CONNECTIONS

BET WEEN TEXTS

P R I D E & P R E J U D I C E V B R I D G E T J O N E S S D I A RY
PRIDE & PREJUDICE SUMMARY

http://www.shmoop.com/pride-and-prejudice/summary.html
 WHAT DOES INTERTEXTUAL MEAN?
Allusion = direct or implied reference to another thing. i.e.
Intertextual connection reference to another creative work that is often well known.

Sometimes, authors will allude to or intentionally borrow from other texts to

add layers of meaning to their work.
An intertextual analysis seeks to appreciate a text fully by examining the links
between it and other texts, and exploring the layers of meaning revealed by the
comparison.
The theory is that ALL works are of literature are influenced by and contain
aspects of older texts, whether the connections are intentional or not.
E.G.The film Maleficent encourages viewers to question traditional interpretations of
Sleeping Beauty as a simple triumph over evil fable. Retelling the story from the POV of
Maleficent challenges the assumptions on which the views and values embedded in the
story are based.
 WHATS THE PURPOSE?
Drawing links between texts does more than add layers of meaning to the newer text: it opens
a dialogic relationship a two-way exchange of ideas.
Knowing the older text obviously informs your understanding of the new work But the new
work can also influence how you view existing texts.
When authors adapt or allude to earlier texts, their purpose often is to...
Pay homage to an earlier text
Critique an earlier text
Draw your attention to gaps in the plot
Reveal the perspective of characters who are not given a voice
Scrutinise underlying ideas and attitudes of a time or place
 SO, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
Intertextuality works similarly to symbolism or imagery You, as the reader, need to tease out
and explore the connections to reveal additional layers of meaning.

You need to be able to answer the following questions at the end of this AOS...

How do the two texts relate to and influence each other?

How does my reading of a text change when it is considered in conjunction with the other?

How does form and context influence my interpretation of the texts?

How can interpretations be influenced by language features and structures?

VOCABULARY FOR COMPARING TEXTS

Critique analytically review or evaluate

Draw a connection show how two things are in some way joined or linked
Endorse show approval of our support for an opinion or attitude
Juxtapose Position things next to each other to show a connection or
contrast
Draw a parallel Identify a similarity between two things
 ADAPTATIONS AND
TRANSFORMATIONS
In extension to allusions, texts are often adapted and transformed completely. These days, many
people have their first encounter with mainstream literary texts through an adaptation into a film
or television series.
E.G. Game of Thrones

Our texts, Pride & Prejudice and Bridget Joness Diary, are an example of a film adaptation of an
original novel.

DEFINITION: An adaptation of a text occurs when some or all of its characters, plot and language
are transferred to another form or medium. The important point is that not only does the medium
change, but so too can the message or meaning. Because an adaptation changes the FORM of the
text, it also even subtly changes the CONTENT.
 ACTIVITY!

1. Brainstorm on the white board tables all the texts that you can think of
(written or film) that rely on similar ideas
E.G. Romeo & Juliet and Gnomeo & Juliet
 ACTIVITY!
Texts Historical Social/ Cultural context Key human
context behaviours and
values
1. Romeo & 1. 1594-1596 1. Father head of the Similar:
Juliet Elizabethan era household, Women no Different:
2. Gnomeo 2. 2011 rights, Children were
& Juliet property and given in
marriage
2.
 JANE AUSTEN

https://www.shmoop.com/jane-austen/

Read the biography notes on Jane Austen and take notes

 QUICK WRITE!

YOU CHOOSE:

1. Write 200 word response to the following prompt:

How can some texts reach both forwards and backwards in time?

2. Write 200 word summary of Pride & Prejudice following your reading of the
text.
 ISSUES, MORALS AND MESSAGES

1. Use the whiteboard tables to brainstorm the most important issues,

problems, morals and/or messages within Jane Austens novel Pride &
Prejudice
2. Consider how each of these could resonate with a modern reader or
audience
 PASSAGE ANALYSIS
Using the passages on the following slides, you should:

1. Identify the ideas and concerns expressed in the given passage and why they might be
considered controversial by todays reader.

