Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen is a story about two sisters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, who must learn to balance their sense and sensibility after their father's death.
Reading and Writing Workshop: Exploring Sense and Sensibility through Primary Sources
General Instructions:
Begin by reading the work either in groups or as a class. If group reading, divide the work into sections and assign each group a section. As groups, they will read their section, write a summary of each chapter, and then each group reports on their chapters sequentially. As students read, they should complete the Novel Tracker. After reading and reporting on the entire novel, the workshop might consist of a single session or more. The goal is to engage participants in an exploration of life in an American religious colony through primary sources, and writing exercises that foster a deeper understanding of concepts such as English society, cultural norms, conflict, and resilience.
Objective: This workshop is divided into structured sessions, each focusing on reading, discussion, and writing activities to support student learning and context. The workshop incorporates public domain primary resources to deepen understanding and inspire creative expression. Students will also 1) Analyze the themes and character dynamics in Sense and Sensibility., 2) Examine primary sources from the early 19th century to contextualize the novel's setting and societal norms. and 3) Develop creative writing pieces inspired by the novel and its historical context.
Materials:
Session 1: Introduction to Sense and Sensibility
By integrating Sense and Sensibility with contemporary primary sources, this workshop offers participants a comprehensive understanding of the novel's historical context, societal influences, and enduring themes. Engaging with these materials fosters a deeper appreciation of Jane Austen's work and the period in which she wrote.
General Instructions:
Begin by reading the work either in groups or as a class. If group reading, divide the work into sections and assign each group a section. As groups, they will read their section, write a summary of each chapter, and then each group reports on their chapters sequentially. As students read, they should complete the Novel Tracker. After reading and reporting on the entire novel, the workshop might consist of a single session or more. The goal is to engage participants in an exploration of life in an American religious colony through primary sources, and writing exercises that foster a deeper understanding of concepts such as English society, cultural norms, conflict, and resilience.
Objective: This workshop is divided into structured sessions, each focusing on reading, discussion, and writing activities to support student learning and context. The workshop incorporates public domain primary resources to deepen understanding and inspire creative expression. Students will also 1) Analyze the themes and character dynamics in Sense and Sensibility., 2) Examine primary sources from the early 19th century to contextualize the novel's setting and societal norms. and 3) Develop creative writing pieces inspired by the novel and its historical context.
Materials:
- Primary Text:
- Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (1811)
- Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/161
- Internet Archive (1896 edition): https://archive.org/details/sensesensibility00austrich
- Wikisource: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Sense_and_Sensibility
- Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (1811)
- Supplementary Primary Sources:
- Letters of Jane Austen:
- The Letters of Jane Austen (1796-1817): https://archive.org/details/lettersofjaneaus00aust
- Contemporary Reviews:
- The Critical Review (1812) – Review of Sense and Sensibility: https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=hvd.32044092624887&view=1up&seq=346
- Conduct Literature:
- Letters to Young Ladies by Lydia Sigourney (1833): https://archive.org/details/letterstoyoungla00sigo
- Fashion Plates:
- Ackermann's Repository (1811) – Fashion plates illustrating Regency-era attire: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/42734/42734-h/42734-h.htm
- Letters of Jane Austen:
Session 1: Introduction to Sense and Sensibility
- Reading Assignment: Chapters 1-10
- Focus on the introduction of the Dashwood family and the contrasting personalities of Elinor and Marianne.
- Discussion Topics:
- Analyze the financial and social challenges faced by the Dashwood sisters.
- Explore the themes of 'sense' (reason) and 'sensibility' (emotion) as embodied by Elinor and Marianne.
- Reading Assignment: Chapters 11-20
- Examine the sisters' interactions with suitors and society.
- Primary Source Exploration:
- Jane Austen's Letters: Read selected letters to gain insight into Austen's perspectives on society and personal relationships.
- The Letters of Jane Austen (1796-1817): https://archive.org/details/lettersofjaneaus00aust
- Conduct Literature: Discuss societal expectations of women during the Regency era.
- Letters to Young Ladies by Lydia Sigourney (1833): https://archive.org/details/letterstoyoungla00sigo
- Jane Austen's Letters: Read selected letters to gain insight into Austen's perspectives on society and personal relationships.
- Discussion Topics:
- Compare the societal norms presented in the conduct literature to the experiences of the Dashwood sisters.
- Reflect on how these norms influence the characters' decisions and relationships.
- Reading Assignment: Chapters 21-30
- Focus on plot developments and character arcs.
- Primary Source Exploration:
- Contemporary Reviews: Analyze an 1812 review of Sense and Sensibility to understand its initial reception.
- The Critical Review (1812): https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=hvd.32044092624887&view=1up&seq=346
- Contemporary Reviews: Analyze an 1812 review of Sense and Sensibility to understand its initial reception.
- Discussion Topics:
- Discuss the contemporary critical response to the novel and its themes.
- Consider how early 19th-century readers might have perceived the characters and their choices.
- Reading Assignment: Chapters 31-40
- Observe the settings and social gatherings depicted in the novel.
- Primary Source Exploration:
- Fashion Plates: Examine illustrations of Regency-era fashion to visualize the attire described in the novel.
- Ackermann's Repository (1811): https://www.gutenberg.org/files/42734/42734-h/42734-h.htm
- Fashion Plates: Examine illustrations of Regency-era fashion to visualize the attire described in the novel.
- Discussion Topics:
- Explore how fashion reflects societal status and personality traits in the novel.
- Analyze the importance of appearances and reputation in Regency society.
- Reading Assignment: Chapters 41-50
- Conclude the novel and reflect on character resolutions.
- Creative Writing Exercise:
- Write a letter from the perspective of either Elinor or Marianne, reflecting on their experiences and growth throughout the novel.
- Alternatively, compose a diary entry from a secondary character's point of view, offering insight into their thoughts on the events of the story.
- Sharing and Discussion:
- Participants share their writings and discuss how engaging with primary sources influenced their understanding of the novel and their creative process.
By integrating Sense and Sensibility with contemporary primary sources, this workshop offers participants a comprehensive understanding of the novel's historical context, societal influences, and enduring themes. Engaging with these materials fosters a deeper appreciation of Jane Austen's work and the period in which she wrote.