Frankenstein Reader Response Journal
You will create a reflective reader response journal as you read Frankenstein. I will be grading your work based on your
use of good critical thinking skills, specific references from the novel, and a sense of unity within each response. Please
address each prompt by providing a well thought out response of 1-2 paragraphs each.
Read the Preface and Letter 1 through chapter 13. Your responses to questions 1-5 are due Thursday, January 3. You
will read the rest of the book, and questions 6-11 will be due Monday, January 14. You will receive a reading schedule
when you return to school on Jan. 2.
Your entire journal will be graded as a major assessment grade and will be graded in two parts. Your entries must reflect
that you are reading the book (not Sparknotes or another reading aid) and reading it actively and critically. See rubric on
back.
QUESTIONS TO ANSWER:
1. What are your first impressions of the book? How would you identify Shelley’s writing style and tone? Use a quote
from the novel to support your ideas.
2. The monster is rejected by everyone around him because of his appearance, and as a result, he
lashes out against humanity. Do you believe that the way he was treated makes his actions more understandable, or
even pardonable?
3. The monster blames his unhappiness on Dr. Frankenstein for abandoning him at what can creepily be referred to as
birth. How could the monster’s life have been different if Victor had been around?
4. In Chapter 10, the monster says, “Life, although it may only be an accumulation of anguish, is dear to me, and I will
defend it.” (pg 89) Does his behavior support this philosophy? Why do you think he feels this way?
5. After reading the monster’s tale of his existence, do you feel that his evil behavior stems from his nature or is a result
of his experiences? Support your opinion.
6. Although Victor is able to create human life, he still holds a strong belief in a divine creator. Under the same
circumstances, would you retain your beliefs? How might Frankenstein’s actions prove or disprove a divine creator?
7. The subtitle of Frankenstein is “The Modern Prometheus,” referring to the Greek myth of Prometheus the Titan who
created humankind as well as giving them fire stolen from heaven. Do you see Victor as being the Modern Prometheus
or simply a naïve scientist?
8. What do you believe are Victor Frankenstein’s major errors throughout the novel? What effect do these errors have
on Victor and those around him? How might he have acted differently and thereby changed the course of his life and
those of his loved ones?
9. Victor misinterprets the monster’s threat to “be with him on his wedding night” as a threat against his own life
instead of Elizabeth’s. How does this reflect on Victor’s personality? Do you see this aspect of his character in other parts
of the novel?
10. Does Victor redeem himself through “saving” Walton?
11. Who is the actual monster in the story?
From
http://schoolcenter.gcsnc.com/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectiondetailid=267497
Grade Rubric for Reader Response Journal
GOALS
•
demonstrate depth of thinking and a developing critical understanding of the literature.
•
be authentic, original and independent – no copying/pasting from websites or collaboration with classmates is
allowed. Your grade will be a ZERO if you are found plagiairizing or participating in any form of academic
dishonesty (See HHS Honor Code on my website).
•
be completed in a timely manner, according to posted reading schedule/syllabus.
LITERACY
THROUGH
READING*
LITERACY
THROUGH
WRITING*
A (93 – 100)
…reflects a
developing,
engaged and
in-depth
understanding
of the text.
B (85 – 92)
C (77 – 84)
D (70 – 76)
…reflects a
developing
understanding
of the text.
…reflects an
adequate but limited
understanding of the
text.
…reflects a minimal and
disengaged
understanding of the
text.
…does not reflect or
fails to make
a meaningful effort
to understand text.
...needs improvement
and reveals
consistent errors in
conventions,
organization, word
choice and
voice/tone.
…reflects minimal effort
with significant and
consistent errors in
conventions,
organization, word
choice and voice/tone.
…fails to make a
meaningful effort in
conventions,
organization, word
choice and
voice/tone.
…is effective,
revealing only
...demonstrates minor,
mastery in
occasional
organization,
lapses in
word choice,
conventions,
conventions,
organization,
and voice/tone. word choice
and
voice/tone.
F (0 – 69)