Frankenstein Paper Topic Choices 2016
1.
What do the actions and ideas of the feminine character(s) in the novel demonstrate?
2. Mary Shelley subtitles Frankenstein "The Modern Prometheus." Analyze the importance of the
relationship between the novel and the story of Prometheus. (Use valid, external sources if necessary
and provide a MLA format works-cited list if you do so.)
3. Analyze how Shelley uses nature imagery/symbolism to affect a particular theme (power, isolation,
etc.) in the novel.
4. Analyze how and why the actions of Victor Frankenstein and his creature provide a foil for each other.
5.
Analyze what Shelley’s novel says about a parent’s/creator’s duty to their progeny.
6. Analyze the significance effects of a minor character on the plot and the author’s purpose.
7.
Discuss the significance of Shelley’s use of gothic elements in the text.
8. Select another topic and have it approved by Mrs. Matheny.
Type a formal, double-space, two to three page response to a prompt:
 Graded with the Sophomore Rubric
 Use fluently-integrated quotes from Frankenstein as evidence to support your thesis statement
 Use a boring 12pt. font (TNR, Arial or Georgia)
 Cite page numbers after each quote ; MLA-formal Works Cited list including the citation for the
edition of Frankenstein you used to write the paper and any other sources you used.
Writing Objectives for this Formal Literary Analysis Essay: Practice …
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Leading with a unique, scintillating thesis. Establish your argument at the beginning of your
entry. Most of these entries are short enough that they do not need a fully developed intro and
conclusion paragraph, so establish your thesis in the first couple sentences.
Choosing and integrating specific evidence:
o Keep context for evidence relevant (i.e. don’t explain an entire act/chapter; explain what
is relevant to your analysis).
o Use quotes in context—don’t hack them up or just use part of a sentence (especially
with Shakespeare).
Creating unique analysis: Not just plot summary, or explanation, but analysis backed up with
specific support, including quotes, from the text.
o Fully explain your analysis. If you say something is ironic, explain why.
o Always good to look for: allusions, contrasts (foils [a character who exists to provide
contrast to another character], juxtapositions, etc.), imagery, irony, motif repetition
[images and structures, like hallucinations in Macbeth, which recur to help develop the
text’s major themes], symbols, and themes.
Writing with clarity and brevity. Do not assume that just because it makes sense to you it makes
sense to everyone else. Clearly show what you’re saying and why you’re saying it. End with a
resolution sentence that restates and adds a shade of meaning to your thesis.
See the Due Dates calendar attached to my website for more specifics.
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Thesis refinement sheet printed with prompt, three pieces of evidence, and initial thesis Due:
Tuesday, 2/9
Revised thesis for final peer edit: Wednesday, 2/10
Laptop work day to draft outlines: Thursday. 2/11
Formal three-level MLA outline due to turnitin.com for peer editing in class: Friday, 2/12
Draft of whole essay due to turnitin.com for peer editing in class: Wednesday, 2/24
Final essay due to turnitin.com by 3:00 PM: Monday, 2/29
Name:___________________________________
Frankenstein Essay Thesis Refinement Sheet
The purpose of this sheet is to keep track of the development of your thesis. You will improve your thesis
at each stage.
#1 My writing prompt/topic is (write the whole prompt here):
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#2 & Initial Evidence: (due Tuesday, 2/9) Several pieces of supportive evidence (quotes!) and maybe
some analysis of those quotes for my refined thesis:
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Preliminary Thesis (due Tuesday, 2/9)
Strong_____
Almost There_____
Needs Work ______
Really Needs Work _____
#3 Refined Preliminary Thesis: (due Wednesday, 2/10)
Strong_____
Almost There_____
Needs Work ______
Really Needs Work ______