YEAR 13 LESSON FIFTY-TWO [7th May 14]:Homework

The focus of today's session was the question:
'A KEY FEATURE OF THE GOTHIC TEXT IS THE USE OF SYMBOLISM TO SHAPE MEANING'. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
The aim of this question is to encourage students to consider AO2 in a very precise manner.Class discussion was superb and I encourage students to create their own essay structure...but feel free to follow the structure offered on this blog entry. Potential structure:

• LANDSCAPE used as a symbol to shape meaning. Class discussion made reference to the significance of the Orkneys in Frankenstein, the use of the study in Faustus and Act 2 Scene 4 of Macbeth. How does each author use landscape to shape meaning? Reference was also made to how this use of symbolism explores themes that seem to be particularly evident in gothic texts [alienation, isolation].
• Second paragraph could explore how reference to myths allow authors to shape meaning. The myth of Prometheus/Icarus provide moral reassurance, narrative forewarning, images of fire that link to the idea of HELL and punishment. Refer to your notes.
• CHARACTER AS SYMBOL. Discussion referred to the contrasting deaths of THE OLD MAN/FAUSTUS and VICTOR/JUSTINE. This could be linked to the religious context of the texts and allows the author to shape the idea that religious faith offers strength and protection.
• Students might also like to consider how Shelley contrasts the majesty of Nature with the imperfection of the creature. This links to the perfection of God's creation and the imperfect distortion of humanity created by Science.
• Then we discussed the symbolic significance of language...show me you were listening.I expect at least one paragraph that explores the symbolic significance of language across the three texts. Students should be comparing and contrasting the use of language.
• Offer an evaluative 'gothic' conclusion. Question focus needs to be precise.

THREE PARAGRAPHS and a CONCLUSION will allow you to produce a detailed response.

HOMEWORK: Complete the essay. KEEP READING.