Lecture on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein: Chapters 1-9

Letters 1 & 2 - Introduction of Robert Walton
- Robert Walton is writing letters to his sister, expressing his ambitions and the journey he has undertaken thus far.
- Walton feels optimistic about his expedition.
Letter 3 - Brief Update
- A very short letter where Walton states, "so far, so good."
Letter 4 - Key Events
- Encounter with extraordinary sighting:
- Walton's crew sees a gigantic figure on a dog sled, approximately seven to eight feet tall.
- Initial panic among the crew due to the figure’s size, which appears too large to be human.
- Concerns about survival in the harsh Arctic environment, where hunting is limited.
- The next day, they find a man stranded on a piece of ice:
- This man’s dogs are mostly gone, and he is in poor health.
- Upon their invitation to board the ship, he inquires about their direction and insists that he must follow the giant figure.
- His name is Victor Frankenstein, and he is depicted as very ill but determined to pursue the being he has seen.
- Victor's Condition: Victor Frankenstein’s refusal to abandon his pursuit displays a depth of ambition, despite his deteriorating health.

Walton considers Victor as a friend during their conversations, although Viktor primarily listens due to his condition.
Walton has completed his letters and now begins recording Victor’s narrative.
This transition indicates the shift from one frame (Walton's letters) to another (Victor's story).
Discussion on narrative structure: a story within a story structure in the novel, leading into Victor's perspective.

Definitions:
- Ambition: A strong desire to do or achieve something.
- Hubris: Excessive pride or self-confidence.
Discussion Points:
- Can ambition exist without hubris? Can hubris exist without ambition?
- Example of how hubris, characterized by a big ego, may impede true ambition.
- Coachability and its relation to determination; being coachable often results in greater success compared to someone whose hubris prevents them from learning.
- Both concepts can exist independently, but their coexistence complicates success. Victor Frankenstein will showcase this theme as his ambition fuels his pursuits, often overshadowed by hubris.

Handouts:
- Students receive a yellow packet for jotting down research relevant to the unit, which includes portions from the novel and other readings (e.g. The Pedestrian).
- This research packet will be collected at the unit's conclusion for credit.
- A green sheet for extra credit reading guide, which is due on Monday, February 2.
Students are encouraged to take notes and keep materials organized for upcoming assignments, including an argumentative research paper and a debate.
- Ensure understanding of assignment timelines: packet due at the end of the unit, green sheet for extra credit.

Students are instructed to focus on their letters portion of the packet during the remaining time before lunch.
Plans to start reading Victor's perspective in the subsequent class are reaffirmed, emphasizing the exploration of his character and experiences.