Core Skills Analysis
Literature
- Explored the literary style and themes in Jane Austen's complete works, which include novels and possibly letters and essays, deepening understanding of 19th-century English literature.
- Developed skills in literary analysis by identifying character development, plot structure, and social commentary unique to Austen's writing.
- Enhanced vocabulary and reading comprehension through engaging with Austen's rich, historical language and nuanced dialogue.
- Gained insight into historical and cultural contexts of the Regency era, which influence Austen's narratives and character motivations.
History & Social Studies
- Learned about the societal norms, gender roles, and class distinctions of early 19th-century England reflected in Austen's works.
- Explored how historical context impacts literature and the lives of people in that time period.
- Recognized the evolution of social values and family dynamics through Austen's character portrayals and social settings.
- Increased awareness of women’s roles and limitations during Austen’s era as depicted in her novels.
Tips
To further develop a rich understanding of Jane Austen's works, encourage your 13-year-old to compare her characters' challenges with those faced by teenagers today, fostering empathy and cultural awareness. Incorporate creative writing exercises by having them write a modern-day story inspired by Austen’s themes of love, social status, and family. Introduce dramatic reading or acting out scenes to deepen appreciation of dialogue and character emotions. Finally, exploring historical timelines or creating a visual family tree related to Austen’s characters can make the setting more tangible and meaningful.
Book Recommendations
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: A classic novel exploring themes of love, social class, and misunderstandings within the English gentry.
- Jane Austen: A Biography by Claire Tomalin: An accessible biography that reveals the life and times of Jane Austen, enriching readers’ appreciation of her work.
- Emma by Jane Austen: A witty story of self-discovery and matchmaking that illuminates the complexities of human relationships.
Learning Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.1: Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.3: Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot).
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.3: Analyze the interactions between individuals, events, and ideas in a text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
Try This Next
- Create a character diary from the perspective of Elizabeth Bennet or Emma to explore character thoughts and feelings.
- Develop a quiz focused on plot details, themes, and character traits from Austen’s novels to reinforce comprehension.