Final Lessons and Post Assignments for Frankenstein

Farewell to Frankenstein. . . A Message from Mrs. Hardin

Listen Here:
http://students.etsu.edu/ZSSS3/Frankenstein.audio.mp3


BLOG RESPONSE QUESTION: Movies, Novels, and Play
We have studied various perspectives and interpretations of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein during the last few weeks. We began with the original version and compared it to the shorter, easier version. Immediately, we noted the differences in vocabulary and the loss of detail from the original to the extremely edited version. We also viewed many scenes of the most recent Frankenstein movie and fortunately, many of us recently experienced Frankenstein at Barter Theatre. Having been exposed to various interpretations and versions, consider the similarities and differences. Below, post your thoughts about what version or perspective you found to be most intriguing and thought-provoking. Be sure to explain your decision with specific details.

VIDEOS
After posting your response, view the videos (links below) of other film versions we did not view in class including a famous parody. Which do you find most interesting? And after viewing the parody, list other parodies of novels that you have seen in the past and share those with us. . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvcKHxQgngg (1970 version)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McEUmsMXUrg (my personal favorite!!!! -- clips of the 1931 original set to Edgar Winter Group's "Frankenstein" TWO THUMBS UP!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg5N9FJc__Q (1948)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOPTriLG5cU (THE PARODY - PLEASE WATCH!!!)


WEBQUEST
During our next trip to the library, we will be exploring another avenue of Frankenstein and focus on the scientific and medical issues that concern present-day society. From Shelley's time to 2009, questions of morals and ethics are still being communicated in the world of medicine and science. With our Webquest, we will explore and investigate the idea of technology and how involved it should be in creating and maintaining human life. Before developing one's own opinions, it is essential to learn and become informed about the topics at hand. Thus, we will use this assignment to educate ourselves. learn terminology, and study the facts of medical advances. Once we are informed, then we can begin to make informed decisions and have intellectual conversations about what are sometimes considered to be controversial topics.

Click the following link to begin your WebQuest:
http://www.angelfire.com/nc2/mrwaselko/frankenstein_webquest.htm


Virtual Field Trip!!! I absolutely love this virtual tour of Geneva, Switzerland. . . the home of Victor Frankenstein. This city is so rich with character and history. . . I would absolutely love an opportunity to go there and visit, but this virtual tour will have to do for now. . . it is certainly worth a click to see these beautiful pictures and read the stories that accompany them. . . do you think that Geneva was as beautiful or more beautiful during Shelley's time? Please share your thoughts. . .

Go here for tour: http://www.virtourist.com/europe/geneva/999.htm


REVIEW QUIZ - test your Frankenstein knowledge!

http://students.etsu.edu/ZSSS3/ShelleyQuiz.html

Slavery and its Impact: A Virtual Field Trip

As we begin to venture to another point in history and study the literature produced from those who experienced both pain and joy during major historical events, take a moment to consider the philosophical and physical paths that our ancestors and forefathers blazed before us.

Soon, we will be opening the chapter of life that was a confusing moment in our country's history and discussing the ideas and background of slavery and the impact it made and the imprint it created on this nation.

Please take this virtual field trip to learn more about Henry "Box" Brown's exciting escape from slavery!

http://housedivided.dickinson.edu/fieldtrips/brown.html

Note to Mrs. Hardin's CP III: Your extra credit assignment for the week of Nov. 2nd -6th is the Frankenstein discussion below. . . please follow directions. . .

The Timeless Themes of Frankenstein

Because I have been unable to add a new post the last couple of weeks, you will be awarded 30 points for this week's response. However, you must provide a minimum of three paragraphs (each paragraph is worth 10 points). Now, on to the this week's discussion. . . as we are about to embark on a study of Frankenstein (for some of you this will be your second journey). . . keep in mind how some of the issues Mary Shelley presented years and years ago still remain timeless and relevant in today's world. Putting aside the fact that an overly ambitious doctor creates a "monster", let's consider the relationship between Victor and Elizabeth. Their relationship was not unlike relationships today. . Victor, driven by his goals and need to achieve, worked endless hours forgetting what was most important in his life. . . and then Elizabeth, fun-loving, creative, and family-oriented sometimes found it challenging to connect with Victor. You may want to focus one paragraph on how their relationship's characteristics might resemble martial relationships in existence today and how that can sometimes be disastrous and what can be done to prevent failure in the relationship. . . what could Victor and Elizabeth have done to prevent disaster. . .anything?

And then we have the issue of the creator (Victor) abandoning his creation (the "monster"). . . how could that be related to, let's say, a parent and his or her child . . . it's unfortunate, but true that sometimes parents abandon their children. . . not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, etc.

Finally, the most obvious timeless issue is Ethics vs. Medical Advancements. How far is TOO far? Many, many years ago . . . during the time Mary Shelley composed this novel, the idea of creating a person from several people's body parts seemed completely absurd! However, today organ transplants occur daily and this includes eyes as well as skin. Cloning has also become an ethical issue of this day and age. . . creating new life. . . altering and selecting how something should live. . . how do you feel about this? Shelley's ideas were not so absurd after all. And it should also be noted that Shelley suffered tragic losses of children . . . perhaps she grieved so deeply that she dreamed she could bring her children back to life. . . and how miraculous it could be to perform surgery and use "spare" body parts to save a life. Discuss your thoughts on the "then and now" theme of the medical themes and ethical concerns.

