How does the author make the reader realize what kind of man Burton the Elder was? Which method of characterization does he use, direct or indirect? (See Notes on Style, p. 120.)
2. Point out the lines and passages in which the ironical attitude of the author towards Burton the Elder is felt. Is it expressed by lexical or syntactical means? (Analyse each case.) Comment on the title of the story.
What is the message (the main idea) of the story?
XVII. Perform a dialogue between old Burton and his namesake.
Don't forget that old Burton was busy in his office, not very easily impressed, indifferent to other people's troubles; his namesake was down and out, all to pieces and not in very good condition to swim.
XVIII. Role-playing.
Role-play a Trial at which you will try Burton for wilful murder. It may be arranged in the following way:
Student A — speaking for the judge.
Student A — speaking for the prosecution (he will describe all the facts proving Burton's guilt).
Student С — speaking for the defence (he will try and present all the facts that may speak in Burton's favour).
Student D — representing Burton (he will, naturally, try to defend himself).
Students E, F, G — acting as witnesses for the prosecution or the defence.
The rest of the group are acting as members of the juryand will bring a verdict of "guilty" or "not guilty".
The judge conducts the trial, puts questions, examines the documents and evidence.
Counsel for the prosecution(прокурор) addresses the jury and presents his case, after which he calls witnesses who swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Counsel for the defenceproceeds in the same way. The judge may interfere at any point and ask questions.
When the two sides have presented their cases, the judge gives his summing up. The jury retires to consider its verdict: Guilty or Not Guilty. If the defendantis found guilty, the judge passes sentenceon him.