What a piece of work is man! How noble in reason, how infinite in faculties, in form and moving how express and admirable, in action how like an angel, in apprehension how like a god! The beauty of the world, the paragon of animals! And yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust?
Hamlet II.ii.288-92
Background: For the next several classes we will not only explore and discuss Mary Shelley’s 1818 Science Fiction classic, Frankenstein, but also the abilities, limitations, ethics, and philosophical quandaries of mankind. We will try to conduct ourselves much like Hamlet (although hopefully in a more decisive manner) and ponder the mysteries of our species, searching for some type of purpose or understanding. In this thoughtful examination, a myriad of ideas will be tossed about (some you are comfortable and knowledgeable about; others perhaps less so), considered, and applied to the novel. Each of you, hopefully, will find one that seems to connect with the novel and your own philosophical understanding of our existence. Patience and intellectual curiosity will be needed to be successful in this endeavor.
Assignment: In a thoughtful, well-written essay:
Choose a single CHOICE in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein by a single character or a group of individuals. Give the choice context and explanation.
Then, analyze/evaluate the choice. You will need to apply your analysis to the decision first. Why does the character make this specific choice? What rational or reason does the novel give? Can YOU apply? What does the section reveal about the characters involved? The situation? The decisions made? Are there other choices that could have been made?
Then, you will need to connect ONE of the philosophies or intellectual snippets provided in class. I will give several possible choices you can utilize. You will not only need to EXPLAIN the philosophy/intellectual concept but apply it TO the choice made in Frankenstein. You will need to process the choice made through the lens of the philosophical concept.
Finally, examine this choice from the novel and the connected to the larger nature of humanity, human nature, or mankind. In other words, what does this reveal about larger the larger nature of mankind?
Ways to Proceed: First, you will need to read and examine Shelley‘s novel closely. This text bombards you with key ethical situations, choices, and reflections. Play around with a few of these to find the section that works best for you. Once you have established these, then turn to the outside thinkers and philosophers. By the time you begin writing, I will have presented you with a plethora of possibilities. You may use one of my choices (while certainly conducting your own research to enhance the brief quotes I’ve given you) or find your own. I’m sure I will have neglected many worthy selections due to time constraints. Use the ideas of this ONE thinker or philosopher and apply it to the novel. Do these ideas coincide with Shelley’s world view? Yours? Do they contradict? Do they redirect or give new possibilities? Be sure to clearly present the philosophical ideas of the thinker (and to limit your explanation; you will not be able to present their entire philosophy, perhaps only a few key ideas). Once you have all of this, you should begin writing your essay.
Things to remember: First and foremost, this is still simply an essay. I don’t expect you to find all of the answers to these questions. Mankind has been perplexed by them for thousands of years. Your essay is simply advancing a combination of Shelley’s views on mankind in conjunction/contrast with a philosopher or thinker of your choosing (and certainly, your own perspectives as well). You will still need to accomplish all of the tasks you would for any essay: a solid claim, an engaging introduction, focused and developed paragraphs, strong transitions, and clearly composed sentences. Also, you must integrate the novel throughout your paper. When you explore the philosophical ideology, continually refer and connect it to the literary work.
Criteria for Evaluation: This paper must be typed, double-spaced, MLA formatted, and about 6-7 pages. You must utilize at least 1 philosophy from the sources provided and properly cite them throughout your paper. A works cited page is expected presenting all of your source material. Severe deductions to your final grade will occur if you do not include a works cited page. Please provide a photocopy of the two sections or quotes being discussed at the end of your essay.
Good luck!
