YEAR 13 LESSON NINETEEN [17th Nov 14]: Homework

The aim of this session was for students to show me that they could support their critical argument with specific textual reference. THIS IS THE AREA OF OUR WORK THAT FAILS TO CONVINCE! It was extremely disappointing to have 50% of the class absent from this very important lesson. Those that did attend were excellent. Class discussion considered potential content for the essay title:
'THE CHARACTER OF THE CREATURE ALLOWS SHELLEY TO PRESENT HER KEY IDEAS.' To what extent do you agree with this statement?
I gave you a resource in a previous lesson that offers a potential essay structure and this morning the class created this essay framework:

• The first paragraph could explore the idea that the creature is symbolic of Scientific ambition. He is imperfect. Could contrast this imperfection with the perfection of the natural world. The natural world could reflect the power of divine design. Victor is isolated from the restorative power of nature after he creates the creature. Historical context= 1818...first blood transfusion....it failed!!Allows Shelley to create a didactic fable that warns the Scientific community against any redefining of the relationship between Man and God. Shelley is not embracing the new ideas of the age of Science.
• This idea can be further explored through the punishment that Victor endures. He is punished for attempting to secure the secrets of forbidden knowledge. What is the nature of his punishment? Key quotes? Death in life? Images of enslavement? Images of being poisoned? MODERN PROMETHEUS? A moral creation myth for the age of Science? Angela Carter quote? Shelley uses both the creature and Victor as symbols to shape the didactic nature of the Christian fable.
• The third paragraph could deal with the creature being used to reflect the eighteenth century philosophy of John Locke who believed that behaviour is dictated by experience. Locke stated that childhood experience was particularly significant when influencing adult behaviour. This philosophy appears to be reflected in the behaviour of the creature. He is brutalised by society before becoming a brutal serial killer. Students need to support this idea with relevant textual reference. Reference to the gothic? Historical context= this a post-war novel. A call for empathy and tolerance. Shelley appears to be offering an emotional manifesto for improving society. A call for a society that embraces difference and rejects prejudice? Could refer to Steinbeck's 'perfectibility' quote. This is a radical idea in 1818. It contrasts with the conservative nature of the interpretation that the novel is a Christian fable. This is a message that could appeal to both a Christian and secular readership.
• The conclusion needs to consider whether this novel remains relevant and concluding comments need to attempt to consider the novel in the context of the gothic tradition.

HOMEWORK: Complete essay. Email the essay on Friday. I need to have the essays marked before next Monday's lesson. THIS IS A MASSIVE ESSAY. I AM NOT CONVINCED THAT SOME STUDENTS ARE ENGAGING WITH THIS TEXT IN AN A2 MANNER. PROVE ME WRONG. GO ON...I DARE YOU!

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GOOD LUCK LIT FREAKS.