Pride and Prejudice

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. The characters in the novel seem to perceive the idea of “good breeding” in a way that differs from the author’s thoughts on the subject.

• Define or describe what is meant by “good breeding.” (topic sentence)
• Give 3 examples from the novel of how different characters perceive “good breeding.”
• Conclude by explaining what actual “good breeding” is to Jane Austen as implied in the text in comparison to what the characters may believe; connect Austen’s idea of “good breeding” to the theme of Pride and Prejudice.

2. Mr. Darcy’s attraction to Elizabeth Bennet progresses throughout the novel.

• Explain what first attracts Mr. Darcy to Elizabeth. (topic sentence)
• Give 3 reasons why Mr. Darcy’s attraction for Elizabeth continues to grow.
• In your concluding sentences, explain how Mr. Darcy’s first impression contrasts with his feelings at the end of the novel.

3. Pride and Prejudice portrays a society in which reputation is extremely important.

• Explain the importance of reputation in Pride and Prejudice. (topic sentence)
• Give 3 examples from the novel to show how reputation may have helped or hindered the characters. 
• In your concluding sentences, summarize how gossip and reputation are connected to 1 of the novel’s main themes (Social Hierarchy, Pride and Prejudice, or The Role of Women and the Importance of Marriage).

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. In the novel, Charlotte Lucas marries Mr. Collins. How do Charlotte’s emotions regarding marriage compare to the thoughts and feelings of protagonist Elizabeth on the topic? Do Charlotte’s and Elizabeth’s attitudes and thoughts on marriage change over the course of the story? How do their emotions help to characterize the two women? Organize your thoughts on these questions into a supportable thesis; in your discussion, include points and examples from the story.

2. The nuances of social class structure play an important role in Pride and Prejudice. How does social class impact the way characters interact with one another? To what extent does the plot advance and/or turn because of social class hierarchy? Discuss the overall impact of social class on plot and characterization in the novel, offering specific examples such as character traits or relationships and plot points or twists to support your response.

3. Marriages and relationships in Pride and Prejudice show an array of comparative points regarding the goals of happiness and fulfillment. For example, whose marriage strikes you as the most fulfilling for both husband and wife? Which relationships are unhappy, and why? Making inferences from the novel and with consideration to literary devices like foreshadowing, determine what Jane Austen most likely believed was necessary for a happy marriage. Support your speculations with evidence from the text. Be sure to represent at least several different marriages or relationships in your response and use examples from a variety of chapters throughout the novel.