YEAR 13 LESSON FIVE/SIX [22nd/25th Sept 14]: Homework

The aim of these two sessions was explore the issues being presented by Mary Shelley in the opening section of Frankenstein. I have BOMBARDED students with words in the last two sessions and probably talked too much....but it is essential that students are aware of the philosophical nature of the text and why this novel is considered to be part of the gothic tradition. As we are such a small group this year we have been huddled around a table discussing issues relating to Walton's letters and the MASSIVE significance of Chapters 4 and 5. I have not been entirely convinced that ALL students are wrestling with this text so the essay that we discussed in the last lesson will be an interesting challenge.

The essay title that has been the focus of class discussion this week is:

HOW DOES SHELLEY CREATE A SENSE OF DRAMATIC EXPECTATION IN THE OPENING SECTION OF SHELLEY'S NOVEL?

In Lesson Six we created the following structure for this essay. Students do not have to follow this structure....but it might be a good idea to use this structure for this FIRST A2 written task.

Potential Structure:

• Students need to explore the mysterious representation of Victor in Walton's letters. We discussed how Shelley presents Victor as having experienced some kind of experience that has had a negative effect on his physical and psychological health. This ambiguous and mysterious representation creates a sense of dramatic expectation as the reader is curious to discover why Victor appears so distressed.

• The second paragraph needs to explore the SYMBOLIC SIGNIFICANCE of location. Students need to consider the significance of Victor sharing his narrative with Walton in such a brutal, beautiful, and natural environment.

• The third paragraph should consider issues relating to LANGUAGE. We have discussed the significance of the dramatic language used in the opening chapters. We discussed the importance of Victor's comment that 'feelings bore me onwards, like a hurricane' and how this destructive simile acts as a forewarning for the horror that Victor's narrative reveals. We have also discussed other key quotes in some detail. THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT PARAGRAPH.Why does Shelley have Victor use such violent imagery? BE SPECIFIC.

• The penultimate paragraph could deal with the significance of the non-linear narrative. We have discussed the significance of Shelley offering a clue to the reader relating to how this text should be perceived. The idea that Victor wishes Walton to learn from his experience is a key point. Reference could be made to the fact that Victor clearly challenges divine power and this can be linked to the alternative title of the novel. AGAIN...THIS IS A BIG PRAGRAPH.

• The conclusion needs to offer an understanding of this novel within the context of the gothic tradition and needs to refer to comments from literary critics.

HOMEWORK: The essay is due next Thursday so students need to plan, research, think about their response. On Monday we will discuss any issues that you may have relating to the construction of the essay. Monday's lesson is important. We need to discuss issues relating to the essay. Monday's lesson is the last chance to construct clarity from confusion so bring some questions.