In this paper, you will continue working on your first week's theme from Frankenstein. Following that, you will let a computer "read" the novel and see what kinds of patterns it reveals. You will conclude your paper with how your look compares to the computer's. The paper should expand on your ideas from last week's discussion but apply it to the novel as a whole (see below). For the "machine" reading, you will make a word cloud (see separate instructions) and compare how the computer sees the novel and how you see the novel. Most of the time, people think of "books" and "computers" as being enemies, but I think that people and computers should get along in literature! Ultimately, I'm curious to know how you interpreted Frankenstein and what you think a computer's word count can add to a discussion of literature. Instead of "human vs. machine" readings of the text, I'm hoping that your papers may point the way towards a "cyborg" reading, where we can use both our own brains and a computer's programs to find literary insight. The Human Side (2-2.5 pages) 1. For the main part of the paper, I want you to continue working on the theme you chose for your discussion. To expand, you should: 2. Write about how your theme changes in the second half of the novel. Does anything in the second half contradict what you have already written about? Does Shelley develop the theme in a way that makes it more profound or interesting? 3. Once you have tracked your theme through the novel, consider another character. Most of you, for example, have talked about the monster or Victor. How does Captain Walton or another character grapple with the same struggle (nature vs. science, isolation, etc.)? 4. Use 2-3 more examples/quotes as evidence in addition to the one that you have already provided in the discussion. A few thoughts based on your discussion that you can think about (optional)
• In discussing Science vs. Nature, I am wondering if you think Shelley thinks that human nature is similar to, or different than, nature itself.
• Also, with Nature, pay attention to the descriptions of natural settings and forces. Are they overwhelming, peaceful, violent, etc.?
• Of course, murder is not ok, but to what degree do you think that the Monster was justified in taking revenge on Victor?
• Should we blame Victor or the Monster for the murders? Who does Victor blame? The Machine Side (.5-1 Page) For the last chunk of your paper, I'd like you to make a word cloud of Frankenstein (a how-to guide is in a separate document). A word cloud is the result of a computer reading the text and counting the most frequent words. It's a basic picture but what words an author chooses to use can tell us a lot about the way they see the text itself or the themes of the text. Since authors don't count their own words, a word cloud can reveal aspects of the text that the writer may not even have been aware of. You'll look at the cloud for patterns and note whether or not you think it adds to the discussion of Frankenstein. Themes For your reference, here are the themes that I wrote down in the previous week's notes in case you want to refer to them.
• Companionship vs. Loneliness: Characters tend to want companionship but are driven to loneliness. What are examples of this? What makes them solitary? Is it something in their personality or actions? Does anyone find true companionship?
• Ideals vs. Reality: Many characters have lofty ideals and goals that do not exactly fit into reality. What are some examples in the text where the two are in conflict? How does this conflict affect the plot?
• Guilt vs. Responsibility: Victor clearly feels guilt for his actions. Does he take responsibility? Should he be responsible for the actions of the Monster?
• Nature vs. Science: In the book, there are spectacular descriptions of settings in nature. How do characters in the novel think about nature? Is it depicted as opposite of science?
• Prometheus: The subtitle of the book is "The Modern Prometheus." Look up who Prometheus was in Greek mythology. Does this title make sense? How is Victor similar or unlike Prometheus?