Jane Austen

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JANE AUSTEN

1775-1817

What do you know about Jane Austen?

Who was Jane?

Enjoy this short, humorous video introduction to the life and society of one of Britain's most beloved female authors. Take notes while watching. There are breaks with questions.

01:00

Why did Jane Austen leave school?

1. Her father hired a governess
2. They couldn't afford it
3. Women weren't allowed an education
4. She had to take care of her sister, Cassandra

01:34

What genres did Jane Austen excel at?

02:41

Why did Jane write Pride and Prejudice?

03:31

What were common themes in Jane's work?

04:21

Why was Jane not a celebrated author in her own time?

04:37

Why is Bridget Jones' Diary alluded to here?

A Closer Look Into Austen's Works

Jane Austen didn't write flimsy, simple romances, but comedies of manners. This genre novel satirises the customs, values and mores of sophisticated society. The next video will explain the most important themes in Jane Austen's works. Take notes again. There are breaks with questions.

00:27

What was NOT one of Jane Austen's goals?

1. point out people's failings
2. make people more reasonable, dignified
3. point out how to lead a fashionable life
4. make people sensitive to the needs of others

02:36

What is important in a relationship according to Jane Austen?

03:19

What is most important when judging someone according to Austen?

1. wealth
2. social status
3. nobility
4. morality

04:46

How does Jane Austen feel about money?

05:51

Explain in your own words what a snob is.

Pride & Prejudice

This is probably Jane's most well-known novel. There are at least 17 film versions to date and even a rewrite of the novel including zombies. Let's read a fragment of this famous novel on page 40 of your Literature Reader.

Mr Collins' Proposal

Form groups of 4 and answer the questions on page 46 of your Literature Reader. Time: 15 min.

Bonus material: the next slide shows a video fragment of this scene from the 2005 film adaptation, starring Keira Knightley as Elisabeth Bennet.