Penguin Readers Factsheets
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T e a c h e r’s n o t e s
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Pride and Prejudice
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by Jane Austen
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UPPER
INTERMEDIATE
S U M M A R Y
ride and Prejudice, first published in 1813, is one of
the most famous novels in the English language. It
is both romance and witty social satire. There are
few nineteenth century novels that speak in such a clear
voice to the present day.
P
The story is about the Bennet family. Mr and Mrs Bennet
have five lovely daughters, but no money to give them. In
order to be well settled, their daughters must find
husbands. Two wealthy and good looking young men,
Charles Bingley and Fitzwilliam Darcy, come to stay in the
neighbourhood. To the vulgar Mrs Bennet's delight,
Bingley falls in love with Jane, her eldest daughter.
Elizabeth, the second daughter, intelligent and witty, takes
a dislike to Mr Darcy; she finds him cold and proud. She
is more attracted to George Wickham, an army officer,
and believes that Mr Darcy has treated him badly. But the
proud Mr Darcy has fallen in love with her. He proposes to
her and to his astonishment, she refuses him. Mr Darcy
and Bingley then leave for London, leaving Jane brokenhearted.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth learns that Wickham is immoral
and dishonest; Mr Darcy was in the right. Some months
later she meets Darcy by accident and falls in love with
him. Then she receives news that Lydia, her younger
sister, has run away with Wickham. Darcy finds Wickham
and forces him to marry Lydia. The story ends happily with
the marriage of Elizabeth to Darcy and Jane to Bingley.
ABOUT JANE AUSTEN
Jane Austen is universally recognised as one of England's
greatest novelists. Born in 1775 in the Hampshire
countryside, she was the seventh child in a family of eight.
Her father, George Austen, was a clergyman; the family
was middle class and comfortably off. Austen started
writing as a young teenager; even at that age her works
were incisive and elegantly expressed.
Jane Austen's family was lively and affectionate. Like
most country people of that time, the family lived a fairly
restricted social life, since travel was difficult. Austen
received several proposals of marriage. However, she
never married, and lived an uneventful life, happy to
remain in the family home. We know that she wrote her
novels at her desk in the drawing room, with her family
around her. She was an attractive, lively and witty young
woman, much loved and respected by family and friends.
The whole family recognised her genius. Her brother
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wrote 'In person she was very attractive; her figure was
rather tall and slender ... She was a clear brunette with a
rich colour ... If not as handsome as her sister, yet her face
had a charm of its own ...'
Austen wrote six major novels. Sense and Sensibility
was published in 1811, Pride and Prejudice in 1813,
Mansfield Park in 1814, Emma in 1816. Northanger Abbey
and Persuasion were published after her death. The
novels were popular. Highly placed public figures such as
the Prince Regent (the heir to the throne) admired her
novels greatly. The Prince kept a set of her novels in each
of his homes.
Like many geniuses, Jane Austen died relatively young.
She developed Addison's disease and died in 1817 in
Winchester at the age of 41.
BACKGROUND AND THEMES
Jane Austen's works are satirical comedies about the
middle and upper-middle classes. The plots are variations
on a standard theme: a young woman's courtship and
eventual marriage. By the end of every one of Austen's
novels the heroine has found a husband. The world she
describes is small. In one letter Austen compared herself
to a painter of miniatures: 'the little bit of ivory on which I
work with so fine a brush ...'. But within this narrow focus
Jane explores an important and universal theme: the
adjustments that a person must make to family and
society.
For a young woman of this period, marriage was the
surest route to independence and freedom. Marriage to a
wealthy man of good birth was the most desirable
position for a woman. Unmarried women living in their
parents' house (as Jane Austen was) were considered as
second class citizens.
Pride and Prejudice famously begins: 'It is a truth
universally acknowledged, that a single man in
possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.'
Thus, the theme of the novel is stated in the very first
sentence. As the story continues, marriage is examined
from many points of view. Lydia and Wickham represent
its most animal aspect, Jane and Bingley its most
innocent. Elizabeth and Darcy represent its most spiritual
aspect. Austen satirizes the Bennets' marriage, and
shows us maturity in Mr and Mrs Gardiner. Mr Collins and
Charlotte demonstrate the marriage of convenience.
Penguin Readers Factsheets
T e a c h e r’s n o t e s
There is no writer more careful in her use of words than
Austen. The title 'Pride and Prejudice' summarises the
point on which the novel turns: it is because of Darcy's
'pride' and Elizabeth's 'prejudice' that the two characters
misunderstand one another. As the story continues, they
change and grow towards one another.
Communicative activities
The following teacher-led activities cover the same
sections of text as the exercises at the back of the Reader,
and supplement those exercises. For supplementary
exercises covering shorter sections of the book, see the
photocopiable Student’s Activities pages of this Factsheet.
These are primarily for use with class reader but, with the
exception of discussion and pair/groupwork questions,
can also be used by students working alone in a selfaccess centre.
