The aim of the first two sessions of 2015 was to discuss possible content for the mock exam next week. The question will be:
To what extent do you agree with the view that the novel is a total condemnation of transgression?
Class discussion explored the idea that the major TRANSGRESSION presented by Shelley is the challenging of the accepted boundary between Man and God. Discussion considered Victor as symbolic of the arrogance of Science and that Shelley is clearly condemning the 'supernatural enthusiasm' of Victor to have 'a new species..bless me as its creator.' Victor challenges the conventional spiritual boundaries between Man and God and this rebellious act is clearly presented by Shelley as a CRIME that receives PUNISHMENT. This challenging of the authority of divine power is a feature of the gothic text as is the idea that the consequence of this crime is a severe punishment. Students will be expected to offer the appropriate textual reference to support the idea that Shelley is clearly offering a condemnation of this spritual transgression.
Discussion referred to the significance of the Prometheus Myth and the fact that quotes such as 'i was a shadow of a human being..a mere skeleton...a restless spectre' suggest that Victor is suffering some form of death in life as a punishment for creating the 'catastrophe'. Reference was also made to the language of enslavement and disease that serve to illustrate Victor's personal suffering.
Students also need to refer to the theme of isolation as this is a theme that appears to be a feature of the gothic text. Victor's physical isolation appears to reflect the emotional and spiritual isolation he endures after creating the 'devil'. This isolation is reflected through the choice of location and reference was made to The Orkneys being used by Shelley to symbolise Victor's isolation. Thursday's session also considered the fact that Victor seems to be isolated form any sense of personal happiness or conentment and considered his Wedding Day as a symbol of the idea that he is isolated from any sense of human community. The beginning of chapter 23 provides a lot of textual evidence that can be used to support this argument.
Students were then encouraged to move away from the idea that the novel is merely concerned with transgression. Shelley also offers a radical and liberal narrative that is a dramatic contrast to the conservative narrative that warns Science against challenging divine power. The more liberal narrative offers the reader a practical emotional manifesto that could be perceived as Shelley attempting to offer a philosophy that could improve society. It is unusual for a gothic text to present a coherent and practical philosophy with the aim of improving human experience!
Class discussion considered how the experience of the creature allows Shelley to promote the idea that society must embrace difference and offer a greater sense of empathy and compassion if society is to avoid conflict. The creature is brutalised by society and becomes the monster that he is perceived as being due to his grotesque physical appearance. If students could also refer to the reading of the creature as symbolic of the French Revolution....that would be nice!! Remember the FR began with a sense of hope and ended with murder and carnage! Much like the life of the creature. There was a hope that the French Revolution would result in a fairer, more equal society. Perhaps Shelley's liberal narrative could be perceived as 'revolutionary' as it is an appeal for social change via a peaceful emotional revolution. This argument involving the creature may also refer to Shelley reflecting the eighteenth century philosophy promoted by John Locke. A theory that retains a contemporary relevance.
Don't forget folks.. the essay needs to refer to critcal opinion such as those published in The Westminster Review in 1818 that this is a novel 'without manners or morality' or Angela Carter's view that a 'gothic tale is a cruel tale'. Students also need to illustrate an understanding of historical context!!
This is a glorified timed essay. If you read the text and remember the key quotes that will illustrate your argument, you will be fine.
GOOD LUCK.
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