Frankenstein
by Mary Shelley
adapted by Larry Weinberg
V
Reading Level (Lexile) 230L
Format/Length Chapter book, 80 pages
Picture Support Some
Language Register Simple
Content Load Fantasy, Science Fiction
Related Skills
• Comprehension and Critical Thinking
Sequence
• Literary Analysis
Analyze Story Elements: Narrator’s Point of View
• Reading and Learning Strategies
Make and Confirm Prediction
ictor Frankenstein creates a living
creature from body parts of the
dead, but it isn’t what he intended. The
creature is an ugly monster that even he
can’t love because of its freakish looks.
Abandoned by his creator, the Monster
searches for friendship, but everyone
runs in fear. Frustrated and angry, the
Monster demands that Victor make him
a wife, and in return, he promises to
go away forever. Victor begins the new
creature, but has second thoughts and
destroys the pieces. After the Monster
kills his friend and wife, Victor sets out
to destroy him, hunting for the Monster
until his dying day—his only satisfaction
is in knowing that with his death, the
Monster will be alone forever.
About the Author
Mary Shelley was born in 1797 in London, England. In 1816, she met with a group
of young writers and intellectuals in Geneva and they had a ghost story contest.
Several guests came up with horror tales, but Shelley was unable to invent one at
that time. However, later that night, she dreamed the story of Frankenstein, and it
was published in 1818. Although Shelley wrote several other novels, Frankenstein
was her most notable contribution to literature and has inspired over fifty films.
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Frankenstein
Think About What You Know
Creepy Creatures Many students are probably familiar with
Frankenstein’s monster and other fantasy monsters. Help them
tap prior knowledge by playing a guessing game.
• Have students use Student Journal, page 3 to draw their
favorite creepy creature or monster from a book, television
show, or movie.
• Then invite students to give clues about their monster for
others to guess. Have them include clues that tell what the
creature looks like, what people might do if they saw the
creature, and if the creature is as ugly or mean as it looks.
Preview and Predict
Have students look at the front cover, read the title, and then
read the book summary on the back cover. Say:
• Why can’t people see that the Monster just wants to be
loved? What problems can this cause?
Then point out The Exchange question on the title page: Why
do people judge others by the way they look? Explain that when
they finish reading, they’ll share their ideas about this and other
questions with a group.
Next, have students complete Student Journal, page 3 to
preview the book and make predictions about the events.
Student Journal, page 3
Prepare to Read
Think About What You Know
Draw a picture of a monster or creepy creature you’ve read about or seen on
TV or in a movie. Give clues about your monster for others to guess its name.
Preview and Predict
• Look at the front cover.
• Read the book summary on the back cover.
• Read The Exchange question on the title page.
• Read page 5.
1. This story is a fantasy. How do you know?
2. The Monster just wants to be loved. How can this be a problem? What do
you think the Monster will do?
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Frankenstein
Use a Reading Strategy
Goal and Outcome Chart Preview the graphic organizer on
Student Journal, page 4 with students. Explain that as they read
Frankenstein, they can complete the Goal and Outcome Chart to
show how Frankenstein and the Monster try to reach their goals.
Have students add to their Goal and Outcome Charts after they
finish reading each section.
Student Journal, page 4
Use a Reading Strategy
Use a Goal and Outcome Chart
As you read Frankenstein, use a Goal and Outcome Chart to show how Victor
Frankenstein and the Monster try to reach their goals and what happens. Identify the
actions that affect the plot. Notice how the plot is more complicated than a simple
linear plot.
Character
Victor
Frankenstein
The Monster
Goal
Actions
Chapter 1:
Chapter 1:
Chapter 1:
wanted to create a
man
pieced together dead
people
created a monster
Chapters –8:
Chapters –8:
Chapters –8:
wanted to create a
bride for the Monster
pieced together dead
people
created another
monster, but
destroyed her
Chapters 9–10:
Chapters 9–10:
Chapters 9–10:
wanted to destroy the
Monster
chased the Monster
died without killing
the Monster
Chapters 2–3:
Chapters 2–3:
Chapters 2–3:
wanted to find
friendship
tried to become
friends with a family
scared the family and
felt hatred
Chapters 4–6:
Chapters 4–6:
Chapters 4–6:
wanted to find a wife
threatened Victor if
he did not make him
a bride
never got a bride
Chapters 9–10:
Chapters 9–10:
Chapters 9–10:
wanted to make
Victor follow him
until he dies
ran and hid from
Victor, never letting
him catch him
Victor dies and the
game ends
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Outcome
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Frankenstein
Read the Book
Form the group that will read Frankenstein. Plan how the group
will read and respond. Some options are:
• Read with a Partner Have students read the book aloud,
alternating chapters. Students will then complete the Student
Journal page after each section. Encourage them to plan their
reading sessions, using the planner on Student Journal, page 2
to establish meeting times.
