HUMA 1905 9.0 Science Fiction Culture
Essay #1: Textual Analysis
Value: 10% of your final grade
Length: Approx. 2-3 typed, double-spaced pages (500-750 words)
Due date: Oct. 15, 2015
Write a critical analysis of ONE of the following passages from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Your analysis must be presented in essay format, with a specific thesis (stated in your opening paragraph) and supporting arguments based on evidence from the novel. This assignment requires that you do a close reading of the chosen text, interpreting particular elements (such as phrases, key words, metaphors, or images) that strike you as most significant. What is going on in this passage?What's the meaning and significance? What's the author trying to tell the reader? What's the message?Place the passagein the context of the rest of the novel, but keep in mind that summary alone does NOT constitute critical analysis.
Be sure to identify clearly which passage (A or B) you are discussing. Remember to take into account who is speaking (and where, when, and to whom). If there are words in the text you do not know, do not guess: look them up in a legitimate dictionary. You are not expected or encouraged to use any outside sources for this assignment.
Suggestions on what to include in your essay:
- analysis of the language and literary aspects of the passage, such as narrativevoice, specific word choices, plot and character development, symbols, mood, metaphors, allusions, images, parallels, contrasts, and other literary devices;
- interpretation of Shelley’s attitudes toward the human, the natural, the scientist and the ethics and consequences of scientific practice;
- specific page references to other sections of the novel that help support your arguments.
Required essay mechanics:
- typed, double-spaced, 12-point font size, 1-inch margins;
- include a title page with the following information: course title and name, title of this assignment, your name, tutorial leader’s name, and date handed in;
- immediately following your title page, include your perfect scoreprintout page from the online Academic Integrity tutorial at -- if your perfect score printout is not included then your essay will not be marked;
- begin your essay byformulating your thesis -- then go on to justify your thesis with evidence from throughout the novel;
- good writing style, including proper sentence and paragraph structure, proper grammar, punctuation, and organization. Your essay will be graded for spelling and style as well as content, so proofread carefully;
- effective use of quotations and paraphrases used to support your thesis; they must be identified by page number using parenthetical references, e.g. (Shelley 59), inserted in the body of your essay;
- finish with a Work Cited page with full bibliographic reference to the particular edition of the novel you are working with, using proper MLA style.
Passage A
Partly from curiosity and partly from idleness, I went into the lecturing room, which M. Waldman entered shortly after. This professor was very unlike his colleague. He appeared about fifty years of age, but with an aspect expressive of the greatest benevolence; a few grey hairs covered his temples, but those at the back of his head were nearly black. His person was short but remarkably erect and his voice the sweetest I had ever heard. He began his lecture by a recapitulation of the history of chemistry and the various improvements made by different men of learning, pronouncing with fervour the names of the most distinguished discoverers. He then took a cursory view of the present state of the science and explained many of its elementary terms. After having made a few preparatory experiments, he concluded with a panegyric upon modern chemistry, the terms of which I shall never forget:"The ancient teachers of this science," said he, "promised impossibilities and performed nothing. The modern masters promise very little; they know that metals cannot be transmuted and that the elixir of life is a chimera but these philosophers, whose hands seem only made to dabble in dirt, and their eyes to pore over the microscope or crucible, have indeed performed miracles. They penetrate into the recesses of nature and show how she works in her hiding-places. They ascend into the heavens; they have discovered how the blood circulates, and the nature of the air we breathe. They have acquired new and almost unlimited powers; they can command the thunders of heaven, mimic the earthquake, and even mock the invisible world with its own shadows." (49)
Passage B
"How can I move thee? Will no entreaties cause thee to turn a favourable eye upon thy creature, who implores thy goodness and compassion? Believe me, Frankenstein, I was benevolent; my soul glowed with love and humanity; but am I not alone, miserably alone? You, my creator, abhor me; what hope can I gather from your fellow creatures, who owe me nothing? They spurn and hate me. The desert mountains and dreary glaciers are my refuge. I have wandered here many days; the caves of ice, which I only do not fear, are a dwelling to me, and the only one which man does not grudge. These bleak skies I hail, for they are kinder to me than your fellow beings. If the multitude of mankind knew of my existence, they would do as you do, and arm themselves for my destruction. Shall I not then hate them who abhor me? I will keep no terms with my enemies. I am miserable, and they shall share my wretchedness. Yet it is in your power to recompense me, and deliver them from an evil which it only remains for you to make so great, that not only you and your family, but thousands of others, shall be swallowed up in the whirlwinds of its rage. Let your compassion be moved, and do not disdain me. Listen to my tale; when you have heard that, abandon or commiserate me, as you shall judge that I deserve. But hear me. The guilty are allowed, by human laws, bloody as they are, to speak in their own defence before they are condemned. Listen to me, Frankenstein. You accuse me of murder, and yet you would, with a satisfied conscience, destroy your own creature. Oh, praise
the eternal justice of man! Yet I ask you not to spare me; listen to me, and then, if you can, and if you will, destroy the work of your hands." (103)