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Rewriting Frankenstein
Why are we the way we are and how can we be responsible for ourselves?
Pick one of the following scenes from the play. Think about how the situation affected the Monster. Think about how if the scene unfolded differently, the Monster may have changed. Rewrite one of the following to show how they would have impacted the Monster and his choices in life if the situation had been different. 1. 2. 3. 4. When Frankenstein sees the monster for the first time and his reaction is to run away When the monster is in a town, where dogs and towns people are after him When Felix shoots the monster When the monster kills William

Your scene should: Include A Note On Staging refer to page 6 in the Frankenstein play o Explain the set design o Explain the costumes and props o Explain lighting, sound, and special effects Include descriptions of the characters refer to page 8 in the Frankenstein play o List each character and give a short (2-3 sentences) description of his/her appearance and personality Include stage directions (in italics) to indicate how the characters move and how they speak In your scene, include dialogue that will move the plot along and show how the new situation unfolds and how it impacts the Monsters life Your scene should have between 2-4 characters. 1 or 2 of these characters may be your own characters (not from the play). Your scene will have two parts: 1. What happens to the monster (the situation) 2. His choices as a result (the impact) Rewrite the scene using your ideas from the purple boxes on the back of this page.

Name: Which scene will you rewrite? When the Monster kills William. What is the situation in the scene? What do others do to the Monster?

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I picked this scene because I feel that it was one of the important events that changed the Monster. When the Monster talked to Frankenstein, he said that he was still ready to love and ready to trust when he saw William. It was what William did to him that changed him completely.

How does this affect the Monster? What impact does it have on his life? What choices does he make as a result?

When the Monster heard what William said, he thought about Frankenstein. He decided to kill William because he wanted to destroy Frankensteins happiness as he did to the Monster. At this point, the Monsters biggest change occurred. Everything people did to him caused him to become much thirsty The Monster saw William playing by the pond. He for revenge. It wasnt until what happened with thought it was only adults who hated and feared William that he finally became so evil. He felt that no him, and that children wouldnt be the same way. He one could ever love him, and that he hated approached William because he wanted to raise Frankenstein for creating him and then leaving him William to be kind and have someone love him. As alone in the world. Because of this new hatred he felt, soon as he touched William, William screamed that he decided to ask Frankenstein for a companion- a he would tell his brother, Herr Frankenstein and wife of his kind. Frankenstein would destroy the Monster. How will you change the situation? How might things happen differently during the scene? If I could rewrite the scene, I would let the Monster speak more to explain what happened in his life and how he was created. William would then respond and say that he would want to go live with the Monster, because he would be mature and not panicked, a bit like Agathe. Another choice is that William doesnt go live with the Monster, but they become friends and William meets the Monster everyday by the pond. How will this affect the Monster? What impact will it have on his life? What choices will he make as a result? The Monster would be kind and caring and feel loved. He wouldnt feel the need to want a bride, or get revenge on Frankenstein. William wouldnt have been killed. The Monster would have loved William and would be loved in return. Something that could happen is that Frankenstein would try to hunt the Monster down. I would write it so that William protects him, but Frankenstein still kills the Monster. Although this is not the best solution, at least the Monster gets loved for a while.

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A NOTE ON STAGING
COSTUMES AND PROPS The Monster: He wears a tattered shirt, very old it is hard to say whether it is white, cream or yellow, with high collar to hide his neck and long sleeves to hide his hands. He wears long brown tattered pants that look bigger than his body. Both the shirt and pants look dirty with mud and have several small holes and the rims are torn. He wears old black leather shoes that are missing their laces. William: He wears a cream-colored messenger cap that covers his curly gold hair; a long sleeved handsome white shirt, a pattered coffee colored vest and brown leather shoes. His shirt is tucked in his pants and he wears a black leather belt. He looks neat and tidy. His prop is a small red ball. Frankenstein: He wears a simple long sleeved white shirt and long khaki pants. His shirt is not tugged in. He wears black leather slippers. He dresses as he is staying home. His black shiny hair looks uncombed. LIGHTING/SOUND/SPECIAL EFFECTS Scene- The Monster and William by the pond: - A birdsong (pre recorded) - Fainted sound of running water (pre recorded- use of instruments are encouraged) - Bright light during the whole scene - Fainted sounds of people shouting, coming from the village in the distance (pre recorded) - Soft wind/ breeze makes tree leaves blowing lightly SET DESIGN Color theme of the set is green, beige, brown and white. At the center of the stage, there is an old brick pond with reeds, bushes, and tall trees near it. The edge of the pond is wide enough to sit. In the pond is real water, reeds, old leaves and new float in the pond. On the right hand side of the stage towards the back, a big black door with brass lion head handle with part of the wall can be seen. This is Frankensteins house. Village Square, in the distance, painted on the back wall of the stage. A small brick path leading from the pond to the door of Frankensteins house. A wider and grassier path leads from the pond to the Village Square.

