1. Pre-AP English II August 25, 2017
As you come in, Take a copy of the excerpts from Frankenstein (on the black desk), then take out your journal or a piece of paper and answer the following prompt (you will have 12 minutes):
Consider our discussion on Romanticism and Gothicism to answer the following prompt: In chapter 18, Henry is awestruck at sight of the Alps, and in chapter 19, Victor has a very different reaction to the Scottish Orkneys. Which selection demonstrates the ideals of Romanticism? Which is more Gothic in nature? Is there any overlap? Explain your answer using evidence from the text.

2. Yesterday we…
Learned about tropes, motifs, and archetypes. We focused our discussion on character archetypes present in literature, and specifically in Frankenstein.
Discussed the specific characters in the novel and what, if any, archetype they represent. We debated which character was the hero, the villain, or if any of them were anti-heroes.

3. Objectives
Students will continue their analysis of Frankenstein by focusing on various themes present in the novel. They will analyze how characters and setting drive those themes giving specific evidence from the text. They will evaluate the relevance of those themes in contemporary culture. They will make complex inferences and draw conclusions regarding reasons for the inclusion of elements of reality in fictional stories. They will also create potential retellings of the story using present-day circumstances, language, settings, and characters.
TEKS: E2(2)(A, B, C); (5)(A, B); CCRS: ELA(II.A.3, 6, 7, 8)

4. The theme’s the thing… What is “theme” in literature?
Theme: the central idea of a work of literature
Thematic concept: what the reader thinks the work is about
Thematic statement: what the work says about the subject
Theme seems to be one of the most difficult concepts for students to grasp. We will be spending a lot of time analyzing theme during the course of this year.

5. The theme’s the thing…
What are some themes present in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein? (Think BIG CONCEPTS…)
Unchecked exploration can be dangerous
The sublime nature of man
Man’s monstrous self
The dangers of secrecy
The sacred nature of life and death

6. The theme’s the thing…
How do characters drive certain themes in the novel? How does setting enhance theme (bring it to the reader’s attention)? Is Frankenstein plot-driven, character-driven, or theme-driven? Explain and use evidence from the text to back up your argument. Are any of these themes still relevant in the modern day? Explain.

7. Reality bites! So why is there so much of it in literature?
Mary Shelley, like most authors, includes some reality in Frankenstein. What are some examples of real-life people, places, events, etc. that are included in the novel? Why do you think Shelley and other authors include pieces of reality in the work? Can you think of other examples from books you’ve read? Would Frankenstein be as compelling if it were not included in the story? Explain.

8. Next week we will… Review for the Frankenstein exam.
Talk about your group extension activities.
Begin work in our regular curriculum with Critical Thinking and Close Reading

9. Homework
No homework over the weekend! If you want to continue working on your group study guides, you may, but I won’t be checking them on Monday. Have a fantastic weekend!!