Y12: homework

Presentation of setting in Frankenstein 1931

Y12: Frankenstein 1931

On Tuesday, we will be watching and analysing this. It will form part of your work on Presentations of the Gothic (compulsory work we will use to help decide if you are suited to join us on the A2 course. Details still to come).
If you are a loser and miss the lesson because - I don't know - you've gone on a school trip or something, please catch up on watching the film. Be sure to make notes on HOW (please note capitals for emphasis), HOW (please note repetition for emphasis) concepts of the Gothic are presented - particular focus on setting.

Homework: Blog an analysis of the presentation of setting in the 1931 Frankenstein

Enjoy.

-Mr. F.

Y12: The Castle of Otranto

The Castle of Otranto tells the story of Manfred, lord of the castle, and his family. The book begins on the wedding-day of his sickly son Conrad and princess Isabella. Shortly before the wedding, however, Conrad is crushed to death by a gigantic helmet that falls on him from above. This inexplicable event is particularly ominous in light of an ancient prophecy "[T]hat the castle and lordship of Otranto should pass from the present family, whenever the real owner should be grown too large to inhabit it". Manfred, terrified that Conrad's death signals the beginning of the end for his line, resolves to avert destruction by marrying Isabella himself while divorcing his current wife Hippolita, who he feels has failed to bear him a proper heir. However, as Manfred attempts to marry Isabella, she escapes to a church with the aid of a peasant named Theodore. Manfred orders Theodore's death while talking to the friar Jerome, who ensured Isabella's safety in the church. When Theodore removes his shirt to be killed, Jerome recognizes a marking below his shoulder and identifies Theodore as his own son. Jerome begs for his son's life, but Manfred says Jerome must either give up the princess or his son's life. They are interrupted by a trumpet and the entrance of knights from another kingdom who want to deliver Isabella. This leads the knights and Manfred to race to find Isabella. Theodore, having been locked in a tower by Manfred, is freed by Manfred's daughter Matilda. He races to the underground church and finds Isabella. He hides her in a cave and blocks it to protect her from Manfred and ends up fighting one of the mysterious knights. Theodore badly wounds the knight, who turns out to be Isabella's father, Frederic. With that, they all go up to the castle to work things out. Frederic falls in love with Matilda and he and Manfred begin to make a deal about marrying each other's daughters. Manfred, suspecting that Isabella is meeting Theodore in a tryst in the church, takes a knife into the church, where Matilda is meeting Theodore. Thinking his own daughter is Isabella, he stabs her. Theodore is then revealed to be the true prince of Otranto and Matilda dies, leaving Manfred to repent. Theodore becomes king and eventually marries Isabella because she is the only one who can understand his true sorrow. (nicked from wikipedia)

You can read it here.

Y12: Nosferatu

Watch "Nosferatu (1922) - Full Movie" on YouTube

Watch the film and blog on the features that make it seem 'Gothic'. Explain what they do. As always, it is better to say a lot about a little than a little about a lot.

Enjoy - it's an out of copyright classic.

Lit 2013

As Faustus would say, 'I'll burn my books! Ah Mephistopheles!'

Good luck to you all and let me know how you find uni.

I'll see you in the exam hall.

All the best, -Mr. F.