1. An introductory lesson
Women in Literature
An introductory lesson

3. Equality
When we ask the question, Are women equal to men? in what ways are we using the word "equal"? Discuss in groups

4. Thinking about equality
What if you lived elsewhere? What differences are there from country to country, community to community, today? Can you think of 3 examples? “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others” – George Orwell

5. Limited equality for women – possible factors
Example: Religion The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.“ – NIV, Genesis 2:18 What other factors can you think of? Discuss in groups

6. Agree Disagree Class mini debate “Clearly, women are not equal to men”
Split the class in half. One half should prepare to defend the statement and the others prepare to oppose. Students should spend 5 minutes preparing their argument and nominate a speaker.
Disagree

7. The emergence of female authors
Austen ‘A Lady’ (1811)
Pseudonyms: Eliot (1857) and the Brontë sisters (1846)
“Mrs Gaskell” (1853)

8. Improvements for women

9. What does feminism mean?
“The advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes” -Oxford English Dictionary

10. Women in Literature
When we consider women in literature, we should consider:
Women as writers
Female characters written by women
Female characters written by men

11. Other OCR resources are available at www.ocr.org.uk
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