Book Club-Pride & Prejudice
Welcome to Our Book Club Guide for Pride & Prejudice. Our Book Club Guide will help you explore the text in it's historical context of rural Regency England & in it's wider historical background. We shall also explore the novel's continual appeal & relevance to us, the 21st century reader.
Included Topics
Marriage
The Romantic novel
Love
Reputation
Class
Rights of women
Personal transformation
Process of seduction
Art & music
Fashion
Food & drink
Politics
Most importantly, we shall help you explore the text in a very personal, enjoyable & informed way.
Chapter One
In which we
are introduced to the main theme of the novel Marriage
meet Mr. & Mrs. Bennet
& hear some important news!
The Main Theme of the Novel - Marriage
The narrator informs us immediately that:
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."
Discuss
What were the reasons for marriage in Regency England?
Do these reasons still apply today?
Keep notes of your discussion for future reference.
The importance of marriage.
The pursuit of finding & securing a socially advantageous marriage is of utmost importance in "Pride & Prejudice" as it was in Austen's contemporary 19th Century Regency England. The options for the women in the novel are severely limited as they were in historical regency England. The narrator tells us:
"that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."
Discuss
Do you think this is true?
Is it really the wealthy man who "must be in want" of a good marriage?
Maybe, it is the women who are "in want" or absolute need of a husband, not vice versa. The social & economic situation of a lower class gentry woman, depended almost entirely on marrying " a single man of good fortune". The "man of good fortune" only needed to marry to gain a legitimate heir. The opening lines of the novel can be seen as a mirror image, an upside down version of Regency reality.
Discuss
What do you think about this quote?
Your personal thoughts, feelings & opinions are important.
Make notes for future reference.
Mr. & Mrs. Bennet Meet our first Regency married couple - Mr. & Mrs. Bennet.
Read aloud the dialogue between them.
Do it a few times.
Have some fun!!!
Which words best describe Mr Bennet ?
Sarcastic
Playful
Dismissive
Uncaring
Bored
Tired
Teasing
Funny
Unkind
Which words best describe Mrs. Bennet ?
Frustrated
Whinny
Hysterical
Shallow
Snobbish
Ridiculous
Worried
Gossipy
Foolish
Discuss
What do you think about the dynamics of Mr & Mrs Bennet's marriage?
Thanks for joining us.
Have a fabulous week. See you next time!
Brigid
Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to book a lesson with us!
LEARN CREATE SHARE
