模擬TOEFL iBT009 リスニング問題 - Mary Shelleyの文学的な考察

先日、映画館で『 ツイスターズ 』を観てきたところ、劇中で古典的名作の『 フランケンシュタイン 』が映し出されていた。たしか小６ぐらいの時にVHSで、大学３年生ぐらいの時にDVDで観たんだったか。劇場でおよそ２０年ぶりに間接的にフランケンシュタインの怪物に触れたことで『 メアリーの総て 』も思い出した。少し前にエイミー・タンについての模擬TOEFLを作ったので、同じようなノリでメアリー・シェリーについても作ってみた。Without a further ado, enjoy!

Question 01 
What is the main topic of the lecture?
(A) A pioneering feminist thinker
(B) How the science fiction genre was created
(C) The publication of a classic piece of literature
(D) The biography and achievements of a prominent author

Question 02 
According to the lecture, which of the following did Mary Shelley’s mother advocate? Choose two answers.
(A) Education
(B) Equal human rights
(C) Anarchism
(D) Atheism

Question 03 
Which of the following does the professor raise for a potential reason for Mary Shelley’s pursuit of the themes of loss and creation?
(A) Her romance and elopement with a poet
(B) The absence of her mother in her childhood
(C) The lack of opportunity of equal and proper education
(D) An untimely loss of her unborn baby

Question 04 
According to the lecture, what problem with human society is symbolized in Frankenstein?
(A) The creature wasn’t accepted because he couldn’t talk.
(B) The creature wasn’t accepted by the blind man even though he couldn’t see him.
(C) The creature was marginalized because of the fear people had of him.
(D) The creature was discriminated against even though there were no discrepancies between him and others. 

Question 05 
Which of the following does the professor say is one reason literature should be studied? 
(A) Literature can take on a whole new meaning as readers vary from country to country.
(B) Literature has to be learned as long as students need to fulfill their requirements. 
(C) Literature will be a therapeutic outlet in dealing with emotional complexity. 
(D) Literature could be reinterpreted with the passage of time and change of eras.   

オーディオ・スクリプト

Listen to part of a lecture in a history of literature class.

Professor: So, last week, we discussed the life and works of Jane Austen. Today, we will examine and analyze the life and works of Mary Shelley, a figure who, like Austen, made significant contributions to English literature, but in quite a different way. Mary Shelley is perhaps best known for her novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, which is often credited with laying the groundwork for the science fiction genre. But Shelley’s significance extends beyond just this one novel.

First, let’s take a look at Mary Shelley’s background. She was born in 1797 into an intellectual and, frankly, radical family. Her father, William Godwin, was a well-known philosopher and writer who advocated for atheism and anarchism. These were bold and controversial ideas at the time. Her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, was equally influential. And get this. She was known as one of the early pioneers of feminism. Wollstonecraft’s most famous work, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, argued for women's education and equal rights—ideas that were, again, quite revolutionary. Tragically, Wollstonecraft died shortly after Mary's birth, but her philosophies would have a profound influence on her daughter's upbringing.

With such parents, it’s no wonder that Mary Shelley grew up surrounded by provocative concepts and intellectual debates. But her life wasn’t without its challenges. At just 16 years old, she eloped with the Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, who was also a prominent figure in the literary world. Their marriage was both passionate and tumultuous, marked by personal tragedies, including the miscarriage of their first child. This experience, no doubt, had a profound impact on Mary Shelley, and influenced the themes of loss and creation that we see in Frankenstein.

Now, speaking of Frankenstein, let’s discuss its major contributions and the impact it has had. The novel explores human nature, scientific responsibility, and societal fear. One poignant scene involves the creature spending time with a blind man and his family, learning about human kindness. This scene represents the creature's yearning for acceptance and understanding, while also commenting on prejudice and the human need for connection. The villagers who later attack the creature symbolize the fear and hostility often directed at those who are different, misunderstood, or alienated.

Why is this important? Well, it’s a powerful symbol of how society often responds to those who are discrepant. The creature is initially gentle and compassionate, yet he is met with hostility and violence. This brings us to a crucial question: What does this tell us about human nature? Shelley seems to be suggesting that fear and misunderstanding can lead to the marginalization and mistreatment of others. This theme, unfortunately, remains relevant even today.

Now, let’s shift our focus slightly and consider how Mary Shelley’s personal experiences might have influenced her writing. It’s been said that creative writing can serve as a means of processing complex emotions. Themes of grief, guilt, and loss are prevalent in her work. This use of writing to process complex emotions is something we see in many authors, including contemporary writer Amy Tan, whom we'll study later this semester. In a similar vein, Shelley may have used Frankenstein and her other works to process her own emotional turmoil.

Speaking of her other works, it’s quite important to also mention Mary Shelley’s last novel, The Last Man. This work, which is set in a future world ravaged by a pandemic, didn’t receive much attention when it was first published in 1826. However, in light of our most recent experiences with the global pandemic that broke out in 2019, said work has since gained new relevance. The novel’s exploration of human isolation, fear, and survival resonates in ways that we might not have fully appreciated before. Well, this is one of the reasons why literature should be studied. Isn’t it fascinating and even eerie how an old work of literature can take on new meanings as time passes and the world changes?

Finally, let’s consider Mary Shelley’s lasting legacy. Why should her life and works continue to be revisited? Well, for one, Shelley’s exploration of complex themes such as creation, responsibility, and societal fear remain as relevant as ever. Her works challenge us to think critically about the world we live in and the ethical implications of our actions. Moreover, Shelley’s life story, marked by personal tragedy, intellectual fervor, and creative resilience, serves as an inspirational source to writers and thinkers of this era.

正答
Question 01   (D)
Question 02   (A), (B)
Question 03   (C)
Question 04   (C)
Question 05   (D)