Exploring the Gothic for A2

Now we’ve looked at a few extracts from Stevenson’s novel, and seen a clip from the current TV series ‘Jekyll’, I’d like you to write a post about both of these, including answers to the following questions:

• Would you class Jekyll and Hyde as a Gothic novel, from what you’ve seen so far?
• What elements of the Gothic does it contain?
• What similarities does it share with any other Gothic texts you’ve read about?
• Would you consider reading the whole text now or not?  Say why.
• Despite updating the setting and changing the story, how has the current TV series tried to maintain Gothic elements?  What elements of the clip we saw seemed Gothic and why?

Then go to the blogs of 2 people you haven’t already commented on, and comment on their answers to those questions – do you agree with them?  Would you add anything to what they’ve said?

Deadline for posting: midnight on Thursday 5th July

Deadline for comments: midnight on Saturday 7th July

Deadline for moderating comments so I can view them: midnight on Sunday 8th July

You are probably having a few teething problems as you get used to your blogs.  I have now added a copy of the instruction sheet you were given on this site – just go to blog instructions to find links to all the sections. 

If there’s anything else you’d like instructions on, or you’re having trouble with a particular feature, post a comment in reply to this message, and I will reply either here or on your blog – or if anyone else knows the answer, they can reply too!

On your own blogs, write a post entitled ‘The Gothic’.  In the post, write the following:

• a working definition of what the Gothic is, as far as you understand it at this early stage in the course.  Give some detail from the research you’ve done.
• Your first impressions of the Gothic – what do you find potentially most interesting about it?  What do you find least interesting about it?  What aspects do you think you will enjoy?  Are there elements you’re worried about?
• Anything else that seems relevant at this stage.

You will be studying the Gothic as part of the Synoptic unit for A2 Literature.  This blog is the central point from which you can:

• access each other’s blogs via the links on the right
• see any other useful links that have been provided for you to use
• access any blog-related homework tasks.  Some of these will be posted here and you will be asked to post a comment in reply.  Some will ask you to post on your own blogs, or comment on each other’s posts

You will be asked to read a variety of Gothic texts, as well as looking for examples of the Gothic in other areas, particularly art, architecture and landscape