Thursday, October 22, 2009

Tale of Two Cities and Gulliver's Travels

For Ceci and Carla: Chapters 4-6
  • Do you see a concern (political or social) that is not a concern of the (British) Romantic Era? If so, what is it? If not, is there a concern of the author that has nothing to do with the Era? Quotations please. MLA Citations.
  • Choose a quotation from Chapters 4-6 that you would like to talk about because of its connection to a theme being developed.

Due: October 28

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Frankenstein!!!

Frankenstein Chapters 5-6

Chapter 5 begins the expression of the fears of the Romantics concerning:
  • what is natural and unnatural, as well as their fascination with the supernatural. The use of weather and night and day reflect this concern.
  • Find two excerpts that exemplify their fascination. Do not use examples used by other students - in other words, read the postings of others then find distinct examples.

Due: Wednesday, October 28

Friday, October 16, 2009

Frankenstein!!!

Frankenstein Chapters 3-4

  • About Victor Frankenstein’s ambition – what is it specifically?
  • List the steps he takes to achieve it.

Due Date: Wednesday, October 21

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Tale of Two Cities and Gulliver's Travels

For Ceci and Carla:
  • Though Dickens followed and Swift preceded Shelley, do you see any of the same concerns reflected in their works as are expressed in Frankenstein (for specific concerns see Frankenstein blog prompt)? Discuss one shared concern, and illustrate it with a direct quotation.
  • How does history play a role in the settings of these books?

Due date: Monday, October 19

Friday, October 9, 2009

Frankenstein!!!

Frankenstein Chapters 1-2
As with your previous postings, I expect you to support each response with a citation from the text; identify it using MLA citation.
  • The ideals of the Romantic Era (an interest in nature, an exaltation of the imagination, an increased faith in the worth of the individual, a protest against correctness) are found throughout the novel. Find an excerpt that reflects one of these ideals. Do not use the same excerpt as another student – in other words the earliest bloggers will be able to post the most obvious excerpts.
  • Discuss the similarities between Elizabeth and Victor’s mother. What might they symbolize?

Response due: Friday, October 16