Both these sessions considered Section B of the exam. The Wednesday session considered the question:
WHAT DO WE LEARN ABOUT BEING HUMAN WHEN ENGAGING WITH THE GOTHIC TEXT?
Class discussion, as it always is with you lot, was perceptive, challenging, and precise. The recent 'SHOCK' essays were okay but it is important that the Section B written work reflects the insight and critical sophistication that is evident in class discussion.
The Friday session considered the question:
'Gothic settings are desolate, alienating and full of menace.' In the light of this comment, consider some of the ways writers use settings in the gothic text that you have read.
Again, class discussion was superb. The lesson concluded with Lauren's request to consider the Frankenstein question:
To what extent do you agree with the view that, in Frankenstein, Mary Shelley is exploring 'the dark side of the human psyche'?
HOMEWORK: Complete a Section B essay. At this point in the course students need to be attempting ONE HOUR essays. If you have the time to produce more than one essay...then produce more than one essay!! STUDENTS HAVE ALL THE PAST QUESTIONS so students need to be attempting some essays.
REMEMBER...attack the section B essay as a BLOCK RESPONSE that considers each text individually. Offer a brief introduction that reflects your line of argument, deal with each text individually, then offer a conclusion that offers an evaluative overview that uses a gothic quote to weave the clarity through your critical conclusion.
KEEP READING KEEP READING KEEP READING.
LINK TO BRITISH LIBRARY GOTHIC RESOURCES. THIS IS A GREAT RESOURCE FOR DEVELOPING A CONTEXTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF GOTHIC LITERATURE:
http://www.bl.uk/romantics-and-victorians/themes/the-gothic
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