THE ENLIGHTENMENT

THE VICTORIAN PERIOD

THE ROMANTIC AGE (1798-1832)_FRANKENSTEIN

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley’s
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf4w8heMmKA

     1.    Define Romanticism?

Romanticism which also called the Romantic era or the Romantic period, was an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that originated in Europe toward the end of the 18th century and in most areas was at its peak in the approximate period from 1800 to 1850.

     2.    Who was Mary Shelley? What were her contributions to Literature?

Mary Shelley was born in London on August 30, 1797. Her father William Godwin wrote the famous An Enquiry Concerning Political Justice and her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft was famous for writing A Vindication of the Rights of Women.

Mary Shelley was an English novelist, short story writer, dramatist, essayist, biographer, a travel writer and a fiction writer. She wrote the world famous ‘Frankenstein’ or ‘The Modern Prometheus’. The novel was a reflection of Mary’s own sense of alienation and isolation.

Frankenstein also proved to be an important mark in making literature contributions by women acceptable.  Although Mary Shelley wrote more, none of her other works gained the popularity Frankenstein did.

Some of her contributions to Literature are: Lodore (1835), Faulkner (1937), Mathilde (1959), Valperga or the Life and Adventures of Castruccia, Prince of Lucca (1823), The Last Man (1826), and The Fortunes of Perkin Warbeck (1830). Also she edited and promoted the works of her husband the romantic poet and philosopher Percy Bysshe Shelley.

     3.    How did Frankenstein come about?

Frankenstein comes about from Shelley’s dream/imagination.

When Mary with Percy and his stepsister arrive to Switzerland, Mary heard a strange story about stealing dead bodies and to bring back to life but the story take a course in Mary’s imagination where she go the name for her short story and start to write about a doctor that brings a body back to life.

 4.    Briefly discuss Frankenstein’s plot.

 Frankenstein has been characterized as a real horror and sad story.

Victor Frankenstein is a guy who has always lived in comfort and love of his family. He has two brothers and a sister- adoptive cousin. Elizabeth, whose falls in love from a young age. He enrolled at the University of Ingolstad, where he attended courses in sciences, chemistry and biology.

He leads numerous experiments, including the creation of life. So Victor, after sleepless nights, continued research in ossuaries and creates a being.

As soon as the monster comes to life, Victor is frightened by his own creation, and he flees. After some time, Victor learns about the death of his little brother, and returned to Geneva, where he sees the monster in the park.

He understands that the murder is the demon that he himself created, but can’t tell anyone. Victor begins a life tormented by remorse, despair and madness.

The monster then, the beast with feelings, aims to create a female being equal, so that he had a companion with whom to stay, not to live in eternal loneliness.  At first Victor approves, but then, overcome by the thought that would be born a progeny of monsters, destroy what has been done.

The demon then threats eternal hate, vengeance and slowly Victor remains alone on earth, losing all his dear. So he decides to hunt the demon to revenge all the innocent dead, but after extensive research he dies.

At this point, the monster understands that his life has no meaning without its creator and decides to jump into the sea.

 Due to Victor’s desire and obsession to know the secret of the life, he becomes as a catastrophe because he makes that many people die for his decision and also convicts a monster to live along for the rest of his life.

The plot has been taken from the following link: http://www.skuola.net/letteratura-inglese-1800-1900/frankenstein-plot.html

     5.    What themes are present in this novel? Explain 

    Dangerous Knowledge:

The pursuits of knowledge is at the heart of Frankenstein, as Victor attempts to surge beyond accepted human limits and access the secret of life. Likewise, Robert Walton attempts to surpass previous human explorations by endeavoring to reach the North Pole. This ruthless pursuit of knowledge, of the light (see “Light and Fire”), proves dangerous, as Victor’s act of creation eventually results in the destruction of everyone dear to him, and Walton finds himself perilously trapped between sheets of ice. Whereas Victor’s obsessive hatred of the monster drives him to his death, Walton ultimately pulls back from his treacherous mission, having learned from Victor’s example how destructive the thirst for knowledge can be.

Monstrosity:

Obviously, this theme pervades the entire novel, as the monster lies at the center of the action. Eight feet tall and hideously ugly, the monster is rejected by society. However, his monstrosity results not only from his grotesque appearance but also from the unnatural manner of his creation, which involves the secretive animation of a mix of stolen body parts and strange chemicals. He is a product not of collaborative scientific effort but of dark, supernatural workings.

Secrecy:

Victor conceives of science as a mystery to be probed; its secrets, once discovered, must be jealously guarded. He considers M. Krempe, the natural philosopher he meets at Ingolstadt, a model scientist: “an uncouth man, but deeply imbued in the secrets of his science.” Victor’s entire obsession with creating life is shrouded in secrecy, and his obsession with destroying the monster remains equally secret until Walton hears his tale.

