Courage and Confidence since 1880

NCDS News

English Class Puts Frankenstein on Trial

Room 232 was transformed into a courtroom, complete with a jury of faculty and Mr. Szilvasy in full court dress as the judge, for the trial of Frankenstein’s monster, the creature created by Victor Frankenstein in Mary Shelley’s classic novel.

After reading the book and examining the major thematic concerns of fate vs. free will, the role and danger of science, the dangers of isolation, and the nature of personal responsibility, girls in Mr. Szilvasy’s Upper School English classes were tasked with which counts to charge the monster with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, manslaughter, or negligent homicide.

After the trial was set and the charges pressed, the girls selected roles and worked in groups to create a solid argument for guilty or not guilty, researched in their book and on the history of Massachusetts law, and prepped their witnesses who had to memorize their roles.

On the day of the “trial,” the girls spent their classes introducing testimony, cross examining witnesses, and raising complex questions. Did the monster know right from wrong? Was Victor, as his creator/parent, responsible in any way? What makes someone human? The jury then decided the verdict based on the evidence provided.

“My hope is that the girls came out of the assignment with a stronger knowledge of the book and its development of themes, an increased skill in developing arguments, and improved oral presentation skills,” said Szilvasy. “I also hope they had enjoyed the process of putting on the trial.”