English 10H
Frankenstein
Name:
Theme Analysis
Theme is the central idea or a message about life that the author is trying to convey through the characters and events in a text. There are
several themes presented in Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein. In order to explore some of them, complete chart below.
Theme Analysis Chart: For each of the concepts listed on the chart below, create a thematic statement based on the characters and
events in the novel; then, provide supporting details from the text to demonstrate the theme’s development throughout the novel.
Concept
Revenge
Thematic Statement
Revenge destroys both the
victim and the avenger.
Which character(s) is most closely
associated with this theme? Why?
The theme applies to both Victor Frankenstein
and the Creature because they both meet their
demises as a result of seeking revenge.
What details, actions, or events in the
novel contribute to the theme?



Isolation
Ambition
Prejudice
Compassion &
Forgiveness
“I will be with you on your wedding night.”
This is the Creature’s vow to Frankenstein
after the second creation is destroyed. Thus
begins the cycle of revenge that destroys both
characters.
Frankenstein chases the Creature through the
Arctic, becomes exhausted and ill, and dies.
The Creature vows to bring about his own
destruction after he learns of Frankenstein’s
death.
Allusion: An allusion is a reference in a written work to something from history, art, religion, myth, or another work of literature. Writers
use allusions to give readers additional insights about what is happening in the story and why. Shelley makes frequent use of literary
allusions in Frankenstein.
The subtitle of the novel contains an allusion to the story of Prometheus, and the myth is alluded to throughout the novel: “Who shall
conceive the horrors of my secret toil as I dabbed among the unhallowed damps of the grave or tortured the living animal to animate the
lifeless clay?” In order to glean deeper insight, read the myth and complete the chart below.
Allusion
Prometheus
What is the theme/central meaning of
the allusion?
Why did Mary Shelley include this
allusion as a subtitle of the novel?