Light and Fire:

In Frankenstein, light symbolizes knowledge, discovery, and enlightenment. The natural world is a place of dark secrets, hidden passages, and unknown mechanisms; the goal of the doctor is then to reach light to give life to Frankenstein. The dangerous and more powerful cousin of light is fire. The monster’s first experience with a still-smoldering flame reveals the dual nature of fire: he discovers excitedly that it creates light in the darkness of the night, but also that it harms him when he touches it.

The information about the themes have been taken from the following link: http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/frankenstein/themes.html

THE RESTORATION & 18th CENTURY_GULLIVER'S TRAVELS

                                                        GULLIVER'S TRAVELS

                                   Discussion Questions

     1.       Who was Jonathan Swift? What is he best known for?

Jonathan Swift was an author, journalist, and political activist best known for his satirical novel Gulliver's Travels and for his satirical essay on the Irish famine, "A Modest Proposal” also known as the dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin.

     2.       What literary period does he represent?

He represents the Neoclassic, where they symbolize the 18^th century of the British society.

  

     3.       Define Satire.

Satire is a genre of literature, and sometimes graphic and performing arts, in which vices, follies, abuses, and shortcomings are held up to ridicule, ideally with the intent of shaming individuals, corporations, government or society itself, into improvement. Although satire is usually meant to be humorous, its greater purpose is often constructive social criticism, using wit as a weapon and as a tool to draw attention to both particular and wider issues in society.

4.  Why do you think Swift used this genre?

I can see that Jonathan Swift used the humus and social criticism to show us how the society was in that period.

5    5.    What do you think Swift's view of humanity is? Do you agree with it? Why or why not?

He was realistic and sarcastic when he created the Gulliver’s Travel. He could see how in those days the people were controlled by politics and religious (do it and don’t ask why).

I agree with Swift in how he sees humanity because we are not open minded of how politics and religious controlling the society.

6.  What do you think the controversy between the Big-Endians and the Small-Endians represents?

The Small- Endians represents the Church of England and The Big-Endians represents the Roman Catholicism.

      7.   What do we learn about the Lilliputians with the knowledge that they believe no other kingdoms exist except those of Lilliput and Blefuscu?

What I understand that each country was thinking about one is the best from the other. They were fighting for lands or other insignificant things that they couldn't try at least to work each other to defeat real enemies.

      8.    Why does Gulliver have such a strong reaction against the Yahoos when he first sees them?

Because he couldn't believe how selfish, irrational, dumb and evil they were.

      9. Who are the Struldbruggs? Are they happy to have eternal life?  Why or why not?

They are immortal people, always happy and are not afraid of death. 

     10.   What was your favorite voyage in the story? Why?

When Gulliver finally leaves the island after helping the two kings make peace each other. You can see how Gulliver was happy to help and make then see that due to them they are making a stupid war for nothing and that they should thing about the happiness of their children.

Here is the movie of the Gulliver's Travels for you all to know about this amazing story:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6eyrmYRk1w

17TH CENTURY POETRIES

The poetry or sonnet in that period was important also popular.
I made this sonnet which  hope it is okay. Is about someone that I care very much...

My guy is tall and handsome
strong and courteous
friendly and respectful
also gentle and tender

He has so many qualities that amazes me
God did a good job in creating him
and there is more to add in the list
because they are many and

it’s just dazzles me only to think about him

He looks shy but very sexy
kind of serious but not quiet
he’s also straight and very responsible
while clever and cunning too

I like his genius and good thoughts

not to mention his intelligence in math
good with history, and I think he knows about art
excellent counselor and good to interact

He's my spoiled and angel too
he is honest and also gentle

well dressed and you know he is unique?
Not to mention his lovely heart.

These are the qualities that fascinates me
I don’t want him to change at all
I'm so happy to have met this guy
and I thank God for giving me this handsome man...

17th CENTURY LITERATURE

"THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH"

Discussion Questions

1     Describe Macbeth's character. Is he completely a villain? Does he have a conscience? Explain.

Macbeth’s character is not a villain in that sense. Is actually a person that got insane of what the witches told him (about he will be King) and what Lady Macbeth was persuading him to make the killing. For me he had a conscience of what he was going just to get he wants power, money, and leadership.

1    What are the forces that determine Macbeth's destiny? To what degree are the witches responsible for Macbeth's downfall? What roles do fate and free will play in Macbeth's destruction?

The forces that determine Macbeth’s destiny are the 3 witches. The witches were some part responsible like partially; they only influence Macbeth’s fate. Due to that fate that they provided him, he turned ambitious, hunger of power so he’s the only one responsible for his downfall and play his destruction and brought about by his own free will.

