Unit 3 Writing Task

You have read poems and two excerpts from the novel Frankenstein. In the poems, speakers relate experiences in which nature or wold events contribute to their shifting senses of self. In the excerpts from Frankenstein, the Creature grains a sense of self but then grapples with that new understanding in the face of harshe rejection.

Use your knowledge of the poems and Frankenstein to explore your ideas about the self as an individual, in nature, or in society. Write a brief personal narrative addressing this question:

How does the world around us contribute to our sense of self?

Write about a time you came to the realization that the world around us plays a role in shaping people's identities. Explain what lesson can be learned when a person loses and then finds himself or herself. Connect your ideas to specific examples from the poems and Frankenstein.

For a model of a well-crafted personal narrative, see the Launch Text, "Early Dismissal."

💡Prompt Specific Ideas and Activities

Possible Sentence Starters

• When reflecting on the poems and excerpts from Frankenstein, I find that the world around us contributes to our sense of self in various ways…

• In both the poems and Frankenstein, the idea of self-discovery is prevalent, highlighting the impact of our surroundings on who we become…

• Reflecting on the poems and Frankenstein, I realize that our sense of self can be both strengthened and challenged by the world around us…

• In the poems we read, the speakers express how the world around them shapes their identities. One example that resonates with me is...

• In Frankenstein, the Creature's struggle with rejection highlights the importance of acceptance. I learned that __ when I faced a similar challenge in my own life.

• When I think about the lessons learned from both the poems and Frankenstein, I find that they teach us that _, which reminds me of a time when...

• Connecting my personal narrative to the themes in Frankenstein, I can relate to the Creature’s journey by __.

Exemplary Response #1:

As the golden rays of the sun gently caressed my face, I found myself immersed in the beauty of nature. The cool breeze whispered secrets through the rustling leaves, and the vibrant colors of the flowers danced in harmony with the fluttering butterflies. In that moment, I realized the profound connection between the world around us and our sense of self.

Nature has a way of awakening our innermost thoughts and emotions, shaping our identities in ways we may not even realize. Just like the speakers in the poems we have studied, I too have experienced the transformative power of the natural world. Whether it be walking through a serene forest or witnessing a mesmerizing sunset, these encounters with nature have provided me with moments of reflection and self-discovery.

In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the Creature also undergoes a similar journey of self-realization. He gains a sense of self as he navigates through the wonders of the natural world. However, his newfound understanding is soon shattered by the harsh rejection he faces from society. This rejection forces him to grapple with his identity and question his place in the world.

Through these thought-provoking examples, we can learn that our sense of self is not solely dependent on our individual experiences. The world around us, with its bountiful beauty and brutal realities, shapes and molds our identities in profound ways. It teaches us empathy, resilience, and the importance of embracing our uniqueness in the face of adversity.

Exemplary Response #2:

The way nature influences our identity can be seen when I think about my own experiences, such as when I moved to a new city in my junior year of high school. At first, I felt completely lost in the bustling environment; the towering buildings and crowded streets seemed to swallow me whole. However, as I began to explore the nearby park, I discovered a sense of calm that helped shape my self-perception. I would often sit by the lake, watching the ducks glide across the water, and it was there that I found a moment of clarity.

In the poems we read, the speakers express how the world around them shapes their identities. One example that resonates with me is the imagery of nature as a source of comfort and reflection. Just like the speaker who finds solace in the beauty of the trees, I learned to embrace the quiet moments surrounded by nature. An experience that made me realize how external factors shape our self-perception occurred when I decided to join the local hiking club. I initially joined to meet new friends, but I found much more; I discovered a passion for the outdoors that had been hidden within me.

Connecting my personal narrative to the themes in Frankenstein, I can relate to the Creature’s journey by recognizing that both he and I faced rejection. The Creature sought acceptance from others but was met with fear and hostility, teaching us that losing oneself can lead to profound insights about identity and belonging. Similarly, when I faced rejection from a group of classmates who didn’t accept my differences, it forced me to reflect on who I truly was and what I valued in friendship.

Ultimately, the realization that the world around us shapes our identities is powerful. For instance, when I embraced my love for nature and found friends who shared that passion, I understood that our surroundings can profoundly impact our sense of self. Just like the speakers in the poems and the Creature in Frankenstein, I learned that understanding who we are often comes from navigating the complexities of acceptance and rejection in the world around us.

Non-Exemplary Response #1:

Once upon a time, I realized the world shapes who we are. I saw it in the poems we read and Frankenstein. The Creature learns about himself and gets rejected. That's a lesson. It's like nature makes us different and stuff. In the poems, the people also change because of nature. It's important to be yourself. Yeah, that's it. The end.

Non-Exemplary Response #2:

I once went for a hike in the woods with my family. It was a nice day, and I enjoyed being outside. I think nature can teach us about ourselves, but I’m not sure how. Like, when I was hiking, I felt pretty good, but I also got tired. That showed me that sometimes we need to push ourselves, I guess.

The poems we read in class talked about nature affecting how people feel. I remember one poem where the speaker felt peaceful in a forest. I didn’t feel that deep connection. I just thought it was nice to be away from my phone for a while.

In Frankenstein, the Creature struggles with his identity after being rejected. I think that losing oneself, like he did, can teach us something. I’ve never felt rejected like that, but sometimes I feel lonely. This makes me think that maybe the world does play a role in shaping our identities, but I’m not sure how.

In conclusion, I believe that nature and experiences can help us learn about ourselves. However, I don’t really have a strong example from my life that ties everything together. It’s just something to think about.