Last Franken' Blog

This is it folks, our last blog assignment. Sorry for the delay in posting this week's question. Our wonderful Franken-blogosphere is about to close its doors. But before we say goodbye, lets revisit our discussion from last Friday about the Creature and whether he is a victim or a perpetrator. We likely won't have time to delve into another debate before the end of the week, but I don't want to dismiss your thoughts on the matter. So....read the question below and consider free write response to help you focus on this key issue from the text.

Even though the Creature seems to learn compassion and reason from the cottagers, he still--in the end--vows to make humans suffer. Why? Do you still think he is a victim? And to help you practice for your annotation test, support your answer with textual evidence!

On a side note, we haven't talked too much about the role of women in the story. This question, (though not required but feel free to answer in your post and I encourage you to do so), might also help you prepare for the test. Think about the role of "mother" in the novel. The usual role of the mother in bringing life in the world is negated (voided) in Frankenstein. Do you think this motif is important?

You Talkin' to Me?

Hi everyone! Welcome back from spring break. I hope everyone caught up on some much needed R & R.

Before break, we watched a segment of Kenneth Branaugh's Frankenstein with Robert De Niro as the Creature. How did this film handle one of the themes we are discussing? You may want to discuss differences from the novel as well as what effect those differences make for the film (i.e. creating audience sympathy for Victor or dehumanizing the Creature).

I don't know about you guys, but De Niro as the Creature, to me, is a baffling production choice. He's much better as Jack Byrnes in Meet the Parents and for that matter, in one of his all-time best films, Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver.

To Clone or Not to Clone

Fifth period Frankensteiners ~ This is the question for the week of March 17th. You have until March 23rd to submit your responses. If you plan to leave for break on the 21st, make sure to visit our blog before you hit the beach or whereva. You need only post once this week.

Scholars sometimes use Frankenstein as an argument against scientific technology that creates life forms. Others argue that it is NOT the technology that's the issue, but the use to which it is put that presents an ethical problem. (An ethical problem is a situation involving conflict about the right thing to do.) What do you think Shelley's position is on this? What is yours? This is a chin scratcher. Think about our fishbowl discussion last week.

FY-eye, I will not post a question next Sunday. I, too, will be on spring break.

Oh My Goth!

**Hi 5th period! Since your reading is not due until Thursday and the question below ties in with the Creature and his arrival in the story, you only need to post one comment this week. All comments are due by March 16th!

Also, before I post this week's prompt, I just want to commend all of you for writing such thoughtful and insightful comments about Walton. I was, like, wowzers - check out the brains on 5th period! Very impressive everyone, and thanks for participating.

So we finally meet the creature! But Victor hates the Creature as soon as he sees how ugly he is. One of the most disturbing suggestions some readers find in Frankenstein is that physical ugliness is so powerful a force that nothing can compensate for it. Why are we so quick to judge others by the way they look? The first thing Frankenstein does after bringing the Creature to life is to flee, first to sleep in his bed and then to wander through the streets. What does his behavior tell us about him? There are no right or wrong answers here folks. Take a risk with your answers and go out on a limb. That's where the fruit is!

And to make up for all this freaky stuff, here's something cute to look at.

Robert Walton Profile

Hey everyone! We didn't have much time to talk about the character of Robert Walton last Friday so lets talk about him on our blog. He's an interesting character despite his rather small role in the text.Walton is trying to find the northwest passage — it would revolutionize world trade, and make him very famous and rich. This we know about our fearless seaman, but what else can we say about Walton? Here are three questions for you to think about and respond to!
1. Why does Walton admire the stranger, Dr. Frankenstein?
2. How are Walton and Frankenstein alike?
3. Why does Frankenstein tell Walton his story?
4. And who is Marge Simpson suppose be in this picture?









~ By the way, here is a map of Robbie Walton's journey. I hope this dude knows where he's going! He better keep his eyes open for the uh, gulp, the Creature?!

Romanticism 101

Hello, Sophomores ~ You have reached the blog for 5th period English. If you are in 7th period, please visit http://steadypurpose7.blogspot.com/. Feel free to visit both sites but only post comments on your respective blog.We have officially begun our unit on Frankenstein. I am looking forward to exploring this fascinating text with all of you. However, before we commence, it is imperative to understand the time period in which the story was written. Mary Shelley lived during the sweeping artistic, literary, musical, and intellectual movement known as Romanticism. It is a movement that changed literature and the other arts in ways that YOU will research, write about, and share with the class. So without further delay, let us journey back to the places, emotions, and ideas of the 19th century! Who's coming with me? Why, Mr. William Wordsworth for starters with some useful advice to boot.... ~ Come forth into the light of things. Let Nature be your teacher. Hmm....(scratching head), what's with the capital "N"?

Menu de Fun
As we discussed on Friday, your group will be responsible for researching an assigned topic on Romanticism. Remember - As a group, come up with FIVE significant points about your topic to post on the blog by this Friday. Only one member of the group needs to post the five points. Doesn't matter who. After everyone has submitted their findings, I will compile a handy Romanticism page that will help guide your reading of Frankenstein. Please email me with questions.