HUM 104: AGE OF DARWIN - PART I - Mary Shelley, Frankenstein

8/28 Th Introduction to Mary Shelley

• Readings: Biography of Mary Shelley, Introductions of the editor and of the author
• Study questions:
  1. What is Mary Shelley's familial background?
  2. In which circumstances did Mary Shelley write her novel?
  3. What is Romanticism?
  4. What is Gothicism?
• Course Notes in pdf format: Part II, Chapter 3

8/30 Tu Shelley -- The four letters and and Frankenstein's Story

• Readings: Four Letters, Chap. I-IX

• Homework: Study Questions
  1. Select two relevant passages (quote page, beginning and ending) illustrating Shelley aesthetic ideas about the beautiful and the sublime. Make sure to explain these terms.
  2. Selecting and quoting two relevant passages, explain what position Shelley takes concerning science.
  3. Selecting and quoting two relevant passages, explain what position Shelley takes concerning education.
  4. Selecting and quoting two relevant passages, explain what position Shelley takes concerning friendship.

• Course Notes in pdf format: Part II, Chapter 4

9/4 Th Shelley -- The Monster's story

• Readings: Chap. X-XVII, Montesquieu, Persian Letters, 29

• Homework: Study Questions
  1. More about the beautiful and the sublime: according to you, what is the message that Shelley tries to convey?
  2. How does the monster's story illustrate Rousseau's ideas about human nature and civilization?
  3. Can you find any evidence of the influence on Mary Shelley from her mother early feminist ideas?
  4. What do you think of Shelley's attitude toward people from different cultures than her own? Compare with Montequieu. Explain.
  5. Explain how the subtitle ``the new Prometheus'' applies to Frankenstein.

• Course Notes in pdf format: Part II, Chapter 5

9/6 Tu Shelley -- Frankenstein's story, last letters, and conclusion

• Readings: Chap. XVIII-XXIV, last letters

• Homework: Study Questions
  1. What do you think is the message conveyed by Clerval's speech (207-208)?
  2. What makes Frankenstein and the monster a tragic couple accoding to you?
  3. Compare the two speeches of Frankenstein p.286 and p.291-2. How do you understand the contrast?
  4. Frankenstein does not find his conduct blame worthy at the very end. Do you find his argument convincing?
  5. After the monster's speech, Walton calls him an hypocrite. What would be your reaction? why?

• Course Notes in pdf format: Part II, Chapter 6