2) Please re-read the letters from Jane Austen's novel.
3) Choose a character from Pride & Prejudice and take on that persona. Think about a character you want to write to as you...
4) ...compose a letter explaining your experience reading this novel (Use the rubric below)
5) Post the letter to Turnitin.com. Our class is Survey of British Literature.
Class ID is: 22103888 Enrollment key is: janeausten
6) Post your letter in this blog space to share with your classmates.
7) The letter is due Friday, October 25th.
8) THIS IS WORTH A MAJOR GRADE, SO TAKE IT SERIOUSLY.
"Is Lord Pellerin losing his mind? This assessment sounds quite bonkers, indeed."
Example of Greatness from Last Year's Class:
Dear Lady Catherine de Bourgh,
It is of greatest honor that I write to such a prestigious
and honorable character like yourself, and I write with hopes of neither
displeasing nor angering your ladyship. As a clergyman upon your grounds, I
have dedicated my life to the propriety and wellbeing of those who pass through
the fields of Rosings Park, and with such responsibility, I bring your
attention upon a novel I have discovered in the library of my lovely Charlotte.
Though “My dear Charlotte and I have but one mind and one way of
thinking”(181), being in possession of this book does not conclude that I agree
with its contents. Your ladyship is most kind and polite, so I entreat your
ladyship to not think that in revealing the contents of Pride and Prejudice I
mean to harm.
When reading a book, I am always looking for the accuracy
and enjoyment I may pull from within its pages. When time allowed it, for I am
a very determined and diligent man of my trade, I looked for such themes. When
describing the homes and style of living, I dare say that it was rather
agreeable. When recounting events or things of the past, I have found it most
effective and poetic when comparing what I mean to explain to something found
in pleasant society. In establishing a connection with whom I speak with, it
may also be pleasing to the ears. So, while reading this novel, I found that
the environment for the story was very well done, and in doing so was rather
like the scenery in a painting in which it provides a backdrop to the plot.
Though, I must add, when the plot reached your abode, Lady Catherine, it could
not encapsulate the grandeur and magnificence of where within you reside.
However, was it ever deemed possible to fit the beauty of Rosings Park into
words? Neither a painting nor a book could ever give the halls of your manor
justice.
Now, Lady Catherine, I must provide the misfortune of the
plot to your ladyship. Though to some it may be tolerable, and dare I say
enjoyable, its vulgarity and ill judgement of my patroness could never tempt
me. I am a man of integrity, and such insults thrust upon myself and my
ladyship are unforgivable. It begins in the home of the Bennet family, and
unfairly follows the story of Elizabeth Bennet, whom though I may have
affection for, since she is my cousin, I believe her tales are far less
entertaining than yours. Her wit and intelligence catches the attention of your
nephew, Mr. Darcy. Though maybe in another setting their match would have been
agreeable, Mr. Darcy should have been alongside your wonderful daughter. It was
enjoyable to observe her change in perception of your nephew over the course of
the book, since I already knew that any relative of Lady Catherine de Bourgh
must be well natured. It was particularly interesting when after reading the
contents of Mr. Darcy’s letter how quickly her opinion changes. As she
understands her mistakes, “She grew absolutely ashamed of herself. - Of neither
Darcy nor Wickham could she think, without feeling that she had blind, partial,
prejudiced, absurd”(174) and quickly sees the amiability of the young Mr.
Darcy. Now, like the pulling of a bandage from a festering wound, I must
endeavor to describe what this book thinks of your ladyship and myself as
quickly as possible. First, upon my arrival at Longbourn, I intended to present
myself with the utmost formality. However, when reading this book, I discovered
that I was not thought as highly. After praising your gardens, “Mr Bennet’s
expectations were fully answered. His cousin was as absurd as he had
hoped…”(57). Never, in the course of my life, has such been said about me. It
is difficult to brush aside such a comment, but then again, I must remind
myself that Mr Bennet, though pleasant, may not be as level headed as I am.
However, when I showed this to Charlotte, she was not as displeased as I had
hoped, and perhaps a chuckle was emitted, but I dare to wish it was a sob.
Then, when Elizabeth visited Rosings, “There was little to be done but to hear
Lady Catherine talk, which she did....delivering her opinion on every
subject...as proved that she was not used to have her judgement
controverted”(137). How dare this Jane Austen question the authority of the
Lady Catherine de Bourgh? A woman of such great intellect like yourself should
never be judged. Then, when you tried to persuade Elizabeth to avoid a
marriage, as it would be harmful to the pride and wellbeing of your family, the
author had the nerve to side with Elizabeth. Please Lady Catherine, do not let
these foul words wound you. Enjoy your evening, and I hope this letter may keep
Pride and Prejudice away from you, because though it may be a good read for a
simpleton, such words are beneath you.
Sincerely,
Mr. Collins
Better late than never. Bingley and Jane reunited!
Jane Austen Letter Criteria & Rubric
A range has the following qualities:
- Well-written 1-2 page letter
- Genuine review of the novel using apt and specific details from the novel
- Voice is clear, as is the person to whom it is written
- Apt and specific references to the characters are employed in the letter
- Apt and specific references to plot points are employed in the letter
- Letter is posted to Turnitin.com AND our class blog on-time for student engagement
- Passion and a satirical flare of Austen are present
- Jane Austen would be proud!
B range
- Adequately written one page letter
- General review of the novel using some examples from the novel
- Voice is not quite as clear as the A, as is the person to whom it is written
- Some references to the characters are employed in the letter
- Some references to plot points are employed in the letter
- Letter is posted to Turnitin.com AND our class blog on-time for student engagement
- Bingley says, "Excellent!"
C range has the following qualities:
- Adequately written letter
- General review of the novel, with few examples from the text
- Voice is not clear, as is the person to whom it is written
- Few references to the characters are employed in the letter
- Few references to plot points are employed in the letter
- Letter is posted to Turnitin.com AND our class blog, but late.
- Sir. Lucas says, "Capital! Capital!"
D and F range has the following qualities:
- Letter is written
- General review of the novel with no examples from the text
- Voice is not clear, as is the person to whom it is written
- No references to the characters are employed in the letter
- No references to plot points are employed in the letter
- Letter is not posted to Turnitin.com AND our class blog. Did not engage in class discussion.
- Lady Catherine DeBourg says, "I am quite put out!"
Please read this letter from the University of Pemberley
I was deferred!
What? Collins Community College, too? That was my safety!
Spoiler Alert! The Stunning Conclusion to Cozy Classics
How awesome is this cover for Jane Austen's Emma?!
