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Pride and Prejudice

First impressions, family and changing opinions in Jane Austen’s famous novel

B150–60 minutesClassic LiteraturePrintable
Teacher lesson: Begin with the first-impressions question, then work through the activities in order or choose the sections that suit your class. The reading is a simplified overview rather than a substitute for the novel. Teacher answers are stored separately.
Teacher AnswersClassic Literature
1 Lesson Goals
Regency-era country house scene inspired by Pride and Prejudice

By the end of this lesson, I will be able to:

  • explain the main situation and characters in Pride and Prejudice.
  • understand vocabulary about personality, society and first impressions.
  • give an opinion about Elizabeth and Darcy using reasons.
Start here: Can a first impression be completely wrong? Think of a time when your opinion of someone changed.
2 Reading

Before you read: What qualities make someone seem proud or unfriendly?

Jane Austen published Pride and Prejudice in 1813. The story follows Elizabeth Bennet, an intelligent and independent young woman who lives in England with her parents and four sisters.

Mrs Bennet is determined to find suitable husbands for her daughters. When a wealthy young man called Mr Bingley moves into the neighbourhood, the family becomes very interested. Bingley is friendly and soon becomes close to Elizabeth’s sister Jane.

Bingley’s friend Mr Darcy is wealthy but appears proud and distant. Elizabeth quickly decides that she does not like him. Darcy, however, gradually begins to admire Elizabeth’s intelligence and confidence.

Elizabeth later learns that some of her first impressions were mistaken. She discovers more about Darcy’s actions and character, while Darcy becomes less proud and more open. Both characters must recognise their own weaknesses before they can understand one another clearly.

The novel explores love, family, social class, reputation and the danger of judging people too quickly.

3 Vocabulary

Match each word to the best meaning.

1. prejudice
2. pride
3. reputation
4. wealthy
5. independent
6. impression
a. the opinion other people have of someone
b. having a lot of money
c. an idea you form when you first meet someone
d. an unfair opinion formed before knowing the facts
e. able to think and act for yourself
f. a strong feeling of satisfaction in yourself or your position
4 Check Your Understanding

Answer the questions.

  1. Who is the main female character?
  2. Why is Mrs Bennet interested in Mr Bingley?
  3. What does Elizabeth first think about Mr Darcy?
  4. What does Darcy admire about Elizabeth?
  5. What important lesson does Elizabeth learn about first impressions?
5 Language Focus

Complete each sentence with: seems, appears, thinks, discovers, realises.

  1. Darcy ________ proud when Elizabeth first meets him.
  2. Elizabeth ________ that Darcy dislikes her.
  3. Later, she ________ more about his true character.
  4. Darcy ________ distant and reserved at first.
  5. Elizabeth eventually ________ that she judged him too quickly.
Useful pattern: At first …, but later …
Write one sentence about a changing opinion.
6 Listen & Speak

Discuss

  • Are first impressions usually accurate?
  • Why might Elizabeth misunderstand Darcy?
  • Is Darcy proud, shy, reserved, or a mixture?
  • Do people today still judge others by wealth or social position?

Character Match

A. Elizabeth
B. Darcy
C. Mrs Bennet
D. Mr Bingley
E. Jane Bennet
1. friendly, cheerful and wealthy
2. intelligent and independent
3. determined to arrange good marriages
4. reserved and wealthy
5. gentle and close to Bingley

Choose one character and give two adjectives with reasons.

Pride and Prejudice — Continued
7 Use Your English

Something New

First-Impression Detective

Choose Elizabeth or Darcy. Write what the character believes at first, what new information changes that belief, and what the character understands later.

Write

Write 100–120 words on one topic.

  • Why can first impressions be wrong?
  • Write Elizabeth’s diary after she realises she may have misunderstood Darcy.
  • Explain one way Elizabeth or Darcy changes during the story.
8 Puzzle or Game
Who Am I?

Choose Elizabeth, Darcy, Mrs Bennet, Bingley or Jane. Give three clues without saying the name. Your partner guesses the character.

Example: “I am wealthy. I am friendly. I become close to Jane.”

Write your three clues:

9 Success Criteria ✓

Tick each statement when you can do it.

  • I can identify the main characters and situation.
  • I can explain the ideas of pride and prejudice.
  • I can use at least three new words correctly.
  • I can explain how a character’s opinion changes.
  • I can give an opinion and support it with a reason.

One thing I am proud of today:

10 Show What You Can Do
Final challenge: Pride and Prejudice

Plan: Write the names of two characters, 3 useful words or phrases, and one important change in opinion.

Respond: Write 6–8 sentences, or prepare a 45-second spoken response, explaining why first impressions matter in the novel.

Reflect: Underline the part of your response that best shows your progress.