ACTIVITIES BEFORE READING THE BOOK
Read the information about Jane Austen at the front of
Pride and Prejudice. Give each student in the class a fact
about her, written on a slip of paper. Ask students to
memorise their 'fact' and then to put the slip of paper
away.
Students then have ten minutes to collect as many facts
as possible. They do this by asking each other what their
'facts' are. They then return to their seats and write down
all the facts they have learned. The winner is the person
who has listed the greatest number of correct facts.
ACTIVITIES AFTER READING A SECTION
Chapters 1–4
In pairs, students answer the following questions:
(a) Why is Mrs Bennet so pleased that Mr Bingley has
arrived in the neighbourhood?
(b) Why do the ladies begin to dislike Mr Darcy?
(c) Why does Elizabeth, in particular, dislike him?
(d) What does Bingley start to feel about Jane? What is
Elizabeth's worry on this point?
(e) What does Darcy start to feel about Elizabeth? Does
Elizabeth feel the same?
Chapters 5–10
1 In pairs, students correct the following sentences.
They explain, as fully as they can, the true situation.
(a) Elizabeth finds Mr Collins an attractive and
intelligent man.
(b) Mr Darcy and Mr Wickham are good friends.
2 In pairs, students discuss and answer the following
question:
In your opinion, what are the three most important
things that happen in this chapter? Give reasons for
your opinion.
3 In small groups, students discuss the following
question:
In what ways are Jane and Elizabeth different from
each other? In what ways are they similar?
Chapters 11–16
Ask students the following question:
Elizabeth receives the surprise of her life. What happens
and why is she so surprised?
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When you have elicited their answers, put students in
pairs. Ask them to imagine that Elizabeth tells Jane what
has happened and what her feelings are. Ask students to
role play this conversation.
Chapters 17–22
In pairs, students answer the following questions:
(a) What happens at Pemberley and why is Elizabeth so
surprised and embarrassed?
(b) In what way have Darcy and Elizabeth changed since
they last met?
(c) Elizabeth tells Darcy that Lydia has run away with
Wickham. What do you think will happen as a result?
Will Darcy be disgusted with the Bennet family or will
he try to help Elizabeth? What do you think Elizabeth
believes?
Chapters 23–28
In pairs, students choose three adjectives from the list
below that best describe:
Elizabeth, Jane, Darcy, Lydia, Wickham, Mrs Bennet
selfish vulgar unreliable foolish critical gentle
principled good-natured superficial charming
arrogant shrewd lively greedy immoral
Ask students to explain why they chose these adjectives.
ACTIVITIES AFTER READING THE BOOK
Put students in pairs. Ask them to choose any scene from
the book and to act it out. Tell them to try and really act to imagine that they are these characters. When students
have finished, the whole class votes for the most
convincing pair.
Glossary
It will be useful if your students know these new words. They are
practised in the ‘Before You Read’sections art the back of the book.
(Definitions are based on those in the Longman Dictionary of
Contemporary English.)
Chapters 1–4
acquaint (v) to know someone because you have met once or twice
before
agreeable (adj) pleasant or acceptable
astonish (v) to surprise someone very much
carriage (n) a vehicle with wheels that is pulled by a horse, used in
former times
engaged (adj) having agreed to get married
inferior (adj) less good in quality, value or skill
lively (adj) full of energy and very active
lodge (n) a small house built on the land of a large country house
neglect (v) to not look after someone or something properly
noble (adj) morally good or generous, that should be admired
parsonage (n) the house where a parson (a christian minister) lives
regiment (n) a large military group
Chapters 5–10
godfather (n) a man who promises to help a child and teach him or
her Christian values
heir (n) a person who has the legal right to receive the property or
title of another person when they die
relief (n) a feeling of comfort when something frightening or painful
has ended
scorn (n) the feeling that someone or something is stupid or not as
good as someone or something else
Chapters 11–16
colonel (n) a high rank in the army
prejudice (n) an unreasonable dislike or distrust of people who are
different from you
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Fa ctsh eet se r ies dev elo ped by Louis e James
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Student’s activities
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Pride and Prejudice
Photocopiable
These activities can be done alone or with one or more
other students. Pair/group-only activities are marked.
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Activities before reading the book
1 When do you think Pride and Prejudice was written
and why?
(c) Mrs Gardiner is not happy to see how friendly
2 From the picture, what do you think the story might
be about?
(d) Whickham has no real interest in Elizabeth.
3 From the title, what do you think the story might be
about?
2 Put these events in the order in which they occur in
the book.
Elizabeth and Wickham are.
(e) Elizabeth is surprised by Charlotte.
(a) Mr Bingley goes to London
Activities while reading the book
CHAPTERS 1–4
1 In small groups, students discuss the following
questions:
(a) Who are the following characters and what is
(b) Mr Collins proposes to Charlotte Lucas.
(c) The Bennet girls meet Mr Wickham.
(d) There is a ball at Netherfield
(e) Mr Darcy meets Mr Wickham.
(f)
Mr Collins proposes to Elizabeth.
their relationship to each other?