• Read Independently Group members read the book on their
own and then meet for The Exchange. The group can use the
planner on Student Journal, page 2 to establish the meeting time.
• Guided Reading Read aloud the summary at the beginning
of each chapter to give students an overview of the chapter.
Use the Before You Move On questions to check comprehension
as students read. Use Look Ahead to set a focus for reading
the next set of pages. At the end of each section, assign the
appropriate Student Journal page. Discuss the page before
starting the next section. Establish a date for The Exchange and
record it on the planner.
Whichever option you choose, use pages 5–9 for an at-a-glance
view of Student Journal pages, as well as answers to the Before
You Move On questions.
Point out that Shelley makes her plot more complex
than a straightforward linear one by intercutting the
stories of Frankenstein and the Monster.
Student Journal, page 2
Plan Your Schedule
My group members are: ___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
We plan to read Frankenstein and meet on these dates:
Chapters
Date We Will Finish Reading
Date We Will Discuss
Frankenstein
1
2–3
4–6
7–8
9–10
Our Exchange meeting will be on this date:
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.
Frankenstein
Pages 5–16
Student Journal, page 5
Frankenstein and Chapter 1
Pages 5–16
Respond to Frankenstein and Chapter 1
ANSWERS TO “BEFORE YOU MOVE ON”
Goal and Outcome Chart
What was Victor’s goal in Chapter 1? What did he do to reach that goal? Did
he reach it? Write your answers on the Chart on Journal page 4.
PAGE 11
1. Mood The feeling of a story is called mood. Reread page 9.
What makes the mood scary?
descriptions about things such as: the cold and gloomy night, darkness
low-burning candle, midnight, strange things happening
The story seems more exciting because it is told by a character.
2. Conflict Reread page 11. What is the problem of this story?
Victor created a monster instead of a man.
PAGE 16
1. Character The Monster thought he was a baby and Victor
was his father. What does this show about the Monster?
That he was helpless and wanted to be loved.
2. Viewing Look at the picture on page 15. How does it help
you understand Victor’s feelings of fear?
To Victor, the monster is huge. It looks scary with no eyes, grabbing
hands, and big blocky face. Victor looks desperate.
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Think It Over
Think about what you have read so far, and write the answers to these questions.
1. Personal Response Victor saw the Monster and realized he made a big
mistake. Tell about a mistake you once made. What did you do to correct it?
2. Narrator’s Point of View Reread the Frankenstein introduction on page 5.
Who is telling the story? How do you know? What effect might the narrator
have on the story? Why is this introduction important?
Victor Frankenstein is telling the story. He introduces
himself and says he will be telling his story. This
introduction tells the problem of the story he is going
to tell—that it is his fault that a monster is scaring and
killing people.
3. Genre Frankenstein is a horror story. It is meant to scare and surprise the
reader. List some ways it is scary and surprising. Start with the introduction.
How does the author get you interested?
Frankenstein
Pages 17–40
Student Journal, page 6
Chapters 2–3
Pages 17–40
Respond to Chapters 2–3
ANSWERS TO “BEFORE YOU MOVE ON”
Goal and Outcome Chart
Review what happened in Chapters 2–3. Add the Monster’s goal, actions, and
outcome to your Chart on Journal page 4.
PAGE 20
1. Character’s Motive The Monster left Victor’s house. Why?
He was curious like a child and wanted to find the moon.
2. Cause and Effect Reread pages 18–19. What did the
Monster do that scared the man in the woods? What scared
the Monster?
He smiled at him and looked ugly. The man’s reaction scared
the monster.
PAGE 25
1. Character’s Motive The Monster was afraid before he
entered the house full of people. Why did he decide
to enter?
Because he was hungry and it was cold outside.
