The British economy through the lens of fiction

3/ History

The British economy has a long and significant history. It played a crucial role in global trade, the industrial revolution, and faces current economic challenges.

1. Global Trade: Throughout history, the United Kingdom has been an important player in global trade. Its strategic location and strong maritime tradition allowed it to establish vast trading networks with countries all over the world.

2. Industrial Revolution: In the 18th and 19th centuries, Britain experienced the industrial revolution, a period of rapid technological advancements and economic growth. This revolution transformed the nation from an agricultural society to an industrial powerhouse, driving economic prosperity.

3. Current Economic Challenges: Today, the British economy faces several challenges. These include issues related to trade negotiations, the impact of technology on traditional industries, and the uncertainties arising from political events like Brexit, which affected its relations with the European Union.

In summary, the British economy has a rich history of global trade and played a pivotal role in the industrial revolution. However, it faces modern challenges that require careful economic management and adaptation to changing global dynamics.

II - Reality, visionnary or inspirational?

1/ Mission 1

Your team has been assigned an oeuvre to study. Your mission is to make a short presentation of how it reflects the economy and the society of UK at that time and the impacts on nowadays' society.

You have to identify economic themes, social classes, trade, industrialization, or any economic challenges portrayed. 

To be sure your classmates learn from your researches, you will draw a poster that will be displayed on the classroom wall. 

1. Title: "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen (Novel - 1813) Synopsis: Set in the early 19th century during the Regency era, the story follows the Bennet family and their five daughters. The main protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet, navigates issues of love, social status, and personal growth while interacting with the wealthy and proud Mr. Darcy. The novel provides insights into the social and economic norms of British society during the Victorian era.

2. Title: "Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens (Novel - 1837-1839) Synopsis: This classic novel portrays the life of an orphan boy, Oliver Twist, who endures hardships in the slums of London during the Victorian era. Dickens uses this compelling story to shed light on the harsh living conditions, poverty, and social inequalities prevalent in 19th-century England.

3. Title: "North and South" by Elizabeth Gaskell (Novel - 1855). Synopsis: "North and South" follows the story of Margaret Hale, who moves from rural southern England to the industrialized northern town of Milton due to her father's change in occupation. The novel provides a vivid portrayal of the stark contrast between the agricultural, traditional South and the bustling, industrial North during the early Victorian era.

4. Title: "Atonement" by Ian McEwan (Novel - 2001) Synopsis: "Atonement" is set in the 1930s and 1940s, exploring the repercussions of a young girl's mistaken accusation against a family friend. The novel delves into themes of guilt, love, and the impact of World War II on individuals and families in British society.

5. Title: "Billy Elliot" (Novel - 2000) Synopsis: The film is set in County Durham during the 1984-1985 miners' strike in the UK. It follows the journey of a young boy, Billy Elliot, who discovers his passion for ballet amidst the backdrop of a struggling coal-mining community. The story explores societal expectations, economic hardships, and the pursuit of individual dreams.

6. Title: "Brick Lane" by Monica Ali (Novel - 2003) Synopsis: The novel is set in contemporary London, following the life of a Bangladeshi woman named Nazneen who moved to the UK for an arranged marriage. It explores themes of cultural identity, immigrant experiences, and the challenges faced by a young woman trying to balance tradition and modernity.

7. Title: "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro (Novel - 2005) Synopsis: Set in an alternate version of Britain in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the novel revolves around the lives of three friends who grow up in a seemingly idyllic boarding school. As they become adults, they uncover unsettling truths about their purpose and existence, touching upon ethical and social dilemmas.

8. Title: "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro (Novel - 1989) Synopsis: The novel is set in post-World War II Britain and follows the life of Stevens, a loyal butler. Through his reflections, the story explores themes of duty, regret, and the changing role of the traditional British servant class in the face of societal shifts.

9. Title: "White Teeth" by Zadie Smith (Novel - 2000) Synopsis: The novel spans generations of two immigrant families in London, one from Jamaica and the other from Bangladesh. It explores multiculturalism, identity, and the complexities of the British society in the latter half of the 20th century.

10. Title: "Bridget Jones's Diary" by Helen Fielding (Novel - 1996) Synopsis: Set in the 1990s, the novel is a humorous take on the life of Bridget Jones, a young woman in her 30s living in London. It satirizes modern life, dating, and career struggles in a contemporary urban setting.

11. Title: "1984" by George Orwell (Novel - 1949) Synopsis: "1984" is a dystopian novel set in a totalitarian society under the rule of the Party led by Big Brother. The story follows Winston Smith, a low-ranking Party member, as he rebels against the oppressive regime. The novel explores themes of surveillance, government control, and the suppression of individual freedoms. Although written in 1949, it remains relevant in reflecting on the potential dangers of authoritarianism and totalitarianism.

12. Title: "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley (Novel - 1932) Synopsis: "Brave New World" is set in a futuristic world where society is engineered for stability and pleasure. People are conditioned from birth for specific roles and are numbed by the use of drugs and other means to maintain social harmony. The novel follows the character Bernard Marx as he questions the system and discovers the cost of a society built on a loss of individuality and freedom. It raises thought-provoking questions about the role of technology, consumerism, and the human experience.

13. "The English Game" a Netflix series
14. "Insular Hobbits" from Jonathan Cohen
    

2/ Mission 2 

While your classmates are presenting their assignements, you will have to take rough notes to be sure you remember the main points of their speech. You are encouraged to ask them questions and informations to be sure you have understood.

Then, you will identify the contrasts in the economic conditions depicted in different time periods and fictional settings. Discuss the impact of economic changes on characters' lives and society as a whole. 

You have to write down sentences using the proper grammar tools (whereas, on the contrary, contrary to, while, but, compared to, on the one hand, on the other hand). 

You will be asked to give your opinion and debate with other classmates about the way these oeuvres highlight the evolution in the British society.

III - TEST

You have to learn the vocabulary and the definitions.

Be sure you have understood the lesson.

It is still time to ask for help!