Mar. 28, 2008: Homework

Level English IV
Don't forget to complete your fishbowl questions for Monday (Mar. 31, 2008); those of you who were not in class today, refer to the assignment and questions below. Choose to complete either the odd or even questions. We will conduct our fishbowl discussion on Tuesday (April 1, 2008). Remember to type these questions out in complete sentences with textual references (page numbers) to facilitate your discussion.

fishbowl discussion
Come to class on Monday (03/31/08) ready to participate in a fishbowl discussion. Your duty is to prepare answers to the following questions. When I say prepare, I mean actually type out your answers complete with references to the text so you can intelligently discuss these questions as a group next week. I will check your answers for completion before you begin the class discussion. Only those who have completed this first half of the assignment will be allowed to participate and receive credit for the second half of the assignment (the discussion).

1) What role does nature play in this novel for Frankenstein? For the creature? For Robert Walton? Be very specific here. What romantic perspectives of nature are evidenced in the novel? How does this relate to the theme of the noble savage?

2) How does the concept of revenge play a part in this novel? Is revenge ever justified? What’s the difference between revenge and justice? Is murder ever justified? Does the creature seek justice or revenge? What about Frankenstein? Who do you think is justified in their desire for justice (or revenge)?

3) What question(s) does Frankenstein ask when he attempts to create a second creature that he should have asked the first time? What does this say about Frankenstein? How does this relate to the thematic concept of Promethean ambition? Has Frankenstein really changed by the end of the novel? What about Walton? Has Frankenstein successfully steered Walton clear of disaster?

4) Which force is more powerful, nature or nurture? What power does society have to change (or corrupt) an individual? How does this relate to the theme of the noble savage?

Use the entire novel to answer these questions!!!!!!!

Practical Writing
Your rough draft is due Tuesday (April 1, 2008) at the end of class. We will give you time in class both next Monday and Tuesday to work on this draft. If you still have not completed an outline, conducted an interview, or produced your note cards, this weekend would be the time to do it.