Questions about 

                                                       Edinburgh
in

                                        T.Smollett’s Humphry Clinker, 1771.

For the complete Course on Edinburgh on the website Georgian Cities : go to :

http://www.18thc-cities.paris-sorbonne.fr/spip.php?rubrique5

For Literature in Edinburgh on the website Georgian Cities

T. Smollett, Humphry Clinker, 1771. Go to:

http://www.18thc-cities.paris-sorbonne.fr/spip.php?article29

Here are the online versions of the novels presented on the website in extracts:

Questions:

a)-First study the Maps of Edinburgh to follow the progression between the Old and the New Towns : what are the major differences?

http://www.18thc-cities.paris-sorbonne.fr/spip.php?rubrique76

b)-Then consider the artists’ viewpoints : what strikes you at first glance?

http://www.18thc-cities.paris-sorbonne.fr/spip.php?article248

c)-Follow Matthew Bramble’s route in the novel through Edinburgh : is it faithful to the maps you just studied?

http://www.18thc-cities.paris-sorbonne.fr/spip.php?article232

1) Give your personal impressions on those three points a) b) c) as an introduction to your literary approach on Edinburgh in the following 4 different letters.

2)Then read the passages from the book and answer the following questions:

http://www.18thc-cities.paris-sorbonne.fr/spip.php?article36

  Matthew Bramble, Edinburgh, July 18.

“...one of the noblest street in Europe”...”here is no want of provisions”....:

a)-Study the details and especially the choice in the adjectives chosen by Smollett,(which compared for instance with his description of London or of Bath ) betray his love for Edinburgh and for Scotland in general : find out what he is particularly sensitive to.

b)-Give a particular attention to “water” in Edinburgh : what is striking in his description ( again especially if you bear in mind Bath or London?

c)-Compare it to the report of Joseph Taylor : see Housing in Edinburgh :

http://www.18thc-cities.paris-sorbonne.fr/spip.php?article41

d)-Comment on the term “impurities” : why is it particularly important?

e)-“... a variety of tunes “... : How does it compare to the noise in Bath ? go to : Music in Edinburgh and listen to typical Scottish Music :

http://www.18thc-cities.paris-sorbonne.fr/spip.php?article233&lang=en

f)- Why do you think Matthew Bramble wants to stay in Edinburgh and visit all that is “remarkable in and about this capital”?

http://www.18thc-cities.paris-sorbonne.fr/spip.php?article36#1

 Jerry, Edinburgh, August 8

a)-“... the good town of Edinburgh”... : Study all the positive points made not only by Matthew bramble but by his nephew Jerry.

b)- What is “haggice”? Have you tried “haggis”? Why does it have a special effect on his stomach ?

http://www.18thc-cities.paris-sorbonne.fr/spip.php?article41

http://www.18thc-cities.paris-sorbonne.fr/spip.php?rubrique87

c)- Listen to more Scottish music and especially read about Edinburgh musical society : note how all the expressions give a positive appreciation of the music : harpsichord, horns , flageolets ... find out what they actually look like.

http://www.18thc-cities.paris-sorbonne.fr/spip.php?article29#6

d)-“I never saw so many handsome females together ...” : comment and compare to the description of the assembly in Bath : “an Egyptian gale, so impregnated with pestilential vapours,...

e)-What are “cawdies”?

http://www.18thc-cities.paris-sorbonne.fr/spip.php?article36#3

 Matthew Bramble, Edinburgh, August 8 

« Edinburgh is a hot-bed of genius »…

a)-The College of justice, the University, the medical School : 

See also “infirmary” and continue to read the letter for more examples about the magistracy of Edinburgh :

www.18thc-cities.paris-sorbonne.fr/spip.php?article43

http://www.18thc-cities.paris-sorbonne.fr/spip.php?article45

b)- Point at the differences between the English and the Scottish systems : which is Matthew Bramble’s favourite ? Can you find reasons for it?

c)- What is a “work-house”? Describe the living conditions in a work-house:
http://www.18thc-cities.paris-sorbonne.fr/spip.php?article80

d)- How does the Kirk of Scotland differ from the Church of England?

 Where is Durham?

http://www.18thc-cities.paris-sorbonne.fr/spip.php?article44

http://www.18thc-cities.paris-sorbonne.fr/spip.php?rubrique11

e) Who were : Hume, Blair and Ferguson?

f) Visit the Castle, Holyrood House, and the elegant Squares:

http://www.18thc-cities.paris-sorbonne.fr/spip.php?article230

http://www.18thc-cities.paris-sorbonne.fr/spip.php?rubrique82

http://www.18thc-cities.paris-sorbonne.fr/spip.php?rubrique83

http://www.18thc-cities.paris-sorbonne.fr/spip.php?article36

 Lydia, Glasgow, September 7

a) How would you conclude your visit of Edinburgh according to Smollett/Bramble/or to Lydia's feelings?