Pride and Prejudice

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 3

Reading circle: Pride and Prejudice

What do you think about marriage?

Pride and prejudice

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” 

(Original opening sentence)

After this lesson you...

* will know more about Jane Austen's classic 'Pride & Prejudice';

* will have described what the words PRIDE and PREJUDICE refer to in this novel;

* will be better prepared for your reading circle.

Early 19th Century Novel

Jane Austen (1775 - 1817)

• Most important novelist of early 19th century
  
• "Mother of the romance novel"
  
• Elegant + witty studies of young women
  
• Focusing on love and common sense

Most important novels:

• Sense and Sensibilty / Emma /  Persuasion 
  
• Pride and Prejudice
  

Pride

1. consciousness of one's own dignity.

2. a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.

What does prejudice mean based on the previous pictures?

1. preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience: judgemental
2. receptive to arguments or ideas: open-minded
3. not having the mind or feelings engaged: uninterested
4. disapproving of or refusing to accept ideas or ways of behaving that are different from your own: intolerant

In Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice the snobbish Caroline Bingley lists the skills required by any young lady who considers herself accomplished:

A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages … ; and besides all this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions … Pride and Prejudice (ch. 8)

New Headway: Culture and Literature Companion

Read the original opening to Pride and Prejudice and answer the questions on the worksheet. Discuss as a class!

Write in 100 words words words: 

How love, class and reputation matters in modern times when choosing a partner to marry. Describe what matters more when choosing a partner and explain why.