1     As a psychological symbol, what does blood represent for Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?

The blood represents murder and dead for Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

2     What is your favorite scene in the play?  Explain why this scene is so memorable to you and how it will help you remember The Tragedy of Macbeth for many years to come.

My favorite scene in the play is when Lady Macbeth killed the King by her own hands which means betrayal and it is so memorable to me because you can see in real life how people betrayal you even your own family for insignificant things. Actually Macbeth and his tragedy is and still remembered till many years because we can relate it as I said before with the real life. In how people do bad things to get something but at the end you have what you deserve…

3       What do you think are the most important themes of Macbeth?

The most important themes are: ambitious, appearance and reality, honor, power, greed.

4     Were you satisfied with the ending of the play?  Explain your answer using specific evidence from the play.

Is not bad the end of the play but I would like it to be different. I think it will be better for the ending of the play that Macbeth is in hail for his crimes and when he’s in bars he sees ghosts of all the people he killed and then he gets insane and kills himself.  

Macbeth_Documentary movie: here you will see everything about the tradegy of Macbeth:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Q7mrzy3knI

                    

THE ENGLISH RENAISSANCE 

The Renaissance it started in 1485 and it is focused in art and catholic religion also science and poetry. It was created in Italy...

The Renaissance is a French term meaning "rebirth." The period is characterized by a rebirth among English elite of classical learning, a rediscovery of ancient Greek and Roman authors, and a recovery of the ancient Greek spirit of scientific inquiry.

The period marks the high events of English literary accomplishment. It is the age of William Shakespeare, John Milton, John Donne, and Katherine Philips. Queen Elizabeth I was fluent in classical Greek, wrote poems in Latin hexameter, and produced beautifully polished English prose.

                    THE WIFE OF BATH's

This is one of the amazing tales from Geoffrey Chaucer which is called The wife of bath's...

You will see a Power Point presentation where is shows the summary of the tale and literature analysis. 


I added the link  of the tale where it shows what is the tale is about 


Here is a version of this story made by my literature group... The version is based on real situations... Hope you like it:

The wife of bath's video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XJCOmcKadQ


The wife of bath's version based on real situations:
http://storybird.com/books/virginias-case/?token=gcufwcdzwn

                THE CANTERBURY TALES

Geoffrey Chaucer

1. Why is Geoffrey Chaucer considered the father of the English Language?

R/ Chaucer has being the first author to demonstrate the legitimacy of the vernacular English language, at a time when the dominant literary languages in England were French and Latin. He made the English language respectable.  Chaucer is best known as the writer of The Canterbury Tales, which is a collection of stories told by fictional pilgrims on the road to the cathedral at Canterbury; these tales would help to shape English literature.

2. What event started the traditional pilgrimage to Canterbury?

R/ The event started since the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in the Cathedral in 1170, Canterbury has attracted thousands of pilgrims and this tradition continues to this day.

3. What sort of picture did Chaucer want to portray about English society through his tales?

R/ He portrays the social and literary tendencies of the eighteenth century in his poems in the most faithful way, and voices forth its ideals, hopes and aspirations. Chaucer, can very well be considered they representative of the world of fourteenth century England.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3zUoNG_P_0&list=PL9zid0LkjREGTOTihbMxCivHyJZddx3SS 



The Canterbury tales are stories written in middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer at the end of the 14th century. Most story collections focused on a theme, usually a religious one... Chaucer's long poem follows the journey of a group of pilgrims, 31 including Chaucer himself, from the Tabard Inn in Southwark to St Thomas à Becket's shrine at Canterbury Cathedral.

The Canterbury Cathedral is one of the oldest and famous Christian structures in England and it tales about the murder of the Archbishop of Canterbury. 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtJX0430bQw

                       

  THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD

There is the history of this remarkable period in European history. The link added here, you will learn more about the beginning of the middle ages and what happened in that period.

http://www.medievalplus.com/medieval-history/

                              BEOWULF

Beowulf is the longest epic poem in Old English, the language spoken in Anglo-Saxon England before the Norman Conquest. England was changing from a pagan to a Christian culture when Beowulf was composed.

This epic is a long narrative poem written in old English. Has been translated by Burton Raffel and the poem describes the adventures of a legendary hero in pursuit of a goal.

Hope you like the movie of this amazing English poem:
http://www.tubeplus.me/movie/64258/Beowulf/

ENGLISH LITERATURE

THIS BLOG HAS BEEN CREATED FOR YOU TO LEARN ABOUT THE BRITISH LITERATURE...

IN HOW THIS PROSE HAS MARKED THE HISTORY (MEDIEVAL PERIOD, THE RENAISSANCE, SHAKESPEARE, ETC)...

HOPE YOU LIKE IT