Daily Lessons for Teaching Tess of the d'Urbervilles

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Lesson 1 (from Chapter 1 | Chapter 2)


Chapters 1 and 2.

When Mr. Durbeyfield learns he is descended from an ancient noble family, he immediately begins to act as if he is superior. However, his family and neighbors are not so impressed, and say that his title is useless unless he can turn it to his advantage financially. The objective of this lesson is to discuss the concept of nobility, as introduced in Tess of the D'Urbervilles.


1) Partner activity: Have each group discuss what true nobility means. Ask them to come up with at least 4 examples from the text that demonstrate noble actions, and say why that is the case.

2) Group activity: When Mr. Durbeyfield starts putting on airs, his family and neighbors suggest that nobility is useless unless it brings some financial advantage. Are they right? Or does having a 'noble' background have value in and of itself? Split into two groups, and...

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