On Thursday, November 8th Friday, November 9th (movie delay) we will be taking a test on Frankenstein. Here is the essay question.
Directions:
1. Grab a 1/2 index card from my desk.
2. Copy down the essay question in as small as font as possible.
3. You may use the rest of the index card to jot down talking points. You may use this itty bitty index card during the exam. This preissued index card is the only paper I will allow on your desk.
Question (adapted from 2002 exam)
Morally ambiguous characters--characters whose behavior discourages readers from identifying them as purely evil or purely good--are at the heart of many works of literature. For Frankenstein, choose a morally ambiguous character who plays a pivotal role. Then, write an essay in which you explain how the character can be viewed as morally ambiguous and why his or her moral ambiguity is significant to the meaning of the work as a whole. Avoid mere plot summary.
Hint (do not copy): The best answers will integrate our class discussion/notes. This includes gothic and romantic characteristics in the novel, foil, archetype, and/or allusion. Work what makes sense into your argument.