CHARACTERS The Monster: He is hideous, because he is made out of corpses. His face and neck are surreal, pale, and frightening scary with deep old scars all over. His eyes are droopy, revealing the yellowish white eyes

Name: Date: surrounded the center black dots like the eyes of a dead fish. His nose, lips and ears are out of proportions and look like they are not part of the same person but rather look like they are taken from different people and sew together. His head is bald. The only part of his body that has tight skin is his head it almost looks like someone stretches a patch of skin onto his bony skull. His hands that exposed through the long sleeves are extremely huge with terribly wrinkled. His right hand misses an index finger. He is unusually tall but deadly thin and looks agile. He looks as if he was made with glass and someone broke him and tried to put him back together. He has a big, deep, shattered voice. His gigantic body tilts to one side when he stands and he limps and slightly drags his left foot when he walks as if he is having pain every minute he lives. When he was first created, he could not speak or move as easily. When it comes the scene that the Monster and William are by the pond, we can see how he has developed.

William: William is a young, handsome, and energetic boy. He looks about 11 or 12 years old. He is caring, kind and mature. He looks at the world through his big bright eyes with love, passion, and curiosity. He has a smile on his face every minute of the day and brings great joy to his family. He is Frankensteins younger brother, and believes every word Frankenstein says. When he meets the Monster, he is first alarmed. But with his kind heart, he later comes to understand the Monster.

Frankenstein: He is in his 30s. He is a talented young doctor who has many dreams. His mind always is drifting somewhere when he contemplates on his new idea of creations. He created the Monster and still is looking for the way to make his creation better. Although he is the one who created the Monster, he fears him. He is the master of the house and he is very protective of William.

SCENE: THE MONSTER AND WILLIAM BY THE POND IN GENEVA The pond is very close to Frankensteins house and also is near the village. There are various plants and places to hide. It is during daytime, and the pond is quite clear. At first when the curtain is drawn open, the stage is dark. There is a child giggling. The center stage light slowly turns on, reviewing William who is playing happily by the pond alone. He is bouncing the red ball, alternately standing near the pond and sitting at the edge of the pond. Then all stage lights are on and expose the scene behind the pond. Behind the pond are a lot of bushes and reeds and tall trees. Suddenly, a bird chirps and a bush tattled reviewing the Monster who is hiding, trying to make himself invisible, and silently watching William play. He is temped to approach William but hesitates. After a while, it looks like the Monster has made a decision. He stands out of his hiding and gradually moves out of his hiding place and limps closer to William. William is busy playing and does not notice

Name: Date: that the Monster is coming near. When getting close enough, the Monster rests his hand on Williams shoulder, trying to be as gentle as he can. Startled, William looks up and sees an unfamiliar, scary face so he screams on the top of his lung. Panic, the Monster puts his monster hand over Williams mouth. It is so hard William feels like he is being slapped so he screams more. Monster: No! Dont scream! The Monsters voice comes out loud and scary. William: What are you? There is a certain panic in Williams shivering voice, and he is struggling desperately to get free. Monster: I knew it! You would be like every other human being on this planet! Feeling disappointed, the Monster lets go of William in disgust. William stares upon the Monster. Studying William more carefully, the Monster nods. Monster: At least you are a child. What is your name, child? William: My name is William. William feels calmer, though not totally, as he realizes the Monster is not fierce. He is just different. Monster: Come with me, William. He pulls Williams arm. William: No! You are a disgusting creature! Ive heard about you from the people in the village. And now Im going to tell them that you are here! As he screams, William breaks free and runs down the path to the village square. He turns around, and sees the Monster standing in a slouching posture, looking tired, worn down, sad, and lonely. The Monster limps back into the wood. William stops and runs back toward the Monster. William: Wait! The Monster turns around, with a hopeful look on his face. William: Dont go! Where do you want to take me? The Monster hesitates. He takes a deep breath, and then speaks slowly. Monster: I would like to take you to the forest, William. Where you will live with me. William: What? I already have a home and people who love me and care for me. The Monster says quietly. Monster: But I dont.

Name: William: You dont have a family?

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The Monster speaks harshly but so filled with emotion that it surprises William. Monster: Look at me! I am not human. I am doomed to live alone! All I want is for someone to love me. I have traveled to many places, William, but no one had accepted me. They have chased me and set their dogs on me. I figured that a child like you would be caring and kind and gentle, that I could raise it up to love me. William says in realization. William: You want a friend. Monster: Yes. Come live with me, William. All I want is to love and be loved- I would never hurt you. The Monster sits down beside the pond and looks at his reflection in the still water. He leans in closer, shakes his head, and then stirs the water to make his reflection disappear. William is standing behind him. Monster: My creator was inhumane. He made me, and then did what an irresponsible parent would dohe left me alone in this world to fend for my own. I curse his name until forever- his name was Victor Frankenstein. William gasps. William: Frankenstein is myMonster: What did you say? The Monster turns around abruptly. William: I didnt say anything. Mustve been the birds. The Monster turns to face the pond again. Monster: I suppose youre right. I keep hearing things these days. Maybe it is because I long for someones company. So, what do you say, William? William: Well, as much as Id like to help you, I cant. I really mustnt leave my family. I cant go to live with you but we can be friends. At this point, the Monster realizes the situation. He becomes happy a grateful that he had someone to talk to. Monster: I understand, William. Just being able to talk to you has been extremely pleasant. Ive never talked to anyone as much as this. At least I know I have a friend. The Monster sighs. William: I play at this pond often. Next time when I come, I shall bring you gifts.

