On January 15, Mrs. Beeby’s AP Literature class engaged in a creative and hands on activity during their Frankenstein reading unit. Students explored the novel’s themes of the relationship between the creator and the creature by sculpting their own creatures out of clay.
In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the creature’s chaos highlights the consequences of neglect and lack of love from its creator. Without guidance, the creature does not know right from wrong, which ultimately leads to chaos. Inspired by these themes, students were tasked with crafting unique creatures, naming them, and creating imaginative backstories.
Senior Megan Provenzano shared her excitement, “It was so much fun getting to create our own little creatures out of clay. I really liked mine, it was adorable. I made a little potato with a duck on top of his head. I named them Oliver and Bubble.”
Another senior Nikki Nguyen, described her creation, “I made a fat fly with a bowl cut. I named him Wallace Winiker William III.”
The creatures escaped to other classrooms and caused chaos with one creature “Ham Slammer” hit principal Mr. Hall on the head with a baseball bat. The creatures were caught and captured and brought back to their creators.
The activity not only brought the novel’s themes to life but also gave students the chance to reflect on the responsibilities of a creation and the importance of love and care in shaping a person’s identity. With this fun exercise, Beeby’s students not only had a ton of fun but also gained a deeper understanding of Shelley’s classic story.
