Pride & Prejudice Discussion Questions
Thank you to Trinity Repertory Theater for use of this material, study guide edited by Stephanie Risch.
LOVE & MARRIAGE
From the start of the play, Mrs. Bennet makes known that she is on the hunt and actively working to have her four daughters married, though they may not all be on board. Love and marriage are often thought to exist hand in hand, but are there relationships that are only marriages? Relationships that are only love? Lizzy may resist marriage completely, but she inevitably can’t deny her feelings for Darcy.
Is this a prominent theme in a lot of young adult content – books, film, music – where is it most seen? Does it seem like there are certain social expectations and pressures surrounding love? Marriage? Where do we see love represented most in our current culture?
REPUTATION
Each character is impacted by not only their reputations, but of those whom they are close to. The Bennet family nearly falls into ruin when Lydia runs off with Wickham, but is quickly healed, along with their reputations, when they return married thanks to Darcy. Darcy himself faces extreme judgement for his reputation of being too proud. There are a range of perceived beliefs or opinions that circulate, leading often to chaos, conflict and occasional heartbreak.
What affects how we perceive people and make judgements about them and their lives? Are we always right in making assumptions? Do first impressions tell us everything about a person? Where are reputations most seen or demonstrated today?
GENDER & SOCIETAL ROLES
Pride and Prejudice takes place at the end of the eighteenth century, a different time with distinct roles that are referenced throughout. Lizzy notes that women are not allowed opportunities outside the home when Bingley comments on the accomplishments of women, as well as how a single man with money must want a wife. Expectations of the time delineated gender roles, women assuming positions within the house because there were not work or educational opportunities and men operating as breadwinners. Because of this, it was only natural that marriage was key to keep their society operating the way it did. Social status and income only further affected a distinct societal divide in class. Austen’s novels primarily observe middle and higher classes, not the working class of her time, to contribute further to her comedy of manners. This not only served for humor, but to comment and narrate on the state of Jane Austen’s own observations within her social class and from her perspective as a woman, offering reflection for people of her own time and generations to come.
Knowing Jane Austen’s focus, specifically on gender roles, and playwright Kate Hamill’s gender bent casting and character doubling, how might this play be different if all characters were played by the intended gender? Would this theme be as highlighted? As humorous?
More about Pride & Prejudice:
Jane Austen + Pride & Prejudice
Literary Manager and Dramaturg Kamilah Bush explores the life and time period of Jane Austen.
Behind the Curtain: Kate Hamill on Pride & Prejudice
Kate Hamill chats with PCS Literary Manager & Dramaturg Kamilah Bush about adapting Jane Austen, artistic inspiration, the slippery slope of AI, and the strangely complex joy of reality television.
Kate Hamill's Pride & Prejudice: A Synopsis
A brief synopsis of Kate Hamill's theatrical adaption of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice by Jessica Hatem Lanman with the permission of Trinity Repertory Theater.
Behind the Curtain: The Rules of Regency Courtship
PCS Literary Manager & Dramaturg Kamilah Bush on the rules of marriage and romance during the Regency era.
Behind the Curtain: The Rules of Regency Courtship
PCS Literary Manager & Dramaturg Kamilah Bush on the rules of marriage and romance during the Regency era.
Kate Hamill's Pride & Prejudice: A Synopsis
A brief synopsis of Kate Hamill's theatrical adaption of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice by Jessica Hatem Lanman with the permission of Trinity Repertory Theater.
Pride & Prejudice Discussion Questions
See it! Talk about it! Discussion questions for Kate Hamill's Pride and Prejudice provided by Trinity Repertory Theater.
Current & Upcoming
BIPOC Affinity Night: Pride & Prejudice
Join us for our BIPOC Affinity Night for Pride & Prejudice! Enjoy complimentary beverages from Deschutes Brewery, local vendors on our mezzanine, and live music from local R&B act West Note. A free pre-show event :)
COMMUNION by Matthew LaBanca
Fired by the Catholic Church for marrying his husband, Matthew LaBanca transforms his true story into a powerful evening of music, humor, and hope.
PCS Presents: The Pride & Prejudice Halloween Tea Dance
We are throwing a Halloween themed Tea Dance!
Pride & Prejudice is closing and being taken over by zombies looking to whet their appetite before Halloween. Part costume party - Part Halloween Celebration, Part Regency era courting ritual, All afternoon discotheque tea dance vibes. End your weekend on a spooky note with a somewhat civilized if not undead costume dance party.
Regency era and/or Zombie attire encouraged.
Hosted by the fabulous Mona Chrome.
Encore! Emerald Anniversary
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating 20 years at The Armory.
November First Thursday with Kiki & The Cuties
Our final First Thursday of the calendar year is going to be a special one! Enjoy live music from local act Kiki & The Cuties, our gallery exhibit Then. Now. Next. 20 Years at The Armory, and of course grab yourself a complimentary beer courtesy of Deschutes Brewery. Doors at 5PM, see ya there!!
PCS Teens: Fall Improv Classes
Through fun games, acting lessons, and spontaneous character creation these classes will unlock your inner creative genius and give you the chance to get out of your comfort zone in a fun and safe environment.
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).
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