A Cautionary Tale: Frankenstein
as The Modern Prometheus
Honors English 4/Peters
“Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my
example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and
how much happier that man is who believes his native town
to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than
his nature will allow.”
Is it better to be ignorant or knowledgeable? How can the acquirement of knowledge be dangerous?
Are scientists responsible for the effects of their discoveries?
Frankenstein was written by a twenty-year-old girl (Mary Shelley) following her eloped marriage to poet
Percy Bysshe Shelly. The novel came out of a late-night chat with her husband and Lord Byron to see who
could tell the best ghost story. The novel still challenges readers to think about the debate between nature
versus nurture, the ethics of science, and the question of responsibility as well as the relationship between
creator and creation.
Since Frankenstein is written as a "quest novel," you will soon embark on a research journey as we read.
Your task, as we read and discuss Frankenstein, is to consider the themes of the novel, the scientific
implications for today's society, and the novel itself.
Using Microsoft Publisher or another layout format, you will create a polished publication of studentcomposed/research-based articles, editorials, and selected graphics regarding the issues raised in the
novel. You will research issues related to human science, psychology, and/or sociology that parallel
situations in Shelley’s novel to develop an informed analysis.
INFORMATIVE ARTICLE
_______/40 points
The informative article should inform and explore--- in depth---the topic chosen and must include a thesis
statement; multi-paragraphs that provide two cited quotations from Shelley’s novel and three cited
quotations from outside articles that support your unique, self-driven thesis; and a forward-thinking
conclusion. The informative article should be filled with substance (NOT opinion) and analyze the topic
you have chosen. Cited quotations should include MLA formatting. Scholarly tone must be upheld by
revising for elevated syntax, word choice and vocabulary. Be certain to provide an article headline and
subtitle.
EDITORIAL ARTICLE
_______/40 points
The editorial article should persuade the reader of the writer’s stance regarding your topic. Your stance
should be communicated through use of at least three of the following rhetorical devices: Tricolon,
Hypophora, Anaphora, Antistrophe, Epizeuxis, Asyndeton, Polysyndeton, Anadiplosis, Chiasmus, Distinctio
and/or Zeugma. The editorial should include a thesis statement; multi-paragraphs that provide two cited
quotations from Shelley’s novel and three cited quotations from outside articles that support your position;
and a unified conclusion. Cited quotations must include MLA formatting. Scholarly tone must be upheld;
revise for elevated syntax, word choice and vocabulary. Provide an article headline and subtitle.
PUBLICATION TITLE/FORMATTING/PHOTOS/GRAPHICS
_______/10 points
Include graphics and political cartoons relevant to topic/editorial stance. Include an appropriate title and
for your publication, as well as typed names/period # for each group member. Avoid juvenile clip art.
WORKS CITED
_______/10 points
Create an MLA Works Cited box for information and graphics used in the publication.
Moral Implications of Science and Exploration:
“designer” babies and/or animals
genetically-modified foods
cloning
choosing not to vaccinate children
3-D printing
end of life decision-making/issues
Man’s Inhumanity to Man
torture of prisoners
Human Preoccupation With Appearances
Gender identity issues/dysmorphia
Body dysmorphia/plastic surgery/eating disorders
Weight/Height/appearance and job success
Causes/Effects of Parental Abandonment/Neglect
Individualism vs. Conformity
Revenge and Justice
READER RESPONSJOURNAL: Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein
Unless otherwise noted below, for each journal entry you must select and note in your response the page and
paragraph # of the passages used. Be sure to use documented support (quotes) and respond to them.
Letters 1 - 4:
Select and note in your response the page number of one passage that gives you insight into Robert Walton, the letter
writer. Briefly explain what this passage tells you about Walton. Use documented support (quotes) and respond to them.
Chapters 1 - 4:
Select and note in your response the page number of two passages that demonstrate
Victor’s attitudes toward study and learning. What words in these passages help you as a reader to understand Victor’s
attitude. Respond to these passages personally. Does Victor’s attitude toward learning fit your own? Use documented
support (quotes) and respond to them.
Chapters 5 - 10:
Select and note in your response the page number of two passages that picture nature but express contrasting moods. For
instance, Shelly might depict a majestically peaceful mountain scene while Victor feels fear. How does each passage affect
your understanding of the story or the characters? Use documented support (quotes) and respond to them.
Chapters 11 - 16:
Select and note in your response the page number of three passages that show the various personality traits of the
creature. Be sure to note the turning points and speculate on the reasons for the changes. How do you feels at these points
about the creature? Use documented support (quotes) and respond to them.
Chapters 17 - 21:
Select and note in your response the page number of two passages that you think foreshadow other events in the novel.
Comment on the effectiveness of that strategy by Shelly. Use documented support (quotes) and respond to them.
Chapters 22 - 24:
Select and note in your response the page number of two passages that you think foreshadow other events in the novel.
Comment on the effectiveness of that strategy by Shelly. Use documented support (quotes) and respond to them.
Final letters:
Comment on the effectiveness of this letter as the structure of the end of the novel.
Use documented
support (quotes) and respond to them.
Passages: A passage is a section of the text that the reader uses to look closely at the literature from
the purpose of analysis. The passage could be as long or as short as is necessary for the reader’s analysis.
Method: The method is what the writer uses to create a certain effect. It may be something like
repeating certain words, images, or figurative language or using a specific sentence structure.
Effect: The effect depicts the result of the method used. It may create a certain mood or foreshadow
something, or the effect can develop a character or character relationship.
It's Alive!
Creating a Companion Monster
Option #1:
Victor Frankenstein used electricity and bludgeoned body parts to create his "monster." Your
group’s final task is much simpler (and much less messy/stinky). Using details from the book, the
magazines provided to you in class, and the creativity of yourself and your group, create a
companion for Frankenstein's monster.
While selecting "parts," consider the following:
• What requests did the monster make concerning his companion?
• What details did Frankenstein focus on while creating his first monster?
• What changes would Frankenstein have made from his first creation?
When you finish your monster label responses to the following:
 First, compile a list of literature for the creature and his companion to learn about the
world. What might each of these literary works teach these creatures about humanity?
 Create a list of songs/TV shows/movies you think the creature and his companion might
view/listen to as a means of learning about their identity. Briefly explain each choice.
 Provide some words of wisdom for the creature and his companion as they embark on
their lives together.
Option #2:
A true Byronic hero, the creature longs to connect with someone; however, mankind shuns him
for his hideous appearance. This need for companionship urges the creature to demand a
companion formed by his creator, who refuses to follow through with his plans.
Your group’s final task will be to design an on-line dating profile for either the creature or his
companion. Use the model template below as a means to develop your profile, but feel free to
include additional graphics, headings, and relevant details.
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Name of dating website
Username and by-line heading
Seeking …
Place of residence…
Interests/hobbies…
Favorite books…
Hopes/dreams…
Looking for in a partner…
Heroes…
Likes/dislikes…
Photos/graphics…