Homework for Wednesday, April 22 (Day 4)

Finish Act I of Much Ado about Nothing. (Be sure to look at the definitions of unfamiliar words and phrases on the bottom of the left hand page.) Prepare for acting by identifying the qualities (voice, posture, how they use words, facial expressions, etc.) of someone you will impersonate in small groups. 

Frankenstein Essay: How to Respond to the Review

I talked about this in some classes, so I want to post this here so everyone understands what to do. 

Respond to the review right after the introduction, or even in the introduction itself. You can use your response to the review to set up the rest of the essay. You can start by saying something like, 

In his review of Frankenstein in the Quarterly Review, John William Croker asserts that Frankenstein "inculcates no lesson of conduct, manners, or morality" (309). An analysis of the theme of domestic affection and social isolation in Frankenstein shows quite the opposite.

Or,

In his review of Frankenstein published ten years after his death, P. B. Shelley observes, "[T]here is no reader...who will not feel a responsive string touched in his inmost soul" (311). A close examination of Frankenstein's theme of domestic affection and social isolation confirms Shelley's claim. 

And then, in a general way, you could go on in the rest of the paragraph to explain why Croker, Shelley, or whoever is wrong or right from the point of view of your theme.

Frankenstein Essay due Tuesday, 4/7, and Wednesday, 4/8

Despite my absence today, your Frankenstein essay is due on Tuesday, April 7 (Day 5), and Wednesday, April 8 (Day 6). Do not hesitate to call me or e-mail me if you have questions about your essay. 

Homework for Friday, 4/3, and Monday, 4/6

Bring two typed pages of your Frankenstein essay. (This means you need to print them out before class.) If you have a paragraph written on the novel or the review, make sure that you have a substantive quote that exemplifies the point you are making. Similarly, any paragraph about one of the movies must discuss a specific scene that demonstrates your point. Be sure to avoid talking about the novel or the movie in general without reference to a specific moment that relates to your argument.