Illustration of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy with neutral expressions on their faces

Pride and Prejudice

by Jane Austen

Start Free Trial

Ideas for Group Discussions

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Pride and Prejudice continues to spark critical debate and controversy due to its vibrant characters, engaging plot, and intricately defined, though somewhat exclusionary, portrayal of late eighteenth-century British society. Modern feminists have also contributed to this lively discourse. Some interpret Elizabeth as subverting the social norms she describes. Provocative discussions often arise from such interpretations, using Austen's meticulously crafted text as a foundation. Is Jane Austen genuinely opposed to marriage? Is she depicting dominant male characters from the landed gentry to highlight women's oppression, or is she suggesting that, despite its flaws, the system can function well under virtuous individuals? Another rich area for analysis is the motivations, morality, and social responsibility—or lack thereof—of the characters, who often serve as foils to one another. Finally, there is the question of Elizabeth's perspective on humanity. Despite recognizing much folly and meanness, she is notably forgiving of the characters, even those who are villainous, who are usually accommodated rather than punished.

1. It is sometimes assumed that Darcy is full of pride and Elizabeth full of prejudice because these and other characters in the novel label them as such. Do you think Elizabeth also exhibits pride, and Darcy prejudice?

2. In all of Austen's novels, the marriage plot makes the nature of marriage a central theme, and the characters debate this issue. Compare the various characters' views on marriage as expressed through their words and actions. How do Elizabeth's and Charlotte's perspectives differ?

3. Wickham is a dangerous and malevolent character because, despite his charming demeanor, he violates social propriety by attempting to ruin two women. However, other characters exploit their social status to behave abusively without overtly breaking any rules. Name two of these characters and describe their actions. What do these behaviors reveal about the author's perspective on social rules?

4. What is Mr. Bennet like as a father? What are his main positive attributes? Where does he fall short?

5. Which Bennet sister has the sweetest disposition? What challenges might her good nature pose in the complex social world depicted in this novel?

6. Fitzwilliam Darcy appears arrogant and elitist at the beginning of the book but becomes more open and adaptable as his relationship with Elizabeth grows. Has he merely seemed snobbish and proud initially, only to be understood differently as Elizabeth gets to know him, or has he truly undergone a character transformation by the end?

7. How are George Wickham's actions punished, if at all? Why do you think Jane Austen is so lenient with her villains?

8. Houses and estates provide insight into their owners and also reflect the personalities of those who talk about them—whether discussing their own homes or others'. Compare Mr. Collins's remarks on Longbourn with his observations about Rosings (Chapter 16) to Elizabeth's reflections on Pemberley (Chapter 43). What values does each character seem to attribute to these grand estates?

9. Jane Austen frequently employs letter writing to expose character traits. Choose at least one serious character and one absurd character, and demonstrate how their letters reveal their true selves.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Previous

Teaching Approaches

Next

Ideas for Reports and Papers

Loading...