Major Works Data Sheet
Advanced Placement Literature and Composition
Biographical Information about the Author:
Title: Frankenstein
Author: Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
Use notes from class discussion and film
Date of Publication: 1818
Genre: Romantic/Gothic novel
Historical Information:
Mary Shelley began Frankenstein at the request of
friend Lord Byron. He devised a competition to see
who could write the best horror story. Frankenstein
eventually became a bestseller for Mary Shelley.
Frankenstein still resonates with audiences today.
Shelley’s text reflects the people from the time period
of her day. Written during the Romantic period (17851830), Frankenstein conveys many of the ideas of the
time, such as revolution and rebellion.
Plot Summary:
Characteristics of the Genre:
Use notes from class discussion
Describe the Author’s Style:
Provide an example that demonstrates the style:
While writing Frankenstein, Shelley combined the
styles of Romantic and Gothic. Like many Romantic
pieces, Shelley heavily portrayed elements of nature,
freedom, emotion, rebellion, and compassion. Gothic
literature focuses the mysterious and supernatural
with dark surroundings.
Memorable Quotes
Quotes
Significance of each Quote:
Characters
Name
Victor Frankenstein
The Creature/Monster
Elizabeth Lavenza
Henry Clerval
Robert Walton
Alphonse Frankenstein
William Frankenstein
Justine Moritz
Caroline BeaufortFrankenstein
M. Waldman
M. Krempe
Role in Story
Significance
Adjectives
Setting
Significance of Opening Scene
Significance of Ending or closing scene
Symbols
Old AP Questions
1989
2000
2006
2008
Look at question 3 from these exams (if available).
Briefly summarize the content from the questions.
Possible Themes