2. Research the relevant social mores of the time to establish why the views and values
expressed in the text might have been of concern to Jane Austen.

3. Consider how Jane Austens selection of language and form reveal her attitude to the issue
under examination. Findings should be presented in dot point form with the use of evidence
from the given passages to support viewpoints.
PASSAGE 1: THE OPENING SENTENCE

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want
of a wife.
PASSAGE 2: DARCYS REACTION TO
BINGLEYS SUGGESTION THAT HE DANCE
WITH ELIZABETH (CHAPTER 3)
Which do you mean? and turning round, he looked for a moment at Elizabeth, till catching her eye, he
withdrew his own and coldly said, She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me; and I am in
no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men.You had better
return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me.
PASSAGE 3: DARCYS PROPOSAL TO
ELIZABETH (CHAPTER 34)
In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed.You must allow me to tell you
how ardently I admire and love you. Elizabeths astonishment was beyond expression. She stared,
coloured, doubted, and was silent.This he considered sufficient encouragement, and the avowal of all that
he felt and had long felt for her, immediately followed. He spoke well, but there were feelings besides
those of the heart to be detailed, and he was not more eloquent on the subject of tenderness than of
pride. His sense of her inferiorityof its being a degradationof the family obstacles which judgment
had always opposed to inclination, were dwelt on with a warmth which seemed due to the consequence
he was wounding, but was very unlikely to recommend his suit.
PASSAGE 4: OPENING LINES OF
CHAPTER 43
They gradually ascended for half a mile, and then found themselves at the top of a considerable
eminence, where the wood ceased, and the eye was instantly caught by Pemberley House, situated on the
opposite side of a valley, into which the road with some abruptness wound. It was a large, handsome,
stone building, standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills;and in front, a
stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance. Its
banks were neither formal, nor falsely adorned. Elizabeth was delighted. She had never seen a place
where nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward
taste. They were all of them warm in her admiration; and at that moment she felt that to be mistress of
Pemberley might be something!
PASSAGE 5: CLIMAX OF THE NOVEL
(CHAPTER 58)
Elizabeth was much too embarrassed to say a word. After a short pause, her companion added, You are
too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My
affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject forever.
Elizabeth feeling all the more than common awkwardness and anxiety of his situation, now forced herself
to speak; and immediately, though not very fluently, gave him to understand, that her sentiments had
undergone so material a change, since the period to which he alluded, as to make her receive with
gratitude and pleasure, his present assurances.
 BRIDGET JONESS DIARY!
CH A P TER A BSTRA CTS
New Year's Resolutions

Bridget Jones begins her diary with two lists: an "I Will" list and an "I Will Not" list for the upcoming year.

Bridget's "I Will Not" list addresses her desire to stop dating unavailable men, lose weight, stop smoking, waste
money, and not daydream about her boss.

Bridget's "I Will" list shows her desire to save money, find a new job, focus on self-improvement, and drink less.

January

Bridget's mum uses guilt to get her to attend a neighbor's annual New Year's Turkey Curry Buffet in Bridget's
hometown.

Bridget is awkwardly forced into conversation with Mark Darcy, a family friend, and decides she does not like
him very much.

Despite her vow, Bridget begins flirting with her boss, Daniel Cleaver, and agrees to go on a date with him.
 ACTIVITY TABLE: NOVEL TO FILM
Look through the table handout and decide which features are relevant to our texts and YOUR
specific aspect of study given below:

The representation of a central character in both novel and film Bec

A key scene or group of scenes (opening, climax, resolution) in both novel and film Charlotte
The use of film language (mise en scene, cinematography, editing, music, sounds) to convey the
narrative POV of the novel Dana
A change in the ending Group

Create your own table and fill it out. This will be presented to the class next lesson, and you will
provide each of us with a copy of your work.