Handbook of Literary Terms
("The Yellow Packet")
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Background on Victorian England:
Internet ActivityBefore we begin Great Expectations, you will research some background information on England during the period in which Charles Dickens was writing and in which the novel is set. In groups, you will research a topic and prepare a creative, educational presentation on your subject. As the experts on your subjects, you will put together a 3-5 minute presentation which will teach the rest of the class important details and background on your topic.
Here are the topics; remember, you are looking at these as they apply to Victorian England. The topics in parentheses reflect the topics you can click on when you go to the web page listed below that should be helpful in your search.
1. Charles Dickens (Authors also use the links from Ms. Hull's fiction page!)
2. Queen Victoria/Victorianism (The Victorians, Political History)
3. Class Structure in Society of Victorian England (Social History)
4. Prison System (describe the conditions and be sure to find out what the "hulks" were!)
5. The Industrial Revolution (Victorian Technology)
6. Children (Education and Child Labor) and Women (Social History, Gender Matters)Please start your search at the following address:
You should also use Net-Trekker and Infotrac in your research.
Guidelines:
1. Research your topic as a group and select the best and most relevant information. Your group should gather general yet important information and overviews not minute details.
2. Develop 5 essential questions that you will answer in your presentation on your topic. For example, for Class Structure, a good question would be “What are the different classes of Victorian England?”
3. Develop your presentation based on your group’s essential questions.
4. Have at least one visual aid (outline of presentation, visual image, poster, PowerPoint)