HWA CHONG INSTITUTION
S4HP English Literature – The Gothic
Name: _______________ (
)
Class: Sec 4H2/4H3
Date: __________
Across Genres – Elements From Different
Genres In Frankenstein
“It was already one in the morning; the rain pattered
dismally against the panes, and my candle was nearly
burnt out, when, by the glimmer of the half-extinguished
light, I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open…”
Frankenstein is typically placed in the Gothic genre.
Yet, it has also been called the “first science fiction”
novel. It is evident that it contains elements of both.
How do these combine to become “the high idea of the
author's original genius and happy power of
expression” that Sir Walter Scott called this novel?
Perhaps, the best way to understand this would be to
first appreciate Mary Shelley’s original intent in writing the novel. Many interpreters of
Frankenstein see it as containing autobiographical elements. Some have even
attempted to psychoanalyze Shelley to better understand why she wrote the novel.
Does it have a feminist message? Is it an indictment of the hubris modern science
exudes in trying to control nature? Or is it both of these and more?
"I saw—with shut eyes, but acute mental vision—I saw the pale student of
unhallowed arts kneeling beside the thing he had put together. I saw the hideous
phantasm of a man stretched out, and then, on the working of some powerful engine,
show signs of life and stir with an uneasy, half-vital motion. Frightful must it be, for
supremely frightful would be the effect of any human endeavor to mock the
stupendous mechanism of the Creator of the world."
TASK:
In the next 15 minutes, you are to research how Frankenstein fulfils or does not fulfil
the criteria of the Gothic genre. In contrast, how does contain elements of science
fiction? Does it also have autobiographical elements? In relation to Shelley’s intent in
writing it, is it more effective as a gothic science fiction novel, or as a purely gothic
one? How so? Substantiate your stand from the text and prepare to share your
findings with the class.

Refer to the online references to start your search.
http://vle.hci.edu.sg/literature/MOE/
Your response:
Discuss your thoughts on the theme with your group and scribble your notes here.
How Frankenstein fulfils both the Gothic and science fiction genres:
Autobiographical elements in Frankenstein and the author’s intent:
The effectiveness of encompassing elements of two genres:
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