Rationale

Whose mother does not desire that her daughter marry well? How often have we made or had a horrible first impression of someone and then found out how wrong it was? Who has not wanted to hide whenever family members embarrass them?

Both male and female high school students relate and understand to all of these situations. The see these issues in television shows, movies, and modern literature or perhaps in their own lives on a daily basis. For this reason, any tenth grade English class should appreciate and enjoy reading Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

This novel is full of themes and central motivating ideas, such as love, family, money, community, and prejudice. These themes are universal and are still important to today's readers. Through activities, classroom discussion, and different assignments students will be able to relate the characters, events, and plot of the novel to their own lifestyle. This will help make the novel exciting and relevant. The language and the cultural differences could be difficult barriers for some students to work around. Hopefully through the instruction and the activities, as well research and learning more about the time period, the students will be able to appreciate the beauty and enjoyment of the language and Austen's style and the different way of life during England in the early 1800s.

One important reason for studying this novel is because it very useful in comparing two cultures. There are many similarities between today's society and Austen's society. Through research and reading the novel students learn about the customs, fashions, and social situations and divisions that existed then. By comparing them today's customs, fashions, and social situations students become cultural critics. They can analyze behavior and reasons through the comparison and application.

Though many students may have already formed an early judgment or opinion about Jane Austen and/or Pride and Prejudice they will hopefully keep an open mind and an enthusiastic attitude about the assignments. It is also important for the teacher to do the same thing. While pointing out the different areas for comparison and the ways that the themes are used there are other wonderful aspects of the book that the students can learn from.

The characters and relationships in the novel are real and funny. Who can't help but laugh at Mr. Collins, cringe in embarrassment over Mrs. Bennett, cheer on Lizzy, and love Mr. Darcy. Characterization exercises will help the students understand the characters even more. Another of Austen's strengths is her writing style and her unique perspective.

Students can further develop their writing skills through careful study and application of Pride and Prejudice. Combining all of the different things that students can gain from reading and exploring Pride and Prejudice reveals how useful and effective the unit can be. Above all of those reason, students hopefully will have fun and enjoy a wonderful and timeless novel.