CConCom
Conflicts and Connections
150 Points
Topic: Frankenstein
Objectives: SWBAT…
1.
2.
3.
4.
Research gothic and romanticism.
Read Frankenstein.
Examine characters and plot in this tory.
Analyze Frankenstein.
Materials
Computers
Frankenstein
Procedures
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Anticipatory Set: Define gothic and find modern day examples that are gothic in
nature.
View Power Point on Romanticism to better understand Frankenstein.
Read Frankenstein.
Answer questions about the characters and plot of Frankenstein.
Analyze Frankenstein.
Closure: Share paper with the teacher.
Duration: 10 Periods
CConCom
Conflicts and Connections
150 Points
Topic: Frankenstein
Step1: Frankenstein is a gothic novel. What is a gothic novel?
Give three examples of modern day gothic literary works. (ex. book, TV
show, movies)
Step 2: Frankenstein was written at the beginning of the Romantic Era.
View Power Point to learn about Romanticism.
Step 3: You have probably heard of Frankenstein. Describe what image
comes to mind when you hear this word.
Step 4: Read Frankenstein.
Step 5: Answer the following questions by citing evidence.
1. How are Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein alike?
2. Who is the biggest victim in Chapters 1-8? Victor? Justine?
William? The Creature? Explain your choice.
3. Describe the Creature. What are his first impressions of the
world? What comprises his early education? Describe his first
encounters with society. How does he learn to read? To write?
What books form an influence on him? To what characters in
literature does he most relate? Why?
4. How does the change in narration to the creature’s point of
view affect the reading of the novel?
5. Why do you think the author did not give the creature never
given a Christian name?
Duration: 10 Periods
CConCom
Conflicts and Connections
150 Points
Step 6: Analyze Frankenstein. Choose a topic below and write a two –
three page analysis paper. This is not a book report.
1. Compare and contrast the characters of Victor Frankenstein and the
creature. Consider their personal qualities, their relationships with other
people, and their motives for acting as they do. Do you think the two form
a doppelganger mirror relationship. In your opinion, is one character
more sympathetic or human than the other? Why?
2. Analyze the Creature’s personality. Discuss the different aspects of his
character by addressing questions such as these:
• In what ways is he like any human being? In what ways is he different?
• What does he want most in life? Why does his goal seem unattainable?
• How have the creature’s experiences shaped his opinion of himself?
 Does he have the potential for good as well as evil? To whom does he
compare himself and why?
Support your analysis by citing events from the story as well as quoting
statements made by the creature.
3. There is an ongoing debate called Nature vs. Nurture. It addresses the
questions: Are we born with certain characteristics (nature) or do we
develop characteristics as a result of our environment (nurture)?
Considering what we know about the Creature, what side of the debate
do you think Shelley falls on? Do you agree with her? Use specific textual
details to support your answers.
4. You are an attorney presenting the closing arguments at the end of a
criminal trial for either Victor Frankenstein or his creature. Choose to
defend or prosecute Victor Frankenstein or his creature. Next, select the
crime that they are standing trial on: playing God, blind ambition,
neglect, cruelty, murder, or another topic teacher approved. You will
need to list all possible arguments from both sides. For example, if you
plan to defend Victor Frankenstein, list not only the arguments you plan
to use for your character but also how your opposition will counter your
arguments. Use your persuasive writing skills and write a closing
argument dialogue. Be sure to cite evidence from the book to validate
your argument.
Duration: 10 Periods
CConCom
Conflicts and Connections
150 Points
Closure: Share your paper with your teacher
Duration: 10 Periods