Multiple Interpretations- from Jake Westrum

This is a during and post-reading activity meant to crystallize, clarify, and present in new ways a novel. In this case, the sample novel is "Frankenstein" (discovered in a search completely unrelated to this class), but it can be adapted to any novel with strong interpersonal conflict.

Rationale -- it serves to provide a more entertaining method of understanding the themes and ideas behind the novel as well as to illustrate the changing views of the characters. In this case, rather than seeking bloody vengeance on the Doctor, The Creature seeks to sue for negligence. To quote the activity, "Active readers interpret a novel—its characters, plot, setting, and theme—in different ways.
Great literature can be and has been adapted in many ways over time."

Procedure: this will take three days upon completion of the novel. One day to view a dvd adaptation (or to discuss ideas of modern adaptations), and two to stage the trial.

Materials: Simplified legal guides, Dictionaries, Space to set up mock trial, Frankenstein DVD and DVD player

After watching the video, discuss Frankenstein's nature. Was he inherently evil? What made him so angry and vengeful?
Point out to the class that in the United States these days, when litigation is so popular, a new version ofFrankensteinset here might show the monster, before going off to the Arctic, suing his creator in civil court for negligence, malpractice, and emotional and physical distress. Tell students that they are going to stage a mock trial of Victor Frankenstein for the above-mentioned charges. The trial, like the novel, can have science-fiction or fantasy elements.
Explain that the case will be heard in civil court, where a suit is brought by one individual (plaintiff) against another (defendant), whereas in criminal court, the case is between the state (prosecution) and the defendant.
Proceed by making sure students know what the charges are. They can research the definitions, used in the legal profession, ofnegligence,malpractice, andemotionalandphysical distress. To find definitions, students may use materials prepared for jurors in local courts; in addition, some college-level and most unabridged dictionaries will give law-specific definitions for at least negligence and malpractice.
Ask students to help you determine what roles the following characters will play in the trial, and then assign students to those roles:
Victor Frankenstein
the ghost of William Frankenstein
the ghost of Justine Moritz
the ghost of Henry Clerval
the ghost of Elizabeth Lavenza
the monster
witnesses for the plaintiff, including medical expert and ethicist
witnesses for the defendant, including medical expert and ethicist
attorney for the plaintiff
attorney for the defendant
judge

Because this mock trial is a civil case, assign six jurors and one alternate. Take the role of bailiff, the person who keeps order in the court.
Go over with students the order in which they may carry out their mock trial:
opening statement by plaintiff’s attorney
opening statement by defendant’s attorney
interrogation of plaintiff’s witnesses by attorney for the plaintiff
cross-examination of plaintiff’s witnesses by attorney for the defendant
interrogation of defendant’s witnesses by attorney for the defendant
cross-examination of defendant’s witnesses by attorney for the plaintiff
closing arguments by both attorneys

Give each participating student time to prepare for his or her role by reviewing the novel.
During the trial, the judge may intervene to help the witnesses and to respond to objections by attorneys. After both sides have rested their cases, the judge should remind the jury of its obligations. Then you can invite the jury to deliberate in front of the class. The jury should submit a verdict in writing to the judge, who will read it aloud.

Determine for your class whether the trial will end with the jury’s verdict, or, if found guilty, the defendant will hear what damages he must pay to the monster. The judge, the original jurors, or a new panel of jurors may determine damages.
Ask the students who did not participate in the mock trial to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the students taking part in the mock trial.

Adapted from - Frankenstein Lesson Plan. Discover Lesson Plans. Retrieved October 09, 2010, from http://school.discoveryeducation.com/lessonplans/programs/frankenstein/