Honors English 9 - Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Introductory Reading Activity

Selection:Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen or The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is for honors students only.

Rationale:This text contains strong examples of the elements of literature

incorporated into the 9th grade English curriculum. More

importantly, this book will serve as a bridge between 8th grade

knowledge of literary elements and the 9th grade focus on

analysis of these elements.

Objectives: To enjoy reading and responding to the book in its entirety.

To understand how a writer develops the elements of literature.

Assignment:We strongly recommend you examine the questions prior to

reading the novel. You are encouraged to purchase your own book to build your own library, or you may borrow one from any public library. It’s also available on eBooks. Read the entire book and complete all questions / activities.

Specific Instructions: Please word-process/type your answers (12 pt. Times New

Roman). Answer all questions (and all the parts of each

question) in complete sentences unless otherwise indicated.

Questions and Activities: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Volume I:

  1. The exposition of a work is the author’s introduction of setting and characters to organize and hint at the piece’s conflict. The setting is 18th century England.
  2. What are two (2) social customs in England that are required to be followed?
  3. What is Jane Austen saying about women’s place in this structured society?
  1. Jane Austen’s characters are realistic individuals in their speech and actions. Characterize any two (2) of the characters below. Discuss their personality traits, how you know this (specific evidence from the book), and why they are like this. For example: Mrs. X, my English teacher, is loud and outgoing. You can hear her from the back of the classroom, but she is always friendly and smiling. I think she is like this because she loves her job and wants us to learn but enjoy English at the same time.

Mr. BennetMr. Bingley

Mrs. BennetMiss Bingley

Jane BennetMr. Darcy

Elizabeth Bennet Mr. Collins

Volume II:

  1. Coincidence (luck, happening by chance) played a role in 18th century novels. Explain how coincidence played a part in allowing Elizabeth and Darcy to spend an extended period of time together.

Volume III

  1. Elizabeth visits Pemberley with the Gardiners.
  2. What are the contradictory emotions Elizabeth has she visits Pemberley with the Gardiners?
  3. Why is she afraid? What does she learn of Darcy from his housekeeper?
  4. Is her change of opinion only because he is wealthy?
  1. After Darcy’s letter, both Darcy and Elizabeth had to admit and change the pride and the prejudice that each held in their own character.
  2. What changes did each make in his or her character that allowed themto eventually love each other?
  3. Is it true that a person must know and love himself or herself before he or she can love others? (Your opinion plus an explanation of why)

Bio-Poem: Do this activity when you have completed the novel.

Select one of the main characters from Pride and Prejudice and create a Bio-

Poem following these line-by-line instructions. You may complete the line with

single words or with phrases. Your objective is to show the depth of your

understanding about the character. Don’t forget a title!

Title

Line 1-- First Name of character
Line 2—Title or nickname given to the character
Line 3-- Four words that describe the character
Line 4-- Lover of (three items, objects, or ideas)
Line 5-- Who believes (one idea or concept)
Line 6-- Who wants (three things)
Line 7-- Who uses (three things)
Line 8-- Who gives (three things)
Line 9-- Who says (a direct quote)
Line 10-- Last name of character

Assessment:A range (100-90) – Answers indicate critical and close reading, thoughtful engagement and analysis. Very few if any grammatical or formatting errors are present. Academic voice. All directions are followed.

B range (89-80) – Answers predominately indicate critical and close reading, and mostly thoughtful engagement and analysis. Some, although few, grammatical or formatting errors may be present. Academic voice. All directions are followed.

C range (79-70) – Answers indicate some critical and close reading and

analysis, although understanding of the text may be not in depth or just

skimming the surface. Very few if any grammatical or formatting errors are present. Academic voice. All directions are followed.

D or F range (69-0) – Responses are not acceptable for honors level work. It is unclear whether the book was read or understood. Multiple errors in grammar, voice and / or formatting may be present.

This will count for 50 points in the Homework Category.

Due Date: The completed questions / activities are due – Word-processed, 12 font, Times New Roman (or similar), on Thursday / Friday, August 9 /10, 2012

A copy of this assignment is available on-line at the Hamilton website:

Questions: (please put “summer reading” in the subject line of your e-mail)

Books are available at all libraries, Changing Hands Book Store, Bookmans, and Barnes and Noble. Please check with the front desk during the summer if you are unable to obtain a copy. A few copies will be available for loan.

Pride and Prejudice