Literary Analysis Essay
Frankenstein
ESSAY DUE IN YOUR NETWORK STUDENT
FOLDER BY THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH, 2011,
AT 2:30 PM.
English 12 • Banton/Slate
A literary analysis essay includes a clear thesis statement that addresses something meaningful about
the novel, often about the theme, its historical or literary significance or a character. This is NOT A BOOK
REPORT.
You will support your points with a few quotations and paraphrases (cited correctly), but the majority of
the paper will be you in your own words explaining your thoughts, ideas or arguments.
You will pick ONE of the topic selections provided on the back of this page.
ESSAY ASSESSMENT RUBRIC
Formatting
In-text
Citations
25-18
17-9
8-0
The paper submitted is 400-450
words, double-spaced throughout in
Calibri – 12 point font. The student’s
name, the class title, the teacher’s
name and the date are included in
the top left of the first page.
The paper submitted is 350-399
words, double-spaced throughout in
Calibri-12 point font. At least three
of the following are included in the
top left of the first page: student’s
name, the class title, the teacher’s
name and the date.
The paper submitted is less
than 350 words and/or the font
type and size and spacing may
be improperly formatted.
Identifying information missing.
All quoted and paraphrased material
cited properly and accurately. The
writer clearly identifies the novel
being discussed so that there is no
need for a works cited page.
Quoted and paraphrased material
cited but not properly or accurately.
The writer does not clearly identify
the novel discussed so that there is
a need for a works cited page.
Little or no citations included in
the novel. The novel discussed
is never identified.
The paper is grammatically sound
with only one or two grammar or
mechanical issues.
The paper contains a few grammar
or mechanics issues but not enough
to detract from the meaning of the
writing.
The paper contains many
grammar and mechanical. An
apparent lack of proofreading
present.
The author’s opinion and
understanding of the issue are clear
and the paper includes an easily
identifiable thesis statement. Body
paragraphs support the thesis with
at least two quotes from the novel
and the reader’s thoughts, ideas and
arguments are communicated with
clear language and thoughtful
comments.
The author’s opinion and/or
understanding of the issue are
somewhat clear but the paper
leaves some questions for the
reader. Some evidence and support
included but may be ineffective,
repetitive or lacks substance. Thesis
statement is hard to find or lacks
specificity. Only one quote from the
book included.
The author provides no opinion
and/or analysis of the research
question. The paper leaves
more questions than answers.
Little or no support of the
writer’s statements. No thesis
statement. No quotes from the
book used to back-up the
writer’s thoughts, ideas or
arguments.
Example: (p 5)
Grammar &
Mechanics
Content
Essay Topic Selections (Pick One)
1. The full title of the novel is Frankenstein: A Modern Prometheus. In Greek
mythology, Prometheus stole fire from the gods to share with mankind. Zeus
punished him for his crime by having him bound to a rock while a huge eagle
ate his liver every day only to have it grow back to be eaten again the next day.
In other words, he was punished with eternal pain and suffering.
In an essay, explain how the novel could be considered a modern (remember,
modern for Mary Shelley) adaptation of the Prometheus story?
2. The novel Frankenstein includes many themes that center around the duality
of man and human nature. Select one aspect of this duality (friendship,
knowledge, responsibility, power, appearances) and discuss the theme in an
essay.
3. Select one character in the novel Frankenstein. In an essay, write a complete
character study making sure you include your thoughts about the character
and the character’s significance to the novel, its themes and other characters.
4. Think about the format of the frame story in the novel Frankenstein. In an
essay, discuss how the frame story format does or does not effectively
promote the themes and messages of the book and author.
5. Refer to your notes on Gothic literature. In an essay, discuss how the novel
Frankenstein is an example of gothic literature.
6. Your choice of theme or issue. As long as you clearly identify the theme or
issue, you may write an essay on a topic of your choice using Frankenstein as
the primary source.