Comparing Opening Scenes of Bridgerton and The Duke and I

Analyze Adaptation Choices with this Literary and Media Comparison Activity for Middle and High School ELA

Looking for a high-interest way to teach literary analysis and media literacy? This Bridgerton & The Duke and I compare and contrast lesson is the perfect way to help students explore the differences between a book and its screen adaptation. Students will examine the Bridgerton Netflix series alongside the novel The Duke and I by Julia Quinn to compare how characters, tone, structure, and theme shift across mediums. A Media and Textual Analysis Lesson for High School

This printable and digital worksheet set guides students through a thoughtful comparison of the Bridgerton Netflix series and the Julia Quinn novel it’s based on, The Duke and I. With structured prompts, character analysis tables, and reflection questions, students explore how adaptation choices affect tone, theme, and characterization.

Perfect as a literary extension activity, film-literature pairing, or an introduction to deeper analysis skills.

✨ What’s Included

• 📄 Two printable worksheet versions (basic & scaffolded)
• 💻 Editable Google Docs versions included
• 🎬 Designed around the epilogue + chapter one of The Duke and I and the first 15 minutes of Bridgerton Season 1, Episode 1
• 🧠 Prompts focus on:
  • Characterization of Daphne, Simon, Violet, and others
  • Narrative structure and framing differences
  • Stylistic choices in adaptation
  • Themes of gender, power, class, and audience appeal

📚 Skills Supported

• Close reading and media literacy
• Compare/contrast analytical writing
• Evidence-based discussion
• Understanding tone and adaptation strategy
• Character development and archetypes

🧑‍🏫 Perfect For:

• High school English, literature, or creative writing classes
• Media studies or women’s literature units
• Homeschool families exploring modern adaptations of classic tropes
• Enrichment, honors, or book club assignments

💡 Planning Room Members:

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