Step 1A: Answer Prereading Questions
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Why Prereading Questions Matter
Essentially, the prereading questions prepare the way for larger-scale discussions of motif and theme. Each prereading question focuses on one or more of those issues. Students have a chance to move from independent answers to pair/share discussion to whole-class argument and counterargument as a way of reflecting on those issues prior to reading.
Link to Prereading Questions |
Step 1B: Discuss the Questions
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Why Discussion Matters
In discussion, students test-drive and modify their various ideas, refining and reshaping their idea when they are asked to provide specifics, evidence, and examples, and are confronted with counterarguments. Discussion of the prereading questions can take a number of different forms. Here are two possibilities.
Link to Discussion Procedure |
Step Two: Discuss Background and Cultural Context
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Why Background Matters
Learning the cultural background of the Romantic movement and connecting Shelley to both her country's literary movement and the specific philosophical and political changes both of her parents were attempting to make is crucial in understanding multiple motifs in Frankenstein, not the least of which is the relationship between a child and a rejecting parent, and the effect of obsession and the pursuit of knowledge. Link to Shelley's Background |
Step Three: Schedule the Readings
John Henry Fuseli, The Nightmare, 1781
Note the similarity between Fuseli's well-known artwork and Shelley's description of the death of Elizabeth. |
Why the Reading Schedule Matters
In general, the overall reading schedule will be interspersed with discussion and formative assessment. Breaking the reading up into manageable "chunks" enables students to track motifs and discuss the evolution of the author's ideas through the text. Doing formative assessments helps to check for comprehension and progress and helps prepare the way for larger-scale summative assesments later on. Link to the Reading Schedule and Formative Assessments. |
Step Four: Do Formative Assessments
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Why Formative Assessments Matter
Formative assessments allow teachers to check if students have done the reading -- and more to the point, understand it. When we read the novel, we will engage in a variety of assessments along the way to encourage not only accurate reading, but genuinely thoughtful reading. Our assessments for reading will include some or all of the following types in the link below. Link to the Reading Schedule and Formative Assessments. |
Step Five: Do Short Writing on Motif
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Why Discussing Motif Matters
Unlike a theme, which is a full argumentative sentence, a motif can be one word or a short phrase. Essentially, a motif is a repeated pattern or concern the author repeatedly addresses throughout the text. Motif discussion is crucial because it connects to the author's ultimate message ABOUT this motif. How to Conduct Close Reading and Discussion About Motif Why Writing About Motif Matters
Writing about motif is an outstanding preparation for connecting motifs to one another and both of those to the overall message of the author: after all, what is the author saying ABOUT [this motif]? Link to the Short Writing About Motif Assignment |