ENGL 450: The Shelleys. Autumn 2003
Final Examination. Take-away: distributed December 3
Submission of completed exam: Monday December 8 at 12:00 pm, at HC 4.27
Choose one of the following topics, and write an essay of 3 pages (double spaced), i.e., approximately 850-900 words. Avoid using lengthy quotations from the writings you cite. A bibliography of works cited, if any, should follow on a separate page. Do not repeat writing that occurs in one of your essays.
- "The cloud of mind is discharging its collected lightning, and the equilibrium between institutions and opinions is now restoring, or is about to be restored" (PB Shelley, preface to Prometheus Unbound). Discuss the political context, and the effectiveness of, the writings of PB Shelley and/or Mary Shelley in relation to their own time.
- Discuss PB Shelley's concept of the sublime, and analyse its presence in two or more of his poems.
- Assess Mary Shelley's understanding of the work of her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, and discuss its role in one or more of her novels (Frankenstein, Mathilde, or The Last Man).
- "They lived in harmony with nature, & the interstices of their incomparable columns, were portals as its were to admit the spirit of beauty which animates this glorious universe to visit those whom it inspired." (Letter, 23-24 Jan 1819; PB Shelley on Pompeii). Discuss Shelley's understanding of nature and the place of humanity within it. Refer to two or more poems in your answer.
- "Some vast intellect animates Infinity" (Letter, 3 Jan 1811). Consider PB Shelley's views on religious questions and show how this influences his writing in two or more of the poems.
- "She continues to enchant me infinitely" (Letter, 2 Jan 1821? PB Shelley on Emilia Viviani). Consider Shelley's relation to women and his representations of love in two or more of the major poems.
- Discuss the gender issues of the early nineteenth century as these are reflected in the work of either PB Shelley and/or Mary Shelley.
- To what extent can Mary Shelley's writings be seen as a critique of Romantic ideas, particularly as demonstrated in the writings of PB Shelley?
- What effect did the Shelleys' exile in Italy have on their writing? Discuss at least one work by each writer in your answer.
- "And I am then moonshine, having no existence except that which he lends me, & through his influence glimmering on the earth, known & sought through the light he bestows on me" (Journal, Oct 10 1822). Consider Mary Shelley's career as a writer, and the impact on it of PB Shelley's life and death.
Document prepared December 3rd 2003