The aim of this session was to prepare students for the VERY IMPORTANT HOMEWORK. Class discussion considered the following questions:
- To what extent can Shelley's novel could be considered a gothic text?
- How does Shelley shape meaning?
- Is Victor a villain?
- To what extent can this novel be considered a celebration of life?
Class discussion involved metaphorical references to wrestling crocodiles and locking questions in cupboards, the literal wearing of a red gothic cloak, and a text from Kate's Dad about a youth newspaper. There was also some very good text related commentary. Students were encouraged to read Victor's final words, as reported by Walton, and to consider the nature of Victor's death. Why is he smiling? Students were provoked into a consideration of Victor as a sympathetic character and were offered the reading that Victor's punishment allows Shelley to be critical of a cruel God!! This reading is similar to the reading of TROTAM that was considered last year when the Mariner's punishment was considered so extreme that it might be possible to read the poem as Coleridge criticising the cruel nature of divine power. BULLY GOD!!
HOMEWORK: This essay is MASSIVE. This essay will allow me to gauge the level of student learning linked to one of our examination texts. The fact that the A2 Lit exam is a closed book exam means that students need to have a very precise understanding of Shelley's text. This essay will allow me to gauge the 'precise' nature of this 'understanding'. This is a very significant essay. I have provided a very clear essay structure for the 'Crime and Punishment' question. Students are free to choose one of the three titles. I expect at least three paragraphs and a conclusion. STUDENTS MUST ENGAGE WITH THIS WRITTEN TASK. IF I BELIEVE THE WORK IS RUSHED OR LACKS EFFORT I WILL SIMPLY ASK STUDENTS TO REWRITE THE ESSAY. I will be collecting the essays before the sermon on Wednesday.
On Wednesday we will be discussing the demands of the coursework. ALL students should have selected a text that will provide the focus for their coursework.
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