Bleak House Lesson Plan

Social Class in Victorian England

Kind of Activity:

Research

Objective:

Students will research social class and living conditions in Victorian England to better understand the novel's characters.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.2, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.7

Structure:

A theme of the novel (and one that is particularly clear in this section) is the contrast and tension between the British social classes. Start the activity by having students read the following brief articles that explain the social heirarchy in Victorian England.

Social Life in Victorian England

Social Classes

When students are done reading, ask the...