Thesis Statement
In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Mr. George Wickham, a conniving and dishonest man, ruined familial and romantic
relationships because of his desire to raise his socioeconomic standing.
II. Topic Sentence
In order to dissuade Elizabeth from pursuing a romantic relationship with Mr. Darcy, he paints an inaccurate picture of Mr.
Darcy.
Details
-Describes Darcy as proud and Darcy stole inheritance Darcy’s father was more benevolent
-Leaves Elizabeth for richer women Elizabeth justifies as reasonable
-Wickham squandered all of Darcy’s money
-“For almost all his actions may be traced to pride; and pride has often been his best friend” (Wickham talking about Darcy)
Summative
Wickham manipulates people around him to advance his own reputation and receive pity
III. Topic Sentence
After Wickham fails to fool Elizabeth, he pursues Elizabeth’s younger sister, Lydia, which further reveals his manipulative
nature.
Details
-Marries Lydia to get money from Bennets  but can’t afford marriage and tries to back out but Darcy persuades him
-Acts distant / dismissive to her
Summative
Wickham shows his avarice and selfishness by taking advantage of Lydia’s naiveté in hopes of receiving financial support from
Mr. Bennet.
V. Conclusion
Thematic Statement/ Meaning of the Work as a Whole
Wickham’s actions were driven by greed, and his need for reputational gain mirrors other character’s motives to raise their social
and economic status as their primary goal in life.
2008. In a literary work, a minor character, often known as a foil, possesses traits that emphasize, by contrast or comparison, the
distinctive characteristics and qualities of the main character. For example, the ideas or behavior of a minor character might be
used to highlight the weaknesses or strengths of the main character. Choose a novel or play in which a minor character serves as a
foil for the main character. Then write an essay in which you analyze how the relation between the minor character and the major
character illuminates the meaning of the work.
Thesis Statement
In Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Jane Bennet serves as foil to Elizabeth illuminating the possibility of great love that
overcomes arrogance.
II. Topic Sentence
Elizabeth and Jane are sisters who contrast in characteristics. While Elizabeth has a strong judgment for characters, Jane is naïve
and gentle.
Details
-Jane is complacent, willing to accept everyone, optimistic
-Elizabeth – judgmental with her suitors and opinionated/ headstrong/ freethinker
Summative
Because of their contrasting characters, Jane and Elizabeth’s actions show the different ways to develop relationships.
III. Topic Sentence
Jane and Elizabeth’s relationships with their suitors further the distinction between the two characters.
Details
-Elizabeth does not want to marry Mr. Collins
-Mr. Darcy – proud, reserved, really in love with Elizabeth
-Bingley- attractive, carefree, loves Jane, charming, sweet, dumb
-Collins – wants money
Summative
The marriages/relationships are contrasting b/c Jane knew how to cherish love from the beginning while Elizabeth does not.
V. Conclusion
Thematic Statement/ Meaning of the Work as a Whole
Jane Bennett serves as a foil to Elizabeth Bennett, her younger sister due to her caring and amicable nature; this allows Jane to
overcome any arrogance and prejudice for the sake of her love unlike Elizabeth who fails to do so.
1992. In a novel or play, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is a character, often a friend or relative of the hero or
heroine, whose role is to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in. Frequently the result is,
as Henry James remarked, that the confidant or confidante can be as much “the reader’s friend as the protagonist’s.” However,
the author sometimes uses this character for other purposes as well. Choose a confidant or confidante from a novel or play of
recognized literary merit and write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work. You may
write your essay on one of the following novels or plays or on another of comparable quality. Do not write on a poem or short
story.
Thesis Statement
In Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, Jane Bennett serves as a confidante to her sister Elizabeth demonstrates the strength of
female relationships.
II. Topic Sentence
The strength of the relationship between the sisters is shown through their loyalty to one another.
Details
-Elizabeth breaks off her relationship with Darcy because she believes he sabotages Jane’s engagement.
Summative
Elizabeth relationship with Jane was more important than any other.
III. Topic Sentence
Jane serves as a sympathetic listener encouraging Elizabeth to defy society’s standards and follow the path that would make her
happy.
Details
-Encourages Elizabeth to marry Darcy
-“Could you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your connections?” –Darcy to Elizabeth
V. Conclusion
Thematic Statement/ Meaning of the Work as a Whole
Strong relationship provide support and inspire confidence to attain emotional fulfillment.
2011. In a novel by William Styron, a father tells his son that life “is a search for justice.”
Choose a character from a novel or play who responds in some significant way to justice or injustice. Then write a welldeveloped essay in which you analyze the character’s understanding of justice, the degree to which the character’s search for
justice is successful, and the significance of this search for the work as a whole.
