Saturday, March 6, 2010

Links to Electronic Editions of Frankenstein/Keyword Searching and Critical Approaches



 On-line text of Frankenstein/searching using keywords/additional critical approaches and definitions/contexts

Here is the URL for the online Gutenberg text of Frankenstein. Cut and paste it into your browser, and try doing a search, if you think it might help you move more quickly to the chapters/passages that you think will be most helpful to you.

As I mentioned to a couple of students--try using the specific keywords that relate to the approach you are using. For example, try "dream" and "sleep" if you are using a psychoanalytic approach and writing about Victor's unconscious state--try using "glory" if you want to do a comparison/contrast of Walton and Victor, etc. 


Project Gutenberg E-Text of Frankenstein

Also, below is the University of Pennsylvania's Electronic Edition of Frankenstein. Of particular value to you are the "Table of Chapters" and the "Contents." If you click on one of the chapters in "Table of Chapters," you will see that the text has links to clearer explanations of terms, along with more contexts. If you click on "Contents," you will see a variety of materials that are available to you. Some are unavailable, but in terms of providing some overall background, this is a good site.

Within the "Contents," you will see a link titled "Critical Approaches." Click on that link.
If you are using a Marxist approach, click on "Materialist" to see if that is helpful.
If you are focusing on Mary Shelley, take a look at the "Biographical" approach.
Likewise, click on "Gender" or "Psychological" or whatever.
If you are using a Historicist approach, you might find value in examining some of the early reviews of the novel.

I would caution you, however, that you should use this site primarily for help in understanding some of the contexts of Frankenstein. You are to do your own writing--do not depend on this site for YOUR critical analysis--I want to know what YOU are
thinking in relation to your chosen theme.

A word about "plagiarism": Do NOT do it! You should cite your sources properly and make sure that you use quotes. Do not depend solely on your sources for analysis-write your own analysis and try to find a source that supports it. In addition, you may find an article that contradicts your own findings--argue with that source! Feel free to disagree, but find textual support in Frankenstein for your own ideas.

Finally, although this paper is a research project, you should be having fun! Frankenstein is a joy to read and analyze--I have truly enjoyed the class's critical discourse--both sections are providing rich and thoughtful commentary!

All best,

Prof. Williams

P.S. Feel free to email me your questions; however, if you want me to take a look at anything, please send it to me by SUNDAY evening at 9:00 pm if you want an email response--otherwise, bring your drafts and questions in and we will discuss them on Tuesday!

2 comments:

Stephanie Kim said...

I just realized that the monster killed Henry. Why Henry? I mean he is only Victor's childhood friend. In a way it is almost like a underlying meaning of how Victor dislike Henry's character. On pg 19 Victor compares himselft to Henry. When the monster killed Henry, it showed how Victor's unconsciousness may have never really liked Henry. Which is why Henry was killed at the hand of the monster.

Stephanie Kim said...

I just realized that the monster killed Henry. Why Henry? I mean he is only Victor's childhood friend. In a way it is almost like a underlying meaning of how Victor dislike Henry's character. On pg 19 Victor compares himselft to Henry. When the monster killed Henry, it showed how Victor's unconsciousness may have never really liked Henry. Which is why Henry was killed at the hand of the monster.