This game is more suitable for scholars; those who have made a study of
biography and definition. It is readily divided in two parts, and each
part may be played separately, but it is more satisfactory to unite
them. The first part is to guess who is personated, and the second is
to write definitions. If everybody understands or is studying French
it would be a change to personate a Frenchman, and, in like manner, if
every player understands or is studying German, personate a German,
perhaps some author, whose book is authority in school.
The leader of the game commences by stating, “I have compiled a
dictionary,” and if he is personating a German, before proceeding
further he must give that clue. Example: “Ever since the appearance
of the vocabulary to my German Reader in 1870, I have been receiving,
from various quarters, suggestions and solicitations of a more general
German dictionary, to be constructed upon the same plan.” And if he is
personating a Frenchman he must be equally helpful.
After this the leader is silent until asked questions, which he must
correctly answer. Should he be representing the notable Noah Webster,
the following would readily discover him.
“Were you born in the United States?”
“Yes.”
“Were you born in the South?”
“No.”
“In the East?”
“Yes.”
“Are you living?”
“No.”
“Were you very old when you died?”
“Yes, in my eighty-fifth year.”
“What college did you attend?”
“Yale.”
“What was your father’s business?”
“He was a farmer and justice of the peace.”
“Tell me about your mother.”
“She was a descendant of William Bradford, the second Governor of
Plymouth Colony.”
“Were you married?”
“Yes.”
“How many children had you?”
“Six; one son and five daughters.”
By this time any player knowing the biography of Mr. Webster would have
guessed him.
The leader now distributes to each person equal sized pieces of paper,
on which the same and several words have been written. He also gives
them lead pencils. The test is to write the best definitions for these
words, which, if honestly done, is without consultation. A minute is
allowed for each word, and the papers being signed are then collected,
and by the leader read to the audience. With a dictionary for reference
there will be no dispute as to who has won.
Test words should be common ones, as they are much more difficult
to define. For instance, Defy,—a challenge. Fortieth,—following the
thirty-ninth, or preceded by thirty-nine units, things or parts,
the quotient of a unit divided by forty. To-morrow,—a day after the
present. Wrist,—the joint connecting the hand with the arm. Rather than
such as Homing Home,—used specifically of carrier pigeons. Subpœna,—a
summons for witnesses. Xanthine,—yellow dyeing matter in certain plants
and flowers. Islamism,—the Mohammedan religion.
This game played with the right people, will give a delightful evening.