“A mind lively and at ease, can do with seeing nothing, and can see nothing that does not answer” -Jane Austen PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

How would you feel if your parents/guardians chose your prom date for you? 2. How do you feel when you hear someone constantly bragging about their dress and how much it cost? Prompt

Prompt 2. How have you seen pride in today’s society? 3. How have you seen prejudice in today’s society? 4. How does it affect society?

Women in the 18th century Marriage was a central concern in the early nineteenth century: middle and upper-class women to have a tolerable existence. Men ruled the public world of politics and business; women ruled the home.

Women in the 18th century Unmarried women of good birth had an even more difficult time They could only rarely inherit property Most fortunes were willed to eldest son As in the case with the Bennet family, great estates were frequently “entailed” on the male line, no sons = someone else getting property

Women’s accomplishments Instead of a formal education, women learned accomplishments = acquired skills to attract a man Reading Playing a musical instrument Singing Drawing Speak modern languages (generally Italian or French)

Jane Austen Life (1775-1817) Born in England on December 16th 1775 to Reverend George Austen and Cassandra Austen months after the American revolution began in April

Died at age 41, a few years longer than the life expectancy Known for her 6 published novels which have become the model for romantic stories since the early 1800s Most Famous: Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice Died at age 41, a few years longer than the life expectancy

Jane Austen’s Education Began formal education at a boarding school in Southampton where she learned foreign languages, music, and dancing After boarding school, her education consisted of reading from the family’s personal library and what her brothers and father could teach her

Jane Austen’s Writing Not very influenced by the romanticism of her time 1795 Began her first novel “Elinor and Marianne” which she later revised to become Sense and Sensibility 1796 Writes a second novel “First Impressions” which later became Pride and Prejudice (published in 1813)

Jane Austen’s Era Strict rules of marriage and courtship Frowned upon to marry someone in a lower class (Darcy’s prejudice toward Elizabeth) Those born into the higher classes regarded themselves as more established and important than people who had only recently become wealthy.

Jane Austen’s Era Daughters had to choose among a group of suitors during balls, parties, and family visits Austen wished to change attitudes towards marriage and courtship

Jane Austen’s Era Females= inferior Distinct social roles marked out along gender lines, Women were denied equality of opportunity in areas such as education, business. Girls were praised for being submissive, modest, pure and domesticated (Elizabeth and sisters knew how to dance, play instruments, and talk about books )

Parallel between Jane Austen and Elizabeth Bennet Similar social/economic status  Did not follow certain rules: rules that were seen as “vulgar” by higher classes Ex: Austen was educated and Elizabeth was independent and spoke her mind Both wished for love in marriage

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

….And the story goes Mrs. Bennet’s overriding concern with the marriages of her five daughters is thus typical of the panic many 19th century mothers felt (shocking). Mr. Bennet’s estate is entailed to his distant cousin A single man, Charles Bingley, has leased Netherfield Park and his best friend is Fitzwilliam Darcy Possibility for the middle class Bennet girls to catch a man Jane Elizabeth Mary Catherine (Kitty) Lydia

Summary The book starts out introducing the Bennet family with the mother, Mrs. Bennet, the father, Mr. Bennet, and their five unmarried daughters; Jane, Elizabeth, Kitty, Lydia and Mary. Charles Bingley, a rich single man, moves to the Netherfield estate. He meets the Bennet daughters at a local ball and they are impressed by his outgoing personality and friendliness. The Bennet family becomes obsessed with the idea of him marrying one of the daughters.

Summary Continued Bingley’s best friend is Mr. Darcy, a very wealthy landowner who is too proud to speak to any of the locals. He refuses to dance with Elizabeth Bennet at the ball. Bingley begins to fall in love with the oldest sister, Jane.

Summary Continued Bingley's sisters do not approve because of the lower family status, while Darcy is still falling in love with Elizabeth regardless of her social status.

Activity Please read the following quotes & answer the questions                             below. You may work in a group “ It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”     1.When reading this quote what comes to mind?      2. Thinking back to this time period, do you think is quote was accurate for this time period?

This is a quote said by Mr.Darcy about Elizabeth:  “She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me; and I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. You had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me.” 3. What theme is represented in the following quote? 4. Put yourself in Elizabeth's shoes and describe how you would react if you heard Darcy said this about you?

This is said by Mr.Wickham about Mr.Darcy "Can such abominable pride as his have ever done him any good?“ "Yes; It has often led him to be liberal and generous, -- to give his money freely, to display hospitality, to assist his tenants, and relieve the poor. Family pride, and filial pride, for he is very proud of what his father was, have done this... He has also brotherly pride, which with some brotherly affection, makes him a very kind and careful guardian of his sister.'‘ 5. Do you agree with Mr.Wickham in believing pride can be a positive quality? 6. Have you ever disliked someone for being too proud or been disliked for being too proud?

THEMES

Marriage vs. Love During this time many believed that marriage was a business transaction Pay attention to characters’ discussion of marriage

Social Rank & Reputation One’s social class determined expected behaviors Both men and women had certain behavioral rules to follow Elizabeth Bennet challenges expected rules for women and social rank

Pride Having too much pride is negative in this novel Pride = arrogance; self-conceit Characters describe Darcy as proud

Prejudice Prejudice in the novel refers to judging others Characters form first impressions that are often wrong These impressions can cloud a character’s judgment of other people

Homework Read Chapters 1-3 Highlight 2 quotes that support themes from the novel.