Walter Scott, "The Two Drovers"

1. Who is the tale's ostensible narrator? Why doesn't he introduce himself until later on? What effect does his occupation have on the way the plot is structured, the values presented, and on our final reaction to the tale?

2. What cultural differences does the tale portray? What does the tale reveal about the society in which Harry Wakefield and Robin Oig M'Combich lived?

3. Do you feel the narrator presents an accurate view of the manners and character of Highland Scotsmen and northern Englishmen?

4. For whom does the reader have most sympathy, and why? Is this sympathy consistent with the tale's ending and final judgements?

5. Can you comment on the tale's use of allusions, tone and language? What are some assumptions the narrator expects us to share?

6. How does the relationship between the two men affect the outcome and meaning of the tale? What causes their falling-out?

7. Does the tale present a case for cultural determinism?

8. What are features of the tale's plot? Its characterization? What are some peculiarly "Scottish" features of the plot?

9. To what extent does this tale have the features of classical tragedy? In addition to the behavior of the protagonists, what are some actions and circumstances which helped cause the tragedy?

10. What is added by the conclusion telling of the legal outcome? By Robert's last words?

11. What do the reasons for the judgements of judge, narrator, and jury tell about social concerns at the beginning of the nineteenth century?

12. Do you believe that Robin deserved execution, and if not, why not? How might this case have been adjudicated in a contemporary U. S. court?