followed by notes on Demosthenes and Cicero.
The lesson, step by step
Words and meanings
Read the book's notes: Demosthenes (385-322 B.C.), son of a cutler at Athens, who became the greatest orator of his time by diligent study; and Cicero (106-43 B.C.), the most remarkable Roman orator.
Before reading, find these words in the selection and look up any your student does not know: degeneracy, unaccommodating, venal, unanimous.
About the author
The book says Henry Grattan (1746-1820) was an Irish orator and statesman, born in Dublin and a graduate of Trinity College there. It says his admiration for Pitt first turned him toward oratory.
Read it aloud
Read the opening together:
The secretary stood alone.
Modern degeneracy had not reached him.
Your student reads on. Short sentences need clear pauses.
Talk about it
SayWhat does "The secretary stood alone" tell us about Pitt?
SayRead: "Without dividing, he destroyed party; without corrupting, he made a venal age unanimous." Explain each half.
SayGrattan compares Pitt with Demosthenes and Cicero. Why those two?
SayHow is this portrait different from Walpole's view of Pitt?
Tell it back
Your student describes Pitt as Grattan sees him, in five sentences.
Copywork and memory
Copy and learn:
Without dividing, he destroyed party; without corrupting, he made a venal age unanimous.
Write (optional)
Write five short, strong sentences describing a leader you admire, in Grattan's style.