Midterm Exam: Essay (50 points) Choose one of the followi…
Midterm Exam: Essay (50 points) Choose one of the following topics and write a detailed, intelligent response that thoroughly responds to all aspects of the prompt. The response is a minimum of 500 words but recognize that “A” essays usually go beyond minimum standards. A long essay is not necessarily a good one, however. Add a word count: +1 for doing so! Have a short introduction and a short conclusion. Do most of the writing in 3-4 paragraphs. Be sure to cite specific examples and concrete details from the novel to support your claims, and make sure to integrate key concepts from class discussion, PowerPoints, and/or videos into your answer. Show how well you know this novel. Topic A) Society and the “Monster” In her novel, Mary Shelley is calling out society for its “monstrous” behavior toward Victor’s creation. In an essay, discuss how Mary Shelley creates sympathy for the Creature in Frankenstein. How and why does the reader feel for him and empathize with his plight? In your essay, be sure to discuss: Body paragraph (BP) #1: The Creature’s first few months of life, including his initial encounter with Victor on the night he is “born.” How has Victor set him up to be rejected by society? If he has a “nature” at this point—instinct, temperament, etc.–what is it? BP #2: His interaction with the DeLacey family. How does he feel about them/treat them? When does he realize that he will never be accepted by them? (Be sure to discuss the encounter with Felix). BP #3: The Creature’s interaction with other humans he encounters. How is he treated by the other humans he encounters? Specifically, how/where is he rejected by society? Mention at least two encounters in this section. Optional: You may expand any of the previous sections into a second body paragraph, or discuss another point related to this topic. Conclusion: What commentary about society do you think Mary Shelley was making through its treatment of The Creature, particularly regarding the issue of the “Monster?” Topic B) Mary Shelley and Feminism On the surface, it appears that Frankenstein is a novel that concerns the world of men. In an essay, though, I’d like you to investigate Mary Shelley’s feminist critique in her novel, where she explores the treatment of women. In your body paragraphs, be sure to analyze the following: BP #1: The treatment of Justine in the novel and its feminist implications. Be sure to discuss the Creature’s encounter with her in this section. BP #2: The treatment of Elizabeth, viewed in a feminist light. Examine both Victor and the Creature’s treatment of her. BP #3: The notion of the second “Female” monster and its importance in assessing the misogyny in the novel. In what ways is she an “object” controlled by men? Optional: You may expand any of the previous sections into a second body paragraph, or discuss another point related to this topic. Conclusion: What commentary was Mary Shelley making about the treatment of women in her culture? Topic C) The Quest for Scientific Discovery Frankenstein is a novel about science and discovery, and about what the pursuit of knowledge can cost. In an essay, analyze Mary Shelley’s critique of scientific ambition by focusing on Victor Frankenstein and Robert Walton, two men determined to push beyond ordinary limits. In your essay, be sure to do the following: BP #1: Analyze and explain Victor’s obsession before the Creature comes to life. What is his methodology for creating his Creature? How does Victor conceive of himself during this process? What ethical boundaries and moral considerations does he ignore? BP #2: Assess Victor and his actions after the Creature has come to life. How does he feel about his Creature? How does he treat it? To what degree does he accept responsibility for his actions? What scenes best illustrate his relationship to the Creature he has brought to life? BP #3: In what ways is Robert Walton a parallel to Victor Frankenstein? What ultimately is the difference between the two men in their quest for scientific glory, if any? Optional: You may expand any of the previous sections into a second body paragraph, or discuss another point related to this topic. Conclusion: What point is Shelley making about her culture’s faith in scientific progress? What must accompany knowledge so that discovery does not become destruction?