OLD (can use for Y5) 22. English comp - Pride & Prejudice

​22. English comprehension

Lesson: Exploring the context of a text to make inferences about the story.
Why is it important?
When making inferences we need to draw on what we already know as well as the context of the story (when it was set, what the plot line is, what message the story is portraying)

​Inferences and a story's context

​Example:
If a story is set in space, it's a Sci Fi story set in the future.
Do you think that the characters are going to be more open-minded in their thinking in comparison to now?

Pride and Prejudice

​Novelist: Jane Austen
Written: Early 1800s
Pride and Prejudice explores the social expectations of the time period, particularly those around marriage, love, the role of women in society, and wealth.

​What does this mean?
Discuss as a class

Extract from the book:

​“My dear Miss Eliza, why are not you dancing? — Mr. Darcy, you must allow me to present this young lady to you as a very desirable partner. — You cannot refuse to dance, I am sure, when so much beauty is before you.” And taking her hand, he would have given it to Mr. Darcy, who, though extremely surprised, was not unwilling to receive it, when she instantly drew back, and said with some discomposure to Sir William, “Indeed, Sir, I have not the least intention of dancing. — I entreat you not to suppose that I moved this way in order to beg for a partner.”

​Think about the following:
1. Why was Mr Darcy surprised that Eliza declined the invitation to dance?
2. What was expected of women in those days?
3. What might have been the repercussions of Eliza's reaction?

Create answers

Answer using P.E.E

Q1
Point
I think Mr Darcy was surprised because it was unusual for women to decline the offer to dance in those days.
Evidence
His friend 'would have given him' Elizabeth's hand, suggesting a sense of ownership, Mr Darcy was expecting to automatically have Eliza's hand to dance without her consent.
Explanation
This shows that it was uncommon for women not to want to dance with respectable men at a ball, leaving Mr Darcy confused about Eliza's reaction.

Create answers

Answer using P.E.E

Can you do the same for Q2
2. What was expected of women in those days?