Frankenstein WebQuest
Practical English students must gather important background information that will enable them to fully enjoy and appreciate the novel and its tremendous impact on the literary world, the imaginations of several generations of readers, and the entertainment industry.
Task
In order to gather and present all of the information needed, you will be divided into five groups, each with a series of specific tasks to complete. Each group will determine how its tasks will be completed and by whom. At the end of the research stage, groups will present their information to their classmates. Here are your groups: Group 1: Christian, Guillem and Albert Group 2: Priscila, Carla and Fausta Group 3: Inma, Pablo and Lara Group 4: Carmesina, Aina and Joan Group 5: Sabina, Natalia and Desirée
Presentation
Each group will present its findings as a PowerPoint presentation. While some group members research, one group member should be generating the slides for the PowerPoint, beginning with the title, background colors, and any sound effects.
The presentations can include either bulleted information or short paragraphs. Graphics are highly encouraged.
You MUST have a Works Cited (formerly known as a bibliography) slide at the end of the presentation. You need to document the information AND graphics you use.
Process
Group #1: Biographical Information of the Author and Her Relatives
~ Present biographical information about Mary Shelley.
~ Present biographical information about her parents.
~ Present biographical information about her husband.
~ The primary focus of your group is to present information that led to the writing of Frankenstein.
~ The second focus of your group is to present information explaining how her family and friends influenced her writing and career as a writer.
~ Pictures/images of these people and their lives are encouraged.
Helpful websites:
Group #2: Scientific Background of Frankenstein
~ Identify and describe Luigi Galvani and his discoveries that are relevant to the novel.
~ Identify two examples of attempts to “raise the dead” from Shelley’s life and connect them to the novel.
~ Identify and define the following terms and people: Cornelius Agrippa, Paracelsus, Albertus Magnus, Philosopher’s Stone, Elixir of Life, and alchemy. Focus on how they relate to creating life; don’t worry about the intricate details of the people’s lives.
Helpful websites:
Group #3: Gothic and Science Fiction Genres
~ Define gothic fiction and science fiction.
~ Identify the titles of at least two additional gothic novels from Shelley’s time period and compose very brief summaries of their plots.
~ Write a brief summary of the plot of Frankenstein.
~ Identify the gothic and science fiction elements found in Frankenstein.
~ Summarize the Prometheus myth and explain how Victor is the “modern Prometheus.” The full title of the novel is Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus.
Helpful websites:
Group #4: Versions of Frankenstein Created after the Novel
~ Identify the titles and dates (if possible) of AS MANY play, movie, television show, comic book, etc. versions of the novel created after Shelley published the novel.
~ Compose a brief summary of the novel.
~ Identify the main changes “Hollywood” has made to the original novel. This is your main goal; you need to review the common misconceptions people have of Frankenstein and clarify them.
Helpful websites:
Group #5: Mary Shelley Frankestein (1994)
~ Present autobiographical information about the director, Kenneth Branagh.
~ Present autobiographical information about the main actors.
~ Write your own film review.
~ Compare the book ( Burlington reader) to the film.
Helpful websites:
Webquest adapted from an online website:
http://www.angelfire.com/jazz/mrschmidt/frankenstein_webquest.htm
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