Bloom's Taxonomy Questions For Pride and Prejudice

Purpose: After reading Volume II Chapter I ask the students the following questions using Bloom's Taxonomy. This will test their knowledge and their comprehension of the chapter, the events in the novel, and the characters.

I. Knowledge

In Caroline Bingley's letter she kept alluding to another female that she was hoping Charles would pursue. Who was the female? (Georgiana Darcy pg 120)

II. Comprehension

State in your own words what Miss Bingley said in her letter to Jane. (That Mr. Bingley has left Netherfield permanently and does not plan on returning. He is becoming very fond of with Georgiana Darcy and Miss Bingley hopes that they become even closer pg 120-121)

III. Application

Judge the effects that Mr Bingley's removal will have on Jane and on Mrs. Bennett. (Jane becomes quiet and withdrawn. Mrs. Bingley becomes even more driven and upset about her daughters and how they need to marry well. She will constantly remind Jane that he is gone and that she lost her chance.)

IV. Analysis

What is Lizzy's point of view about Mr Bingley and his party leaving Netherfield? Who does she feel is responsible and why? What could possibly justify her opinion? (Lizzy believes that Darcy and Miss Bingley had more to do with Charles leaving. She thinks that he still loves Jane and that makes things even worse. Her opinion of Mr. Darcy and of Miss Bingley is not a good one. She hears a double meaning in the letters.)

V. Synthesis

What would have happened if Charles Bingley would not have quit Netherfield? Propose an alternative series of events. (An alternative event could be that Charles and Jane continue to enjoy each others company. This makes Caroline so upset that she threatens to leave or to hurt someone. Mr. Darcy realizes how wonderful Jane is and how lucky Charles is, he then leaves to avoid Elizabeth and Caroline goes with him, etc.)

VI. Evaluation

Compare Jane and Lizzy. How do they look at life? How are their attitudes, personalities, and perceptions about other people different? How do they come across to their acquaintances and family? Who do you think is the happiest? (Jane is very optimistic and trusting. When Caroline tells her something she believes her and refuses to see any bad in it. Lizzy looks at the world with a much more cynical attitude. She does not trust Caroline and laughs about situations that are uncomfortable rather than endure them in silence.)

Elisabeth Thomas, 2000