Thinking Critically about Text and Society
Instructions
Choose THREE of the following ten questions. Write a paragraph responding to each one of the three you choose. Each of your paragraphs should be approximately 200-250 words.
Each paragraph should explain the main issue in the question posed and illustrate that issue with one or two appropriate examples from the text. You do not require a formal referencing system. But if you quote the text directly, please provide a page number in parentheses. Grammar and expression will be considered when grading, so proofread your work closely before you submit.
You will be assessed on how well you have understood the material presented in the readings, lecture pods, and tutorials in THIS unit this term. That means you should focus your preparation of the material presented in THIS unit, and not external material from websites or other such sources.
You may NOT use any external sources when responding to these questions. Use only what is found in the assigned reading, the lecture pods, and the tutorial materials.
Questions
- Some of the main characters in Frankenstein appear to double, reflect, or mirror one another in various ways. In what sense is this true of Captain Walton and Victor Frankenstein?
- Some of the main characters in Frankenstein appear to double, reflect, or mirror one another in various ways. In what sense is this true of Victor Frankenstein and the Creature?
- One important theme of Frankenstein is that of friends and enemies. With direct reference to specific passages and characters in the novel, briefly explain how it addresses this theme.
- One important theme in Frankenstein is that of education. Briefly describe the education of the Creature. How does it compare to that of Victor Frankenstein?
- Some of the events in Frankenstein seem to reflect events in Mary Shelley’s life. With direct reference to specific events in both the novel and Shelley’s life, briefly explain how this is the case.
- Frankenstein begins with a series of letters written by Captain Walton to his sister. Briefly explain the content of these letters. How does this device shape our experience of reading the novel?
- Frankenstein explores the relationship between reason and emotion. What makes the Creature appear reasonable and emotional. Which of these characteristics make him more human?
- Briefly define Romanticism and explain its main characteristics. What elements of Frankenstein could be called Romantic in this sense? Try to refer to specific passages or scenes in the novel.
- Define the concept of the sublime and relate it to Frankenstein. Do any aspects of the novel evoke the experience of the sublime? Try to refer to specific passages and scenes in the novel.
- What does Sigmund Freud mean by the uncanny? In what ways might the Creature in Frankenstein be called uncanny in Freud’s sense? Try to refer to specific details from the novel.