YEAR 13 LESSON THIRTEEN [18th Oct 13]: Homework.

The aim of this lesson was to continue to develop student understanding and awareness of the symbolic significance of the creature's narrative in Shelley's magnificent novel. After a brief thematic overview the main task was group work that considered two questions:

1. What is the key quote within the creature's narrative and why is this such a key quote?
2. How can the reader feel sympathy for a child murderer?

Class response was superb. All comments were underpinned with a clear consideration of Shelley's aim. We are moving towards a BIG essay and this essay will allow me to gauge the level of student textual understanding as we surge towards the novel's brutal conclusion. The two sessions next week will be extremely important sessions. BE AWARE OF THE HOMEWORK AS THIS WILL INFORM OUR FINAL TWO SESSIONS BEFORE THE ESSAY.

Homework: Students will be offered three essay titles next week. These essay titles are:

1. 'IN MARY SHELLEY'S FRANKENSTEIN, THE SUPERNATURAL IS USED TO REFLECT THE TRUE NATURE OF THE HUMAN CONDITION.' To what extent do you agree with this statement?
2. 'THE CREATURE ALLOWS SHELLEY TO PRESENT HER KEY IDEAS.' To what extent do you agree with this statement?
3. To what extent do you agree with the view that the humans in Frankenstein are more monstrous than the monster? 

Students will have the freedom to choose one of these essay titles. If you are feeling really frisky perhaps some students could attempt two essays!!
Students need to read the text and consider the final speech of the creature as this may inform essay content. How does Shelley want the reader to react to the creature's final speech? Students should read the resources I gave the class at the end of this lesson.I expect ALL students to reinforce their argument in class discussion with specific textual reference.
FURTHERMORE...next week we will be discussing Shelley's novel in the context of the gothic literary tradition. Student essays must consider to what extent this novel reflects elements of the gothic tradition. The following comments will be used to tease a reaction from the class:

THE GOTHIC IS A NOVEL OF TERROR AND WONDER...Mario Praz 1968.
GOTHIC TALES ARE CRUEL TALES....Angela Carter.
GOTHIC FICTION TELLS US THE TRUTH ABOUT OUR DIVIDED NATURE...BUT THIS DUALITY IS OUR HOPE NOT OUR DESPAIR...Alison Millbank 2011.
I HOLD THAT A WRITER WHO DOES NOT PASSIONATELY BELIEVE IN THE PERFECTIBILITY OF MAN HAS NO DEDICATION NOR ANY MEMBERSHIP IN LITERATURE...John Steinbeck.
WE MAKE OUR MONSTERS, THEN FEAR THEM FOR WHAT THEY SHOW US ABOUT OURSELVES..Mike Carey.

Students might want to consider HOW the creature can be read as a symbol of the French Revolution.......

READ  READ  READ  READ  READ  READ  ...The quality of next week's class discussion is dependent upon the quality of student reading before we all enter the classroom.