Mary Shelley's Frankenstein explores the moral issues associated with science and knowledge taken too far. In the act of "playing God", Victor ultimately creates a monster and plants the seeds of his own destruction. Although the story was written close to 200 years ago, the themes that it explores can still hold true today!
Many consider the scientific acts of cloning, stem cell-research, and even plastic surgery, for example, to be morally dangerous and associated with "playing God". Choose one of these three controversial topics and do some light research. How can these acts be considered "playing God"? Is there danger in them, or do the benefits outweigh the potential harm? Keep in mind, this research is only for your general understanding, and is not the core of this project
The Final Project:
Pick one of these present-day controversial issues and write a gothic, modern-day rendition of Frankenstein (aka the true "Modern Prometheus"!). Using either cloning, stem-cell research, or plastic-surgery, write a cautionary tale about possible dangers associated with knowledge taken too far. It can be humorous, serious, sad, or terrifying! Be sure, however, that your script includes three scenes and at least 4 or 5 Gothic motifs that we learned about in this unit (madness, darkness, terror, insanity, suspense, doubling, ambiguity, etc.)
You will be working in groups of 3 and have a few options with which to present your modern-day gothic script:
1. Act out one scene from your script in class. You can set the mood by adjusting lighting, bringing in music, or using props and costumes. Show off your acting skills by showing us the modern day Frankenstein right in class.
2. Make it into a movie! You can use a camera if you have one and film your entire movie for us to watch in class. This allows you to use editing techniques, include background music, show us close ups, etc.
3. Turn your script into a storyboard. Make your script into a powerpoint presentation and show it to the class. You can choose a cast (celebrities, friends, classmates), incorporate music, pictures, etc. The powerpoint presentation does not need to include every line from your script, but should do its best to take us chronologically through the story showing us your characters, building up the action, and giving us a general idea of what happens in each scene.
In other words, this project asks you to develop an original story that combines present day issues with the themes of Frankenstein and elements of the gothic that we learned throughout the unit. You will be working in groups of 3 to 5.
This project is due in roughly 2 weeks, on Monday March 28th. Presentations will begin on this day as well.
Here is a breakdown of the grading process. A more specific rubric will also be handed out:
---Project finished on time: 10 points
---Incorporates appropriate number of elements of the gothic: 5 points
---Script reveals careful though and creativity about both Frankenstein and its connection to present-day controversial issues: 25 points
---Themes from Frankenstein are evident throughout: 10 points
***Have fun and get creative! I look forward to see your eerie creations!