(g) Jane goes to London.
Mr Bennet, Mrs Bennet, Jane, Elizabeth, Mr
(h) Darcy cheats Wickham out of his inheritance.
Bingley, Mr Darcy
CHAPTERS 11–16
(b) Say what you have learnt so far about the
characters of these five people.
2 Who says the sentences below, and who do they say
them to? What are they talking about?
(a) ‘They are my old friends. I have been listening to
1 Finish these sentences. Try not to look at the book.
(a) Mr Collins showed Elizabeth around his house
because .........................
(b) Lady Catherine’s way of welcoming visitors did
not let them ..........................
news of them for 20 years.’
(b) ‘Oh, she is the most beautiful creature that I ever
saw!’
(c) ‘... It must greatly lessen her chance of marrying
(c) Mr Bingley has no intention of .....................
(d) Mr Darcy asks Elizabeth .......................
(e) When Elizabeth read Mr Darcy’s letter she felt
..........................
a man of good position’
(d) ‘ ... and now think badly of me if you dare.’
(e) ‘Please do not talk of that hateful man’
3 Do you think that Jane will finally marry Mr Bingley
and Elizabeth will marry Mr Darcy?
(f)
Elizabeth decides to tell Jane .........................
Chapters 11–16
2 Put these events in the correct order.
(a) Mr Darcy writes a letter to Elizabeth.
CHAPTERS 5–10
(b) Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam arrive.
1 Explain why:
(c) Lady Catherine invites Elizabeth to dinner.
(a) Jane is unhappy.
(b) Elizabeth is angry with Mr Darcy and Bingley's
sisters.
(d) Elizabeth goes to the theatre.
(e) Elizabeth tells Jane about Mr Darcy.
(f)
Elizabeth learns that Mr Darcy was involved in
the separation of Mr Bingley and Jane.
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UPPER
INTERMEDIATE
Penguin Readers Factsheets
Student’s activities
(g) Elizabeth visits the parsonage to see Charlotte
and Mr Collins.
(h) Mr Darcy tells Elizabeth that he loves her.
(i)
Jane, Elizabeth and Maria return to Hertfordshire.
3 What is Elizabeth’s opinion of Mr Darcy and Mr
Wickham at the end of this chapter of the book?
Chapters 17–22
(b) ‘I am beginning to be sorry that he is coming at
all.’
(c) ‘I knew that you could not be so beautiful for
nothing.’
(d) ‘I will not be interrupted. Hear me in silence.’
(e) ‘Will you tell me how long you have loved him?’
5 In small groups, discuss the following questions:
(a) Do you think Lydia and Wickham will be happy
1 Are these sentences true or false. Correct the false
ones.
together?
(b) In what ways are Lydia and Wickham similar to
(a) Kitty is pleased that Lydia has been invited to
Brighton.
(b) Elizabeth tells Wickham that she likes Darcy
more, now that she knows him better.
(c) Elizabeth feels that her parents marriage is a
happy one.
(d) Elizabeth is looking forward to the visit to
Pemberley House.
(e) Mr Darcy does not want to meet Elizabeth’s
relatives.
(f)
each other?
Students must give reasons for their opinions.
5 In small groups, discuss how you think the story will
end. When you have read this chapter, answer the
following questions.
(a) Which of your predictions were right?
(b) Which of your predictions were wrong?
(c) What happened that you did not expect? What
surprised you?
Miss Bingley thinks that Elizabeth looked
beautiful.
Activities after reading the book
(g) Elizabeth receives a letter from Lydia.
(h) Lydia runs away to Gretna Green.
(i)
Mrs Bennet is more worried about Lydia’s safety
than anything else.
(j)
Mr Collins asks Mr Bennet to forgive Lydia.
2 Why is Elizabeth surprised at Mr Darcy’s reaction to
the news that Lydia has run away?
One of the themes of Pride and Prejudice is 'marriage'. In
small groups discuss the following:
We follow the courtships or marriages of six couples in
this book: Mr and Mrs Bennet, Darcy and Elizabeth, Jane
and Bingley, Lydia and Wickham, Mr Collins and
Charlotte, Mr and Mrs Gardiner. Each of these couples
has a different relationship. For example, Mr and Mrs
Bennet argue a lot; they irritate each other.
Chapters 23–28
1 What news does Edward Gardiner’s letter bring to Mr
Bennet? How does Mr Bennet react to the letter?
Describe the relationships of these six couples. What
kind of marriages do they think Elizabeth, Jane and Lydia
will have?
2 Why is Elizabeth sorry that she has told Mr Darcy
about Lydia?
3 What is Mrs Bennet’s reaction to the news that Lydia
is to be married? What is she concerned about?
4 Who says these sentences? Who are they speaking
to?
(a) ‘I mean that no man in his right mind would
marry Lydia for so little as one hundred pounds a
year.’
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Fa cts h eet wri tten by Davi d Fr anc is
Fa ctshe et s e ri es devel oped by Lo uise J ame s
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