YEAR 13 LESSON THIRTY [8th Jan 14]: Homework

The last four lessons were all 'drop in' sessions relating to coursework and today's lesson considered the mock exam and introduced CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE'S 'DR.FAUSTUS'.

The mock exam will offer a Frankenstein question that will suggest that some readers view the novel as a text that reflects a 'fear of the power of science'. Class discussion considered potential content for this question. Here are some points for students to consider:

• Students need to carefully consider the implications of 'the fear of the power of science'. Does the novel represent science as having power? Class discussion considered the symbolic nature of the creature and how this symbolic represention reflects the the inability of science to replace the divine power of God. The creature endures incredible suffering and embraces oblivion with enthusiasm such is the intensity of his suffering. Perhaps the creature reflects the idea that science does not have any power when compared with God's power and Shelley constructs a warning to science. Students need to consider whether Shelley fears science or fears the consequences of scientific arrogance.
• Victor's punishment was also discussed as being symbolic of the arrogance of science being punished for challenging the omnipotence of divine power. Science sins and is punished. So does Victor's punishment represent Shelley's fear of the power of science or her contempt for the arrogance of science. A scientific community that is deluded and misguided.
• I gave you the heart of the mock exam question because I want this experience to be valuable. Students need to plan how they will answer this question and decide which moments from the text will allow students to construct the most convincing argument. There was a lot of good discussion today. I hope you lot managed to develop a sense of what will be expected of you on Monday.

The session then moved on to discuss the influence of scientific figures such as PTOLEMY, COPERNICUS and GALILEO. Copernicus and Galileo changed how we perceive the Universe and are regarded as examples of how the ideas of The Renaissance challenged accepted ideas. The sixteenth century is quite a century!! Students need to be aware of the Reformation and the significance of the reigns of Mary and Elizabeth the First. An understanding of the religious tensions of this historical period will inform student understanding of Marlowe's play.We then read                 

the opening section of the play and discussed the significance of its content.

HOMEWORK: Prepare for the mock. The question will be:

SOME READERS HAVE SEEN THE NOVEL AS AN ILLUSTRATION OF THE FEAR OF THE POWER OF SCIENCE....To what extent do you agree with this statement?