Thesis Statement
Throughout the novel, the character of Fitzwilliam Darcy’s search for justice leads to his evolvement as a person and contributes
to the meaning of the work as a whole.
II. Topic Sentence
Darcy’s arrogance clouds his understanding of what real justice is.
Details
-Refuses to dance with Elizabeth because of status
-Convinces Bingley to leave Netherfield
Summative
Shows that Darcy believes he’s acting according to class, but in reality he is acting unjustly towards others.
III. Topic Sentence
As Darcy evolves and looks past his pride, his sense of justice evolves as well.
Details
-Saves Lydia from Wickham by paying him off
-His feelings for Lizzie change him
-He brings Bingley back
Summative
Darcy’s love for Elizabeth illuminates his pride and makes him seek out true justice
V. Conclusion
Thematic Statement/ Meaning of the Work as a Whole
Love for another person can change them. Darcy’s feelings for Elizabeth made him a better person.
Notes/Quotes
“Pride is a very common failing… human nature is particularly prone to it, and there are very few of us who do not cherish a
feeling of self-complacency”
1997. Novels and plays often include scenes of weddings, funerals, parties, and other social occasions. Such scenes may reveal
the values of the characters and the society in which they live. Select a novel or play that includes such a scene and, in a focused
essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole. You may choose a work from the list
below or another novel or play of literary merit.
Thesis Statement
As a result of social expectations, Mr. Darcy looks down upon Elizabeth due to her low social status at the first ball.
II. Topic Sentence
At the first ball Mr. Darcy comes across as the “Proudest, most disagreeable man in the whole world.”
Details
-his wealth
-popularity
-his high level of arrogance
-“the inferiority…” Pg. 35
Summative
The first ball showed Darcy’s true colors as a man of money and arrogance.
III. Topic Sentence
First impressions at social events may often be misleading such as the way Elizabeth first viewed Mr. Darcy.
Details
-“And your defect is to hate everybody… to misunderstand them.”
-“You shall have it… we are not rich or grand enough for them.”
-She saw Darcy like everyone else did… cocky and arrogant
Summative
Elizabeth’s first impression of Darcy sets her view of him until she begins to notice his change in character.
V. Conclusion
Thematic Statement/ Meaning of the Work as a Whole
Pride can often prevent someone from finding happiness in life. People must battle this egotistical way of life so that happy
endings can occur.
Notes/Quotes
This first ball is when Darcy and Elizabeth first met and although she gets a bad impression of him, through later events she
comes to see his true self and falls in love.
1988. Choose a distinguished novel or play in which some of the most significant events are mental or psychological; for
example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness. In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to give
these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external action. Do not merely
summarize the plot.
Thesis Statement
In Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Elizabeth experiences an awakening during which she realizes her romantic feelings for
Mr. Darcy.
II. Topic Sentence
After Mr. Darcy confesses his love for Elizabeth, she realizes her attraction for him.
Details
-used to think he was prideful/ arrogant Ex: Ball
-now she understands his actions Ex: letter (Darcy’s)
-“In vain I have… and love you.” (Pg. 129)
Summative
Although she originally thinks Mr. Darcy is a vain, arrogant man, his proposal and explanation of his actions causes her to
develop feelings for him.
III. Topic Sentence
When Elizabeth visits Pemberley on vacation, she explores and develops her connection with Mr. Darcy.
Details
-Running into Darcy – flustered (she didn’t think he would be there)
-meeting Mr. Darcy’s sister; she sees his more relaxed personality
- Darcy becomes more relaxed
Summative
Meeting Mr. Darcy while in his home environment allows Elizabeth to see a more compassionate side of him which further
solidifies her feelings for him.
V. Conclusion
Thematic Statement/ Meaning of the Work as a Whole
Love does not always reveal itself initially but can grow and develop over time.
Notes/Quotes
“It is a truth universally acknowledged… in want of a wife.” (Pg. 5)
1983. From a novel or play of literary merit, select an important character who is a villain. Then, in a well-organized essay,
analyze the nature of the character’s villainy and show how it enhances meaning in the work. Do not merely summarize the plot.
Thesis Statement
Mr. Wickham;s villainous actions and their effects on Elizabeth Bennet throughout the novel reveal the dangers of shutting out
those who damage the pride of others.
II. Topic Sentence
Initially, Elizabeth’s relationship with Mr. Wickham only deepens her disdain for the proud Mr. Darcy.
Details
-Wickham portrays himself as a lowly foot soldier, who, if it were not for the actions of Mr. Darcy, would be working in the
church.
