Frankenstein And Gothic Literature

Take a journey through Mary Shelley's writing career, the fascinating creation of "Frankenstein" and Gothic literature!

What you'll learn

An introduction to the author Mary Shelley and her literary social circle.

The creation story of "Frankenstein" and the novel's early editions.

An overview of the Gothic in English literature.

The Female Gothic and how Mary Shelley's novel engages with this literary tradition.

A new look at interpreting the novel's framed narrative.

Requirements

An advanced level of English. No other prerequisite required.

Description

In this course you will explore how Mary Shelley's classic novel Frankenstein engages with the Gothic literary genre. This course is divided in 8 lessons:Introduction - Meet your instructor and get to know the course syllabus1. Meet Mary Shelley - an overview of Mary Shelley's life and writing career2. The creation story of "Frankenstein" - a visit to Switzerland in the summer of 18163. The novel's first editions - discover why the book was initially published anonymously and why it was ascribed to Percy Shelley4. The Gothic in English Literature - an introduction to the three waves of Gothic in English literary history5. The Female Gothic - what is Female Gothic and how does Frankenstein engage with this literary tradition?6. Framed narratives - a look into the complex structure of Mary Shelley's FrankensteinConclusion - Suggestions of further readingIt's a journey in time to early 19th-century England.The course is taught by Dr. Fernanda Korovsky Moura, PhD in Literary Studies, and English literature teacher specialized in 18th- and 19th-century English literature. It includes a supplementary worksheet in PDF with questions for you to think and think deeper. It's a great way to read or re-read this classic of English literature!

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Introduction to the course and your instructor

Section 2: Mary Shelley and her literary social circle

Lecture 2 Meet Mary Shelley

Lecture 3 The creation story of "Frankenstein"

Lecture 4 The novel's first editions

Section 3: "Frankenstein" and the Gothic

Lecture 5 The Gothic in English Literature

Lecture 6 The Female Gothic

Lecture 7 Framed narratives

Section 4: Additional Learning - Understanding "Frankenstein"

Lecture 8 The Context of Romanticism

Lecture 9 The Monstrous and the Human

Lecture 10 The Mad Scientist?

Lecture 11 Adaptations, Allusions and Literary References

Section 5: Conclusion

Lecture 12 What to do next?

Book lovers and enthusiasts of English literature.