World Literature

Week Seventeen Assignment

2/5-2/7/2008

1. Read and Respond:

& Tuesday: Read Frankenstein, Letter One-chapter 2.

& Thursday: Read Frankenstein, chapters 3-5. Write a description of Frankenstein’s character. (250 words; due February 12).

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2. Vocabulary:

1. Charisma: Exceptional personal magnetism or charm.

2. Cloying: Causing distaste or disgust because of an excess of something originally pleasant.

3. Déjà vu: An impression of having seen or experienced something before.

4. Dichotomy: A division into two contrasting things or parts.

5. Dilettante: A person with a superficial interest in an art or field of knowledge; a dabbler.

6. Disheveled (or dishevelled): Being in loose disarray; marked by disorder; untidy.

7. Elan: Enthusiastic vigor and liveliness; distinctive style or flair.

8. Ennui: Listlessness and dissatisfaction resulting from lack of interest; boredom.

9. Epitome: The best or most representative example of a class or type.

10. Equanimity: The quality of being calm and even-tempered; composure.

3. Write:

It is often said that God uses our suffering to speak to us and to cultivate our lives, causing us to grow and mature. This theme can be said to define the plot and character development in many novels. Think about books that you have read, about your own experience, and about the experience of others to define what you believe to be true. Is suffering an effective way to learn lessons and grow, or are there other, better paths to take?

Write an essay in which you discuss this question. Begin with a clear thesis (it should come at the end of your introductory paragraph), and develop your ideas systematically and thoroughly. Use many examples from any of the following types of sources: the Bible, your own experience, the experience of people you know, characters in novels, historical figures, and biographies. 1,200 words; due February 19.

Your paper must include a works cited page, correctly formatted according to MLA rules.