-“The church ought to have been my profession – I was brought up for the church.” (pg. 80)
-Elizabeth is not only attracted to the military man, but finds a relationship with him pleasing because she can discover more
reasons to hate Mr. Darcy, a man whom she has sworn to despise for the rest of her life.
-Elizabeth becomes attached to the idea of a relationship with Mr. Wickham, which allows her to continue to distance herself
from Mr. Darcy.
-Darcy kept Wickham’s inheritance from him and drove him away from the Darcy family after the death of Mr. Darcy.
-Elizabeth comes to view him as just another person whose pride has been admonished by Mr. Darcy.
III. Topic Sentence
-Over the course of her relationship with Mr. Wickham, Elizabeth comes to question his stories and his motives, finally realizing
her faults in judgment.
Details
-Mrs. Gardiner warns Elizabeth against Mr. Wickham (along with Jane and Caroline Bingley at Netherfield Ball)
-While detaching herself from Wickham, she finds herself with Mr. Darcy more often, especially when she goes to visit Charlotte
and Mr. Collins at Pemberley
-Miss King – a woman of wealth whom Wickham pursues after the relationship with Elizabeth dwindles
-“Bu vanity, not love, has been my folly” (205)
-Elizabeth allowed herself to be swept away by Wickham’s story and turned away from the truth and reason because of her
hatred for Mr. Darcy
-At the moment she realizes only after hurting Mr. Darcy that she had allowed the wrong man into her life and shut out a man
whom she neglected and needed to understand.
-Mr. Wickham hurts Elizabeth’s ability to understand others and continues to slander Mr. Darcy through his misconceptions of
his past with Mr. Darcy.
IV. Topic Sentence
Even after Elizabeth uncovers the truth of Mr. Wickham, he continues to invade upon her family.
Details
-Elizabeth tries to make up for her prejudices of Mr. Darcy
-Feels a desire to be with him (visit to Pemberley)
-Does not want to damage Wickham’s reputations she did Darcy is: “but to expose the former faults of any person, without
knowing what their present feelings were seemed unjustifiable.” (281)
-Wickham takes her sister, Lydia
-This villainous action causes Elizabeth to further realize her faulty judgments of Mr. Darcy
-Darcy saves her family’s reputations by paying for the marriage of Lydia and Wickham, despite all Mr. Wickham has done to
him.
-Elizabeth discovers Mr. Darcy is truly a loving man who is really just shy – He may hurt the pride of others but he does so
unintentionally
-Darcy is different from others in his class whom Elizabeth has predisposed opinions of
V. Conclusion
Thematic Statement/ Meaning of the Work as a Whole
Mr. Wickham’s villainy fuels Elizabeth’s ill judgments and eventually allows her to discover her rash thinking.
1992. In a novel or play, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is a character, often a friend or relative of the hero or
heroine, whose role is to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in. Frequently the result is,
as Henry James remarked, that the confidant or confidante can be as much “the reader’s friend as the protagonist’s.” However,
the author sometimes uses this character for other purposes as well. Choose a confidant or confidante from a novel or play of
recognized literary merit and write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work. You may
write your essay on one of the following novels or plays or on another of comparable quality. Do not write on a poem or short
story.
Thesis Statement
In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth acts as Jane’s confidante in order to show Jane that happiness comes from
following your heart.
II. Topic Sentence
Elizabeth teaches Jane to defy societal expectations.
Details
-Jane shares her feelings about Bingley
-mother expects good husbands, represents society
-Elizabeth wants Jane’s happiness, Jane only expects to fulfill familial duty
-“Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance”
-Charlotte Lucas, expressing view of society that marriage isn’t about love or happiness
-“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” 
represents society’s views, no mention of love
Summative
Through their sisterly bond, Elizabeth gives Jane the strength to follow her heart and get what she wants.
III. Topic Sentence
Elizabeth functions as Jane’s protector
Details
-Warns her about the Bingley sisters
-tells her about Darcy’s letter, proves Charlotte’s advice that hiding feelings is detrimental to a relationship
-entreats Darcy to send Bingley back to Jane
1997. Novels and plays often include scenes of weddings, funerals, parties, and other social occasions. Such scenes may reveal
the values of the characters and the society in which they live. Select a novel or play that includes such a scene and, in a focused
essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole. You may choose a work from the list
below or another novel or play of literary merit.
Thesis Statement
Jane Austen uses the elopement of Lydia and Wickham to illustrate Darcy and Wickham’s characters and society’s views on
marriage.
