Literature:keys unit6,7

Jane Austen

I.                Review questions:

1. Do you agree with the opening statement of the novel? What has the sentence to do with the tone of the whole novel?

Tips: The opening statement of the novel sets the tone for the whole novel. Obviously the writer is being very serious in stating a universal truth, but what follows, however, is a very common topic of everyday life----marriage. Thus a humorous and ironic effect is achieved. Two key words appear in the statement: marriage and money, which in effect are the subject matter of the whole novel. The focus here is on the link between money and marriage.

2. Based on your reading of the first two chapters of the novels, can you summarize the characteristics of Mrs. and Mr. Bennet?

Tips: In the last paragraph of the first chapter, the narrator actually has summarized the personality of the couple. Therefore, you’d better read that part carefully.

II.            Topics for Discussion:

1.    What is your understanding of the relationship between money and marriage?

(Open!)

2. Comment on the writer’s use of dialogue in the selected two chapters.

Tips: Jane Austen is very good at using dialogue to depict the characteristics of her characters. The characters are made to reveal themselves through their own words. For example, in the first chapter, it is Mrs. Bennet who is talking most of the time, which clearly indicates that this person is quite talkative and of mean understanding. Whereas the fact that the husband does not talk much helps to indicate that he is a gentleman of bookish nature. Thus the writer’s treatment of conservation is quite skilful.

Charles Dickens

I. Review questions:

1.    How does Dickens portray Mr. and Mrs. Micawber in this chapter?

Tips: You may read the second paragraph carefully again, trying to get to know the physical appearance of Mr. Micawber. Then From their conversation followed, you will know more about the characteristics of Mr. Micawber. Later in this chapter, readers may draw more information about Mr. Micawber from his wife’s talks with David.

2. Does David enjoy his life described in this chapter? How do you know?

Tips: David works very hard in the factory, but he could simply pay for his living. The real difficulty is that he feels very lonely, because from Monday morning until Saturday night, he has no advice, no encouragement, no assistance of any kind. Luckily, his stay with the Micawber family in his leisure time turns out to be quite pleasant. They form a very precious friendship.

II.            Topics for Discussion:

1.    Why is the story told from David’s point of view?

Tips: The novel is told in the first person, through the mouth of its hero, David. By using the first person narrator, the author gains a number of advantages. First, the incidents can be presented in a very convincing fashion. Readers tend to believe the things told by David. Also it helps the author to select details. Only the events and details that David could have seen and experienced can logically be introduced into the story. Another advantage of first-person narration is that the narrator’s limited view may create the effect of suspense.

2. How do you view the friendship between David and the Micawber family?

Tips: (The answer is open!  You may have you own viewpoints on this.)