Approaches to Teaching Austen's Persuasion

Jane Austen's "Persuasion" (1817) is a challenging novel for students to approach, but this volume provides teachers with avenues to explore its depths and richness with both Austen fans and newcomers. Part 1 suggests editions for classroom use, criticism, and multimedia resources, while Part 2 presents strategies for teaching the literary, contextual, and philosophical dimensions of the novel. Essays address free indirect discourse, social class, the navy, key locations, and health, illness, and the ethics of care.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2021
Publisher: Modern Language Association of America

Jane Austen is a beloved author among students, whether they have delved into her novels or enjoyed popular film adaptations. However, her final work, Persuasion (1817), completed near the end of her life, can pose challenges for students to engage with. They may be taken aback by the subdued and self-sacrificing heroine, and the novel's historical setting during the Napoleonic Wars may be unfamiliar. This comprehensive volume offers teachers valuable resources to explore the profound depths and richness of Persuasion, appealing to both Austen enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Part 1, titled "Materials," provides suggestions for editions suitable for classroom use, critical analysis, and multimedia resources. It offers a range of editions that can facilitate engaging and meaningful discussions within the classroom. Additionally, the section includes critical essays that delve into various aspects of the novel, such as free indirect discourse and other narrative techniques, social class in Austen's England, the role of the navy during war and peacetime, key locations in the novel, including Lyme Regis and Bath, and health, illness, and the ethics of care.

Part 2, titled "Approaches," presents strategies for teaching the literary, contextual, and philosophical dimensions of Persuasion. The essays in this section offer insightful perspectives on the novel, exploring its themes, characters, and literary techniques. They provide teachers with valuable insights and ideas to facilitate classroom discussions and enhance students' understanding of the text.

By utilizing the comprehensive materials provided in this volume, teachers can engage students in a rich and rewarding exploration of Jane Austen's Persuasion. Whether they are familiar with Austen's work or approaching her novels for the first time, this resource offers valuable insights and teaching strategies to enhance students' appreciation of this timeless masterpiece.

Weight: 376g
Dimension: 153 x 227 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781603294782