Suggestions for Research Topics Related to Pride and Prejudice



Suggestions for Research Topics Related to Pride and Prejudice

1. The novel’s action revolves around several balls. Research the customs associated with the English Country Dance or “ball.”

2. Several mentions are made of the militia and their movements. What was the life of a member of the militia like in that day and age? In what wars might they have been involved?

3. The novel mentions many place names. Research some of the places mentioned in the novel and determine whether they are real towns, fictional places, or some cross between the two. (Ex: Meryton, Brighton, Gretna Green, Hunsford.)

4. The Gardiners take a visit to The Lake Country. What does that mean? What would they have been able to see there? Did lots of people go on such excursions?

5. Several of you expressed dismay over the fact that Collins was offering to marry his own cousin. Research the customs and laws regarding marrying blood relatives over the last 200 years in Europe and/or America.

6. What were the responsibilities of a wife and mother in 19th century England?

7. Was divorce allowed?

8. What were the rules of propriety for young people who were interested in each other? In what circumstances, if any, could they be alone? What sorts of gifts could they give (and NOT give)? What sorts of letters could they write, and how frequently? Research “the rules.”

9. Research the reasons for and the rules concerning entailments.

10. What was the relationship of Jane Austen’s own life to the novel?

11. What were the expectations regarding education for women? What were the options for obtaining it? Was it available to women of all social classes?

12. Several card games are mentioned in the novel. Research one of them. Ex: vingt-un, commerce, cassino, quadrille, piquet, whist.

13. What sorts of dance steps were popular at this time in the English countryside?

14. Examine “precedence” in the novel. Consider Lydia feeling she is “above” her sisters once she’s married. Also consider the meanings of terms related to men such as Gentleman (referring to Darcy) and Sir (referring to Sir William Lucas). Who ranks higher? Why? Where does Collins fit in? Where does Mr. Bennet fit in?

15. What was the ideal for physical beauty for a woman in 19th century England?

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