Something about Jane Austen - HERE
Did you know that Jane Austen...?
* was a daughter of a reverend
* never married, though at the age of 27 she accepted a proposal but by the morning she had changed her mind
* always wore a cap
* was lively, affectionate and sharp-witted
* could read French and Italian
* at first wrote on very small pieces of paper so they could be hidden under a blotter if anyone came in
* published all her books anonymously (until her brother Henry later let the secret out - only her immediate family knew she was an author)
* died, aged 42, of Addison's Disease
(Source: Private Lives)
STUDY QUESTIONS - PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
1. Briefly summarize the plot of the novel.
2. Characterize the main characters and comment on their portrayal provided by Austen.
3. What social classes are portrayed in Pride and Prejudice?
4. Discuss the character of Elizabeth Bennet. Does she fit into the typical Victorian framework? If not, explain what makes her different and provide examples from the text.
5. Comment on the setting, narrative perspective and the style of the novel.
6. What is the tone of the novel? What devices does the author use to create it?
7. What is the genre of the novel? What does Austen concentrate on? Are there any references to the historical or political background of that era?
8. What Victorian stereotypes can you detect in the novel?
9. Find at least 3 different concepts of marriage in the novel. Exemplify.
10. Discuss the meaning of the novel’s title.
11. Comment on Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s transformation.
12. Try to formulate the theme of the work.
13. Do you see any feministic features in the novel?
14. What may be the significance of the opening sentence of the novel?
