YEAR 13 LESSON SIXTEEN [27th Nov 15]: Homework

This session considered the creature's narrative and discussed the significance of the 'SUICIDE NOTE' that concludes the novel. Students were asked to consider why Shelley has the creature embrace oblivion in such an enthusiastic manner. The class were asked to consider the narrative of the creature as allowing Shelley to offer a very liberal emotional manifesto aimed at improving the quality of life for all members of society. REMEMBER...this is a post-War novel and this novel is considered to reflect many of the liberal ideas that are associated with Romantic Literature.

I alluded to a SUPERB BBC documentary series that explores the 'so called' ROMANTIC movement within English Literature. The first episode explores the significance of THE FRENCH REVOLUTION. Click on link below to access resource.....

LIBERTY:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scck3YCiRxg

There are three one hour films in this series and they are all magnificent. Reference to Shelley's Frankenstein appears in the final section of the episode below...but I would watch it all because it is a superb resource and brilliant filmmaking....

NATURE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liVQ21KZfOI

ETERNITY:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6mefXs5h9o

I discussed the idea today that the creature is perceived by some critics to represent the movement of the French Revolution [OPTIMISM evolving into HORROR and DESTRUCTION] so students need to be aware of the significance of this moment in northern european history.

HOMEWORK: READ THE NOVEL. In the next session we will be discussing possible content for an essay that will consider the significance of the creature. Here are FOUR potential essay questions that you should consider before Wednesday's session.

'The creature is the most important symbol in Shelley's novel.' To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Many critics have commented that the creature is ultimately a character with whom we sympathise. Explore Mary Shelley's presentation of the creature in the light of this comment. 

'Throughout the novel the boundaries between good and evil are continuously blurred, leaving the reader with moral uncertainty.' How far do you agree with this view of the novel?

To what extent do you agree with the view that the humans in Frankenstein are more monstrous than 'the monster'?