II. Topic Sentence
The event brings Darcy’s kind characteristics to light
Details
-Darcy searches for the couples and pays Wickham to marry Lydia
-shows how Darcy is willing to give money and help Elizabeth’s family
-He doesn’t want the Bennets to find out about what he did, shows how humble he is
-Wickham refuses to marry Lydia because he won’t gain anything monetarily
-Event shows Wickham’s true intentions/ true character
-“Wickham… has neither integrity nor honor… that he is false and deceitful as he is insinuating”
-Significance: highlights contrast between Darcy & Wickham
Summative
Relates to theme that prejudice and misjudgment of people can lead to issues
III. Topic Sentence
Lydia and Wickham’s marriage illustrates society’s strict views on traditional matrimony
Details
-No formal engagement, lacking family’s approval  very uncommon/ scandalous at the time
-“But can you think that Lydia is so lost to everything? But love of him as to consent to live with him on any other terms than
marriage?”
-considered “improper behavior” for women
-reflected badly on Lydia, but her entire family
Summative
-this event showed Darcy and Wickham’s true character
-Elizabeth realized she shouldn’t have been prejudiced against Darcy  she started to really like Darcy
-showed views on marriage: needs to be formal & proper
1988. Choose a distinguished novel or play in which some of the most significant events are mental or psychological; for
example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness. In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to give
these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external action. Do not merely
summarize the plot.
Thesis Statement
In Pride& Prejudice by Jane Austen, internal events such as epiphanies are used to reflect the concept that initial impressions are
often incorrect.
II. Topic Sentence
Mr. Wickham is a character who appears wholesome and good, but is later revealed to be a gambler and manipulative.
Details
-At first sight, Elizabeth is impressed with Mr. Wickham’s charm & good looks
-Mr. Wickham’s true character is revealed when he runs off with Lydia for money
-“One has got all the goodness and the other all the appearance of it” (47)
-“Whatever he said, was said well, whatever he did, done gracefully.” (58)
III. Topic Sentence
Although Darcy appears inconsiderate and cold throughout the novel, Elizabeth later has the epiphany that he is simply
misunderstood.
Details
-At the first ball, Elizabeth believes Darcy is arrogant due to his standoffish behavior
-When Elizabeth visits Darcy’s summer home, she realizes his true character and falls in love
-“Such a change in a man of so much pride, excited not only astonishment but gratitude.” (172)
-“Is is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first.” (92)
IV. Topic Sentence
In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen utilizes internal discoveries to elucidate the fact that first impressions are often flawed.
Thesis Statement
In Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, the sisters, Jane and Elizabeth Bennet foil one another due to their contrasting
personalities which reveals each other’s flaws.
II. Topic Sentence
The sister’s difference in their romantic relationships with their significant others highlights the fundamental variations between
their views on women’s roles in society and romance as a whole.
Details
-Jane allows other people to alter the way she thinks about the one she loves
-Elizabeth’s perception of Darcy is affected only by her own stubbornness and prejudice
-Your first position is false: they may wish many things for him besides happiness”
-Elizabeth points out that there are other things in life besides marriage and happiness and Jane views contrast sharply
Summative
Though they both want to be happy their definition of happiness differs. Jane seeks happiness through others while Elizabeth
seeks it through herself and they learn both ways are necessary to obtain happiness.
III. Topic Sentence
The differences in how each girl handles their family and societal rules contrast greatly highlighting the time period as well as
each girl’s outlook on life.
Details
Jane always focused on what was best for her family while Elizabeth focused on what was best for herself. Throughout novel
each one came to realize both were important to allow them to grow and their family to prosper.
IV. Topic Sentence
Using the characters Jane and Elizabeth, Austen uses this foil to reveal the interconnected ideas of romance, class, and family in
the novel.
Thesis Statement
In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Darcy’s initial judgment causes him to slander Elizabeth Bennet, expressing the fallcy
lurking behind pride.
II. Topic Sentence
Darcy’s intervention between Mr. Bingley and Jane is committed in error causing him to be indebted to the Bennet’s for the
remainder of the novel.
Details
-Darcy did not approve of Jane and family marrying into the Bingley’s
-“Her look and manners… participation of sentiment
-the injustice of the class system and status in society
-“the situation of your mothers’ family”
III. Topic Sentence
Darcy’s initial misjudgment of Elizabeth causes conflict between the two, which is not resolved until the end
Details
-“She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me”
-Darcy constructs a letter in the end of the novel, professing his love for her  this causes her to fall for him
-If Darcy wouldn’t have unjustly misjudged Darcy, the two could have found a sooner “happily ever after”
-“You must… I demand it for your justice.”
IV. Topic Sentence
Possessing negative presentiments of another individual, in addition to pride, is an injustice that clouds how one might else wise