To receive full credit, give me your best, detailed answers! Return to the top and reread the paragraphs to be sure you understand the themes and then provide thorough responses. Enjoy!

The Witch Hunts Continue. . . .

Unfortunately, there are times in our lives when situations or results just cannot be sufficiently explained to our satisfaction. When this happens, we or others might have to settle for a reason or explanation. . . or go in search for an explanation. In the Crucible, the villagers are without a medical explanation for the girls' behavior, so they point to witchcraft as the explanation. . . this historical event coined a term still used today when we cannot reach a definitive conclusion. . . that term is "witch hunt". Think of a time your life when something couldn't be explained and you felt that you were given just any ole' explanation to keep you quiet. How did that feel? And how do you think the accused witches in Salem felt when they were arrested for something that they did not do. Can you think of other times in history when people were blamed or arrested for something of which they had no involvement?

Explain your personal experience and then compare and explain another time in history when a situation turned into what we today allude to as a "witch hunt". . . which is an allusion to the tragic trials of Salem, Massachusetts.

The Movement of Movies

First, let me mention your previous posts. . . I enjoyed every single one of them. . . Chelsey, I love your spring break tradition with Alexis - you will always cherish those moments. Josh, your family tradition amazed me - I can imagine that you will never forget those fireworks! Megan, I too, have traditions that occur during Thanksgiving .. . that is such a wonderful time to reflect on the blessings in our lives. Kelsey, I think the tradition of your grandfather's gun is a very neat idea. . . what a special and unique way to remember your grandfather -- I'm sure it is an emotional and heartfelt moment. Clayton, I'm worried. lol . . . I think that you boys had better put an end to your tradition. . . do your parents know about this?! Nonetheless, thanks for sharing. And Monica, I'll be at your house next Sunday. lol I thought yours was so sweet until the last sentence and then you threw me for a loop! haha

As we continue to study American history and literature, I encourage to always consider what can be interpreted as being inspirational. . . whether it is the Puritans deciding to set sail for a new life on a new land, the Native Americans standing their ground and refusing to alter their ways of living, or JD Salinger making an attempt at portraying the life of a miserable teenager.

In the first post, you discussed where you hope your journey leads you and what you think will be your next destination. In the second post, you discussed the importance of tradition and what traditions you value in your family. In this post, we are doing to define inspiration that we have not received from a person or an event (both of which we've already discussed in class), but inspiration you discovered in a film or movie. Film can be extremely influential just as literature can be. . . there are movies that simply entertain us, but there are also movies that influence us, inspire us, motivate us, and really jumpstart our thinking machines. . .

I have so many movies in my life that have really stirred some emotions and cranked up my motivation meter! Just to name a few - Rocky, Dead Poets Society, Family Man, It's a Wonderful Life, The Pursuit of Happyness, Sound of Music, and one movie that we will view scenes of this Thursday and Friday if time allows. In this post, I would like for you to think of a movie that really impacted you in a positive manner. . . a movie that changed your perspective. . . share that movie with us and then explain with several reasons for why it inspired you.

Traditions: Roots and Origins of Our Lives

I truly enjoyed reading everyone's posts. You seem to have your priorities organized and you are thinking now what you plan to do later in life. The journey of life itself is an exciting adventure. .. be sure to appreciate every moment. . . the highs AND the lows. . . I would like to put the spotlight on Dustin Glover's post this week. . . he really embraced the question. . . and I think we can all say safely say that he will embark on an admirable journey one day. . . and ten years from now, you ALL will be successful and you will have special memories of where you are at this very moment. And as you continue to age, you will learn how important tradition can be in one's life. Traditions provide us comfort and familiarity so that no matter what we do in life, how we change, or where we go, those traditions always remain intact. . . they are our security blankets in life that remind us of our roots and origins in life.

As the Europeans traveled to this country in the 15th century, they immediately began creating traditions and some of those still exist today. . . within documents that we still honor, holidays we celebrate, and customs we practice. Think within your own community or even family. . . what traditions do you have in your life? These can be unique or common, everyday moments or events that only occur once a year. What traditions do you feel are necessary? If you do not feel you have significant traditions in your life now, what traditions do you plan to set in place for your own family one day? Provide us with detail . .. tell us stories. . .

The Smart Table

Inspiration, Motivation, Change, and Independence

This blog will be used as a continued outlet for extended discussions of what we cover in class. Each week you may participate and post your comments (please make sure they are detailed and consist of at least one, full paragraph) for extra credit on daily assignments. The first topic is below:

As you, my students, continue your educational journey, you will meet people who will inspire you to enhance your life. You will also meet people who will take a step further to motivate you to reach new goals in your life. And then, one day you will decide that there will be a time in your life to change . . . could be a minor or major detail, but you will at some point, evolve. And finally, you will continuously gain independence. . .physically and mentally. So, this week as we cover new standards and review the lives of the Early Americans, think what or who could have inspired and motivated them to want to change and become independent. . . not only as individuals, but independent as a nation . . . they were evolving and creating a new nation. . . now, that is quite a journey. . . where do you see your journey leading you? What will be your next destination? What is your plan and what are your goals? How do you plan to achieve them?