Video “The wicked wit of Jane Austen”: part 1

Answer the questions, then present and discuss your video with your partner.

1. The video opens on the quote from Jane Austen’s novel Mansfied Park: “Let other pens
dwell on guilt and misery.” What does the term “dwell on” mean?
a. Live in
b. Deal with
c. Criticize
d. Praise

2. What do you think the quote means? When presenting your video, tell your partner your
opinion, and ask them what they think/if they agree: discuss.
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3. Match the words with their definition or synonym, then fill in the blanks with the words
from the left column (0:07-0:27):

Word Synonym/definition
a. a. bickering 1. 1. idle talk/conversation/rumour, especially about the private affairs of
others
b. b. gossip 2. 2. saucy, audacious, insolent
c. c. wit 3. 3. people who are constantly arguing
d. d. cheeky 4. 4. to close and open (one eye) quickly, often as a hint or signal
e. e. wink 4. 5. quickness, cleverness, repartee

5. Fill in the blanks:

“Whether she’s describing ……….…………….. families, quiet declarations of love, or juicy………..
………..., Jane Austen’s writing often feels as though it was written just for you. Her
dry………………………..and ……………………………playfulness informs her heroines, whose
conversational tone welcomes readers with a conspiratorial……………………………..”

6. How do some readers feel when reading Austen? Discuss with your partner when you
present your video: do you feel the same?
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7. Jane Austen’s humour is described as:

a. Dry (= pince-sans-rire)
b. Tongue-in-cheek (=ironique)
c. Wicked (=malicieux)
d. Sly (= espiègle)
e. All of the above

8. Correct any inaccurate information in the statements below.

a. Jane Austen’s novels satirise society, civility and sweeping romance.
b. Written in the early 18th century, Austen’s novels deal with the lives of poor people in big
English cities.

c. From resentment couched in (=hidden behind) pleasantries, to arguing that masks attraction,
her work explores the bewildering (=confusing) collision of emotions and etiquette.

d. Jane Austen wrote in a sentimental style and created lofty love stories.

9. How do Austen’s characters act?

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10. Austen’s characters can usually find humour in:

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11. True or false:

a. Austen’s heroines ridicule senseless social mores (=conventions)

b. Austen did not believe it was important to keep up appearances

c. Most young women in Austen’s time needed to find a husband who could support them
financially

d. Austen often explores the tension between the ideal search for love and the more down-to-
earth economic necessity to “make a match” (i.e. find a husband)

12. What does the savvy (=smart, knowledgeable) socialite (= member of fashionable society)
Mary Crawford say? In which novel? What do you think it means? Discuss with your partner
when you present your video.
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13. Where did Austen find inspiration for these themes?

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14. Did this video make you want to read or re-read Austen? Discuss with your partner at the
end.