Princess Caroline (standing), aged 16, with her sister Louisa, aged 17, in 1767. They were both younger sisters of King George III, all children of Frederick, Prince of Wales, who died before he could inherit the throne of Great Britain from his father George II (r. 1730-1760).
Introduction
In his motivational book Character (1871), Samuel Smiles reminded us that getting along with others requires a willingness to pass over their weaknesses, faults and occasional offences, and gave the example of Queen Caroline Matilda of Denmark and Britain, sister of King George III.
NOR will the wise man expect too much from those about him. If he would live at peace with others, he will bear and forbear. And even the best have often foibles of character which have to be endured, sympathised with, and perhaps pitied.
Who is perfect? Who does not suffer from some thorn in the flesh?* Who does not stand in need of toleration, of forbearance, of forgiveness? What the poor imprisoned Queen Caroline Matilda of Denmark wrote on her chapel-window ought to be the prayer of all, — “Oh! keep me innocent! make others great.”*
Then, how much does the disposition of every human being depend upon their innate constitution and their early surroundings; the comfort or discomfort of the homes in which they have been brought up; their inherited characteristics; and the examples, good or bad, to which they have been exposed through life! Regard for such considerations should teach charity and forbearance to all men.
From ‘Character’ (1871) by Samuel Smiles (1812-1904).
That is, some perpetual annoyance or trial. See 2 Corinthians 12:7. According to St John Chrysostom (?349-407), Archbishop of Constantinople, St Paul’s ‘thorn in the flesh’ was they way that enemies prevented the Gospel from spreading, something which taught him humility.
Caroline Matilda (1751-1775), a daughter of Frederick, Prince of Wales, was the sister of King George III (r. 1760-1820). In 1766 she was married by proxy to King Christian VII of Denmark, who disliked her and treated her coldly, spending his time in brothels. Caroline had an affair, was briefly imprisoned, and finally divorced in 1772. She was banished to Hanover where she was never allowed to see her children again, and died there aged just twenty-three.
Questions for Critics
1. What is the author aiming to achieve in writing this?
2. Note any words, devices or turns of phrase that strike you. How do they help the author communicate his ideas more effectively?
3. What impression does this passage make on you? How might you put that impression into words?
Based on The English Critic (1939) by NL Clay, drawing on The New Criticism: A Lecture Delivered at Columbia University, March 9, 1910, by J. E. Spingarn, Professor of Comparative Literature in Columbia University, USA.
Précis
Samuel Smiles encouraged his readers, if they hoped to get on with those around them, to show sympathy and understanding towards them, taking into account the effect of upbringing and environment. He praised the example of Queen Caroline of Denmark, in prison, who asked of God to be a better person herself, and did not ask to be avenged. (59 / 60 words)
Samuel Smiles encouraged his readers, if they hoped to get on with those around them, to show sympathy and understanding towards them, taking into account the effect of upbringing and environment. He praised the example of Queen Caroline of Denmark, in prison, who asked of God to be a better person herself, and did not ask to be avenged.
Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 65 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 55 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: although, because, just, must, ought, since, unless, whether.
Archive
Word Games
Sevens Based on this passage
Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.
Variations: 1.expand your answer to exactly fourteen words. 2.expand your answer further, to exactly twenty-one words. 3.include one of the following words in your answer: if, but, despite, because, (al)though, unless.
Jigsaws Based on this passage
Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.
Spinners Find in Think and Speak
For each group of words, compose a sentence that uses all three. You can use any form of the word: for example, cat → cats, go → went, or quick → quickly, though neigh → neighbour is stretching it a bit.
This exercise uses words found in the accompanying passage.
1 Character. Ought. Upon.
2 Stand. Well. Window.
3 Example. Imprison. Make.
Variations: 1. include direct and indirect speech 2. include one or more of these words: although, because, despite, either/or, if, unless, until, when, whether, which, who 3. use negatives (not, isn’t, neither/nor, never, nobody etc.)
High Tiles Find in Think and Speak
Make words (three letters or more) from the seven letters showing below, using any letter once only. Each letter carries a score. What is the highest-scoring word you can make?
x
0
Add
Your Words ()
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