PRIDE AND PRIDE AND PREJUDICEPREJUDICE

By Jane AustenBy Jane Austen

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

What is the implication of the title?Define the words.

PRIDE

A sense of one's own proper dignity or value; self-respect.

Pleasure or satisfaction taken in an achievement, possession, or association: parental pride.

Arrogant or disdainful conduct or treatment; haughtiness.

An excessively high opinion of oneself; conceit.

PREJUDICE

an unfavorable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought, or reason.

any preconceived opinion or feeling, either favorable or unfavorable.

ROMANTICISM

Pride and Prejudice published 1813Austen does not write in the Romantic

style (review Romantic style aka Frankenstein)

Result-not popular until 20th century

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

Romantic Comedy Satire of human limitations as shown in social

behavior BUT MORE! Moral Concerns:

Moral ugliness Social crudities Bad manners Cruelty Failure

SUBJECT VS. THEME

SUBJECT=MARRIAGE Exploration of marriage and its conflicts as it

relates to the middle class English society at the beginning of the 19th century.

THEME-prudent conduct in getting married

PRUDENT

wise or judicious in practical affairs; sagacious; discreet or circumspect; sober.

careful in providing for the future; provident: a prudent decision.

CHARACTERS

Reflect different views of “right action” re: marriage a variety of moral concerns including pride and

prejudice

Look for “foils” a person or thing that makes another seem

better by contrast

ELIZABETH

Main character Intelligent Witty Superior Sense of humor Only 20 years old Not without flaws Perceptive

Rational Self-knowledge/

discovery Ability to grow Good sense More-

LITERARY TECHNIQUES

Be alert to Foreshadowing Irony

Verbal Dramatic Situational

VOCABULARY

Not just of the time period (see handout)Also-reflection of the theme of the book.LOOK FOR WORDS

Marriage as an economic venture Settled, charge, worth, paid, debt, interest, etc.

Marriage as a moral, ethical, spiritual venture Rational, civility, conduct, reason, judgment,

decorum, integrity, etc.

WORKS CONSULTED

www.dictionary.com.

Rozakis, Laurie. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice: A Guide to Understanding the World’s Great Writing. New York. Simon & Schuster. 1997.

DISCUSSION AGENDA 1

1. Summarize plot thus far. Identify & describe the characters & places so far.

2. Identify 2 examples of irony and explain which type.

3. Find & discuss key comments on pride & prejudice thus far.

4. What views of marriage have been presented?

5. What are important quotes? By whom? Why?

6. Make observations about Austen’s writing style. What do you observe? If asked to write an essay in which you analyze her techniques/style, what would you focus on/include?

7. Share & discuss 2 higher level questions and sample answers.

8. What questions do you have?

9. What are your thoughts/reactions so far?