Persuasion

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What was the Georgian Period? What are some movements or characteristics associated with this period, and what events occurred during this time?

Teaching Suggestion: The Georgian Period ran from 1714 until 1837. It included the reigns of George I, II, III, and IV (hence the name used for this period), as well as the reign of William IV. Consider discussing the important political, social, and cultural shifts that characterized this period, including the Industrial Revolution and Romanticism (see below). The expansion of the British Empire was also an important characteristic of this period, as war and conquest turned Britain into one of the world’s principal powers.

• This article from English Heritage provides a readable and broad introduction to the Georgian Period.
• This article contains an overview of etiquette in Georgian society.

2. Jane Austen belongs to what is usually known as the Romantic Period of English literature. What are some works you have encountered from this period? Consider works by authors such as Sir Walter Scott, Mary Shelley, William Blake, and Lord Byron. What qualities, themes, or motifs are associated with literature from this period?

Teaching Suggestion: The Romantic Period is usually dated between 1785 and 1832; it is the period that immediately preceded the Victorian Period (1832-1901). It may be beneficial to discuss the characteristics of Romantic literature, which were highly diverse and included an interest in the natural world, social realism, and human emotions. It could also be worthwhile to discuss the social contexts of this period, which saw important transformations with the Industrial Revolution and the growth of liberal and reform movements. The literature of the Romantic Period was often created in response to this social context.

• This article from ThoughtCo discusses the literary periods of English history and can help students situate the Romantic Period in the broader context of English literary periods.
• This article from Duke University Libraries discusses female British authors in the context of the 19th century.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the text.

Consider a time when a family member or someone in your community persuaded you to make a decision that you later regretted. What initially persuaded you, and why did you end up regretting it? How do the people we surround ourselves with influence our day-to-day lives and ultimately our futures?

Teaching Suggestion: This is a good opportunity for students to think about the role of social mores. You might encourage them to think critically and deeply about how the values and opinions of families, communities, and friends can condition people’s behavior, and why this might not always be a good thing. If students struggle to generate ideas, you might also encourage them to consider someone else they know or are familiar with who has been in a similar position, whether fiction or nonfiction.