2. Character At first the Monster tried to be friendly. But then
he howled and swung at people. Why did he change?
He got angry at people for hurting him.
Think It Over
Think about what you have read so far, and write the answers to these questions.
1. Personal Response The Monster taught himself to speak and read. Have
you ever taught yourself how to do something difficult? What did you
learn? Are you glad you took time to learn it?
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
2. Character On page 25, the narrator began to call the Monster “my Creature”
and felt sorry for him. On page 32, he seemed proud that his monster learned
to speak. Do you think the narrator will want the Monster back? Will he
want him back for good or selfish reasons?
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
3. Theme The Monster was misunderstood, hurt, and hated because of the
way he looked. What could be the theme or message of this book?
Don’t
judge someone by how they look. Take the time
________________________________________________________________________________
to get to know someone. Judge people by what they do
________________________________________________________________________________
and
say, not how they look.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 31
1. Evidence and Conclusions The Monster could think. Reread
pages 29–30. What shows he could think?
He questioned, made decisions, reasoned that he better stay hidden
or the family might chase him, and he began to learn words.
2. Character’s Motive Reread pages 30–31. Why did the Monster
leave berries and nuts on the doorstep?
He loved the family and knew they did not have a lot to eat.
PAGE 40
1. Plot The Monster did not know the reflection in the pool was
his and he was scared of it. What did he realize when the face
kept coming back?
That it was him, and he was a hideous monster. And he
remembered something about the jacket he wore.
2. Cause and Effect Reread pages 38–40. Why did hatred grow
in the Monster’s heart?
Because the family he loved hated him. He was angry Victor
Frankenstein created him.
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Frankenstein
Pages 41–55
Student Journal, page 7
Chapters 4 – 6
Pages 41–55
Respond to Chapters 4–6
ANSWERS TO “BEFORE YOU MOVE ON”
Goal and Outcome Chart
Review what you read. Add the Monster’s next goal and what he did to reach
the goal to your Chart on Journal page 4.
PAGE 46
1. Inference The Monster got better. Then he said that he was
“ready for Victor Frankenstein!” What did he mean?
That he was strong enough and angry enough to get revenge on
Victor for making him an ugly monster.
2. Character How did the Monster’s actions in Chapter 4 show
he had changed?
His actions showed he was no longer kind. He was now an
evil killer.
Think It Over
Write the answers to these questions.
1. Personal Response Everyone misunderstood the Monster. How do you feel
when people misunderstand you? What do you do to solve the problem?
2. Making Decisions Victor did not tell anyone about the Monster when
William was killed. He was afraid no one would believe him. What would
you do if you were Victor? How would you protect Justine?
PAGE 51
1. Character’s Motive Victor cried when he saw his
Monster. Why?
He knew the Monster was the killer of his own brother and that it
was his fault for creating the Monster.
2. Cause and Effect Victor did not tell his family about the
Monster. What happened as a result?
Justine was hanged and the Monster was still alive.
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PAGE 55
1. Character Victor felt sorry that the Monster never had love.
What will make the Monster feel better? Reread page 54 to
find out.
a wife to love him
2. Conclusions Victor first refused to make the wife. How did
the Monster convince him to do it?
He threatened to continue killing.
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3. Make Predictions Do you think Victor will create a wife for the Monster?
If so, will it calm the Monster?
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Frankenstein
Pages 56–67
Student Journal, page 8
Chapters 7– 8
Pages 56–67
Respond to Chapters 7–8
ANSWERS TO “BEFORE YOU MOVE ON”
Goal and Outcome Chart
Did the Monster reach his goal? Fill in the Outcome section on the Chart on
Journal page 4. Then write a goal, actions, and outcome for Victor.
PAGE 62
1. Setting Reread pages 58–59. Victor began to create a wife for
the Monster. Where did he go to do this? Why?
He went far away from his country, hoping the Monster would
follow him and get away from his family and friends.
2. Foreshadowing Reread page 62. The Monster ran away when
Victor destroyed his wife. What do you think will happen
next? Why?
The Monster will kill his wife. He says he will see him again on his
wedding night.
Think It Over
Think about what you have read so far and write the answers to these questions.
1. Personal Response Victor ran away from the horrors that the Monster
created. What are some of the bad things that can happen when
someone chooses not to solve a problem?
