Lesson Plan: Pride, Prejudice, and Social Norms
1. Warm-up (10 mins)
Discussion: Ask students if they have seen any adaptations or read the book.
Brainstorming: What do the words "pride" and "prejudice" mean in the context of
relationships?
Setting the Scene: Brief overview of the Regency era (early 1800s) — social classes,
the importance of marriage for women’s security, and "reputation".
2. Vocabulary & Character Match (15 mins)
Activity: Provide a list of main characters (Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Wickham, Jane)
and a set of B2-level adjectives: witty, arrogant, sincere, manipulative, cynical,
prejudiced, aloof.
Task: Students match adjectives to characters and justify their choice using examples
from the film.
Key Vocabulary: Introduce terms like ardently, social standing, inheritance, courtship,
proposal.
3. Video Analysis: The First Proposal Scene (20 mins)
Viewing: Watch the scene where Mr. Darcy first proposes to Elizabeth (e.g., the rain
scene in the 2005 film).
Comprehension Questions:
1. Why does Elizabeth reject him?
2. What "prejudices" does she hold against him at this point?
3. How does Darcy’s "pride" manifest in his speech?
Language Focus: Analyze how they use formal language to express strong emotions
(e.g., "I love you most ardently").
4. Critical Thinking & Debate (25 mins)
Group Work: Divide the class into small groups to discuss:
o
Gender Roles: How do expectations for women in the 1800s differ from today? Is
Elizabeth a "modern" heroine?
o
First Impressions: Can we really trust our first impressions of people? How did they
fail Elizabeth?
Role Play: Rewrite or act out a short dialogue where a character (e.g., Mr. Collins) tries
to use modern "dating app" logic to propose.
5. Wrap-up & Homework (5-10 mins)
Summary: Reflect on how the themes of wealth and social status still influence modern
dating.
Homework Options:
o
Write a film review (200 words) comparing the 2005 film with the 1995 BBC series.
o
Write a letter from Mr. Darcy to Elizabeth explaining his side of the story regarding Mr.
Wickham.
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