MODERN METHODS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 23, 27 July 1914, Page 10

MODERN METHODS

TO THB EDITOR. Sir,—Eecently, while perusing a Saturday column in the Evening Post, headed "Roman Legions: New Way to Teach the Classics," I was reminded of an excellent Latin playlet, entitled " Idus Martiae," which I was fortunate in witnessing at St. Patrick's College on the evening immediately before the students dispersed for their July holidays. In the hope that it may prove of interest to your readers I am submitting a brief description. The author of the playlet is Dr.'' Arnold, of North Wales, and the theme is the murder, of Caesar. The cast was as" follows :—-Caesar, M. Burke; Antonius, N. Shortall; Cicero, C. Dealy ; Brutus, D. Beveridge'; Cassius, W. Giesking; Casca, J. Kennedy; Vates, A. Young; Portia, J. M'Hardy; Lictores, J. Gamble and D. Einnigan; Senatores, Cives, etc. The dialogue is brisk and the diction well within the reach of boys of the middle forms. > It was quite apparent that the lads had studied the

text carefully, for they were completely conversant with it, and were readily able to enter into the meaning and spirit of the tragedy. The pronunciation adopted was that in vogue in the Ciceronian age, and the efforts of the boys in this connection were admirable. They paid strict regard to quantities' and their declamation was all that could be desired. The Rev. Professor, who was responsible for the production of the play, informed me that last year in the junior classes a beginning was made of teaching Latin according to the direct or natural method. For several years this method has been followed in several schools in England, notably at the Perse School, Cambridge. The modern method unquestionably stimulates interest, and makes the pupil keen and appreciative. The boys who sustained the various parts were but second'year boys. The second part of the programme was largely taken up with the rendering of Shakespeare's murder scene, "Julius Caesar," by the senior oys. The latter displayed evidence of very careful training.—l am, etc., "CIRCUMSTANS." 22nd July, 1914.