Writing a Ghost Story in the Gothic Style
Goal Mary Shelley constructed Frankenstein as a result of a horror writing competition proposed by Dr. Polidori during a rainy weekend with Lord Byron and Percy Shelley. Perhaps because she was a fledgling nineteen-year-old woman writer, she took the competition among friends quite seriously. Yet, she is not “merely weaving a series of supernatural terrors.” Rather, she attempts “to preserve the truth of the elementary principles of human nature” (Frankenstein, xxxix). You will write an original Gothic ghost story that reflects your understanding of the choices upon which Mary Shelley built Frankenstein. Your original ghost story will include the literary elements that make Frankenstein successful. Role You are a writer. You are competing with your classmates to write an effective ghost story that emulates Mary Shelley’s sensibilities. While a good ghost story invariably involves what Steven King fondly calls “grue,” blood and flying entrails are not enough. Your story, like Shelley’s, should present a moral or ethical challenge to be resolved. Audience Your audience will be your classmates and teacher. Situation: Your ghost story needs to include the following elements: • narration • motif • elements of Romanticism/Gothic novel • moral/ethical challenge • character development Product Performance and Purpose You will write your Gothic ghost story in stages to be assigned and completed as the novel unfolds. When complete, your story will be shared with your classmates to assist in their understanding of the structure of the novel and the process of construction.
0 Comments
1. Students presented their Lit Circles.
2. The Class took a quiz on and discussed chapters 8-10. 3. The class returned to the social change campaign and specifically the brochure. 4. Students worked in their groups to begin the rough drafts of their brochures to be turned in next time. 5. A first draft of the brochure will be due the following period, with the final due at a pre-determined date pending Frankenstein activities. Journal #4 - In many works of literature, 'the journey' plays a central role. whether its the physical - from one place to another. or the mental - a journey a character takes in figuring our their purpose/who they are. What role(s) does 'the journey' play thus far in frankenstein? Explain.
News Article # 2 - Via the October edition of The Grizzly Growl The class discussed the newspaper, journal, and read chapter 8 as a class. Students are to complete a literature circle for chapters 8-10. Students will have to likely have to read chapters 9-10 at home. Quiz + Presentations next time. |
|