Name: Date: Monster: Oh thank you, William. You are indeed very kind. Now I know I have a true friend. I will come here often as I can. Keep in mind that I must try to hide from the villagers. William feels sorry for the Monster so he walks closer to the Monster and touches his shoulder. The Monster touches him back. At this point, there are people shouting in the distance. There is a sense of a lot of commotion in the village square. Birdsong stops. Running water sound stops. Breeze stops. The big black door of Frankensteins house swings open abruptly. Frankenstein storms out of the door. His face looks worried. He has a gun in his right hand. From a distance Frankenstein sees that William is with the Monster and the Monster is touching William, his face turns red and his eyes wide open. He runs frantically down the path to William with his gun swirling in the air. He holds William up and swings him away from the Monster, as if to protect him. Frankenstein thinks William is in danger. In panic Frankenstein points the gun at the Monster and shoots. The stage is silent. William: No! William shouts in despair. But it is too late. The Monster collapses backward and falls on the ground next to the edge of the pond. He bleeds badly from his chest. No caring about what has just happened to the Monster, Frankenstein talks to William. Frankenstein: William! I was so worried! You were taking longer than usual and- what are you doing with this beast? William: Why did you kill him? He is my friend! Williams kneels down beside the Monster, holding his left hand. Monster: Thank you, William, for being my friend. With his right hand on his chest wound, the Monster whispers breathlessly. William sobs silently. Frankenstein stands behind William, looking confused. Monster: Now I will die in peace and happiness because I know that in my life, I had a friend. William: Goodbye, friend. Lights: Stage lights turn off but leave the center stage light above the characters on. William sobs louder. Frankenstein stands still, his head down, his face sad and guilty, because he has killed Williams friend and made William unhappy. The Monster smiles, and his eyes shut. All stage lights turn off. The curtain closes.

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Criterion A: You compose a script that shows how a situation impacts the Monsters life using a lot of details (dialogue and stage directions).

Criterion B: You write in the form of a script, using the appropriate structures expected in a play script. Your scene builds appropriately.

Criterion C: Your write your characters to reflect their personalities and tone. Your script is free of grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.

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9-10

You do not reach the standard described below. Your script reflects very limited imagination Your script does not use the Your script does not reflect the voice of and creativity. It does not show the organizational structures of a script. the characters. situation and how it impacted the Monsters life. Your script is generally disorganized. Your script has very frequent errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Your script has no details (dialogue, stage directions) to show how the Monster develops through the scene. Your script reflects limited imagination and Your script sometimes uses the Your script sometimes reflects the creativity. It attempts to show the situation organizational structures of a script. voice of the characters. and how it impacted the Monsters life. Your script is beginning to be organized Your script has frequent errors in Your script has insufficient details but lacks coherence. grammar, punctuation, and spelling. (dialogue, stage directions) to show how the Monster develops through the scene. Your script reflects some imagination and Your script usually uses the Your script often reflects the voice of creativity. It somewhat shows the situation organizational structures of a script. the characters. and how it impacted the Monsters life. Your script is generally well-organized. Your script uses generally accurate Your script has adequate details (dialogue, grammar, punctuation, and spelling. stage directions) to show how the Monster develops through the scene. Your script reflects imagination and Your script consistently uses the Your script often reflects the voice of creativity. It shows the situation and how it organizational structures of a script. the characters. impacted the Monsters life. Your script is usually well-organized. Your script consistently uses a formal Your script has substantial details The ideas build on each other. tone to explain. Your grammar, (dialogue, stage directions) to show how the punctuation, and spelling are accurate. Monster develops through the scene. Your script reflects a lot of imagination and Your script uses the organizational Your script masterfully reflects the creativity. It clearly shows the situation and structures of a script in a sophisticated voice of the characters. how it impacted the Monsters life. manner. Your script shows a mastery of formal Your script has illustrative details Your script is consistently welltone to explain. Your grammar, (dialogue, stage directions) to show how the organized. The ideas build on each other punctuation, and spelling are Monster develops through the scene. in a sophisticated manner. completely accurate. Include a title Use the format of a script Edit for spelling, punctuation, and Describe each character o Skip a line each time a new grammar Include a note on staging to explain character speaks Use first person when writing the how your staging choices (set design, o Italicize the stage directions dialogue costumes/props, effects) show the o Write dialogue by bolding Use the type of language that the situation and its impact on the Monster character names character would use when writing Employ dialogue to show how the scene Build the dialogue and action to first the dialogue develops show what the situation is, then how Include stage directions to show the the Monster is affected action Use details to show the actions and emotions of the characters involved

In order to succeed you need to: