Persuasion by Jane Austen

A brief introduction to the life and work of Jane Austen

You are about to embark on a journey into the Romantic Period and especially the life and work of Jane Austen.
We will take a look at Persuasion, the last completed novel written by Jane Austen before her death in 1817.

Jane Austen was born on December 16th 1775 at Steventon,  being the seventh child to the rector of that parish. She lived with her family at Steventon until they moved to Bath when her father retired from his work in 1801. Four years later he died and Jane moved around with her mother. In 1809 they settled in Chawton, Hampshire. In May of the year 1817 she moved near Winchester to be near her doctor, due to health issues. Jane Austen died at the age of 42.
Her last book "Persuasion"was written in a race against her failing health in 1815-1816. At the time of her death she was working on a new novel, but did not get to finish it.

Plot / Summary

Anne Elliot was persuaded by a friend to break
off her engagement to Frederick Wentworth, but she has always regretted her
decision ever since. When, years later, he returns to her life as a successful
Captain Wentworth- still hurt by being rejected – can their love be rekindled
or will it elude them once more . . . .

Answer the following questions. You are allowed to use the internet for help. However, formulate your answers in your own words.

Assignment 1:

You are about to do some research on the Romantic Period.
Use the following link to answer the question below.

http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/entertainment/english-literature-the-romantic-period.html

1. What or who caused the Romantic Period to begin in England?
   
   
2. What are the characteristics of literature in that time?
3. How is Jane Austen's work decribed?
4. What does the word "delineated" mean?

Assignment 2:

We are about to dive into the life of Jane Austen. Use the following link to answer the following questions.

http://www.jasna.org/info/about_austen.html

1. When was Jane Austen born?

2. Did she have any siblings?

3. Where was she born?

4. Did Jane receive credit for her work when she was alive?

5. What is the name of the first novel written by Jane Austen?

Assingment 3

You will now read the novel Persuasion by Jane Austen.

Assingment 4

1. What is the novels' genre?

2. Who are the main characters?

3. Who is the protagonist in the novel?

4. Can you relate to the character of the protagonist?

5. Describe in your own words who belong to the upper- class and who to the lower-class (according to the novel)?

6. What is your impression of Sir Walter Elliot?

7. Can you think of a different titel for the novel? ________________________________________ by Jane Austen.

Link for information about Jane Austen.

http://www.jasna.org/index.html 

As a teacher, provide students with the link of the website. Guide them in the learning process.
They have to make the assignments as given in the webquest.