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
2. Confirm Predictions Was your prediction about Victor making a wife
correct? Are you surprised by what really happened?
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 67
3. Sequence What events happened that led to Victor’s arrest?
1. Comparisons How did Victor react to Clerval’s death? How
had he reacted to the death of his brother?
Victor felt very sad and guilty when his brother died. He laughed
when his friend died, because he had lost his mind and felt even
guiltier.
2. Conclusions Why was Victor set free from jail?
The police realized he did not kill Clerval because he was on the
island when it happened.
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Victor
destroyed the wife monster so the Monster killed
________________________________________________________________________________
Victor’s friend. When Victor started to leave England, a
________________________________________________________________________________
judge
accused him of killing his friend. When Victor saw
the dead friend, he laughed. Then the judge arrested him.
________________________________________________________________________________
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Frankenstein
Pages 68–77
Student Journal, page 9
Chapters 9 –10
Pages 68–77
Respond to Chapters 9–10
ANSWERS TO “BEFORE YOU MOVE ON”
Goal and Outcome Chart
Did Victor and the Monster reach their final goals? Complete the Chart
on Journal page 4.
PAGE 73
1. Conclusions Reread page 69. Victor did not tell Elizabeth
about the Monster. Why did he say, “Perhaps I should have”?
Because if she had known, maybe she would have escaped from the
Monster later that night.
2. Paraphrase Reread pages 72–73. In your own words, tell what
the Monster said to Victor in the graveyard.
You will chase me all over the world, but you will not find me until I
have all the revenge I want. He also said to follow him until he died.
PAGE 77
1. Character’s Motive The Monster led Victor to the dangerous
land of snow and ice. Why did Victor continue to chase him?
He did not care if both of them died. He wanted to catch
the Monster.
2. Character’s Point of View Reread page 77. How does
Victor feel about the Monster when he is dying at the end
of the story?
He realizes the Monster will be alone. He knows the Monster will
be sad, because he was his father and was the only one who could
have loved him.
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Think It Over
Think about what you have read so far and write the answers to these questions.
1. Personal Response Have you seen a horror movie or read another horror
story like Frankenstein? Do you like these kinds of movies or books? Why
or why not?
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
2. Judgments Compare the Monster to the humans in the story. Was he better,
worse, or the same as them? Use parts of the story to explain your answer.
He
had feelings like them. He was violent like them. He
________________________________________________________________________________
was good because he learned to read and wanted love.
________________________________________________________________________________
He
was bad because he was angry and killed. The
humans in the story did many of the same things. He was
________________________________________________________________________________
probably the same as them.
3. Making Decisions Victor made a lot of mistakes. Name some of them and
tell what you would have done differently if you were Victor.
created
an ugly monster; didn’t love or care for him;
________________________________________________________________________________
didn’t warn anybody about the monster when he got
dangerous
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
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Frankenstein
Allow time for groups to meet for The Exchange. If you plan to participate, use
these tips for guiding students in discussing the big question:
Why do people judge others by the way they look?
How would the Monster answer this question? What would his victims and
Victor say?
The Monster would say people judge others by looks because they have a strong
emotional reaction to what they first see. Because of their fear, people did not get to
know the Monster. The Monster’s victims and Victor would say that the fear they felt at
seeing the ugly monster caused them to judge him.
Victor hates the Monster as soon as he sees how ugly the Monster is.
Have you ever judged someone too quickly? Why?
What would have happened if Victor became friends with the Monster? Talk
about what you would have done if you were Victor.
If Victor had become friends with the Monster, the Monster probably would not have
become angry and killed people.
Extend the Reading
Write Comic Book Pages
Tell a Ghost Story
Ask About Frankenstein
Invite partners to choose
a chapter and turn it into
pages for a graphic novel
complete with illustrations,
speech balloons, and thought
balloons. They may want to
create separate panels and
present them as a storyboard.
Have students in small groups
sit in a circle and take turns
telling ghost stories about
Frankenstein’s monster.
Encourage them to use sound
effects and change the tone
of their voices as they try
to make the story sound as
creepy as possible.
Have two groups of students
stand in two circles with one
circle inside of the other.
Students then ask and answer
questions about the story.
First, students in the outside
circle ask questions and those
in the inside circle answer.
The students then rotate to
create new partnerships and
trade inside/outside roles.
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