Remember in choosing a topic you must turn it into a thesis – take a position that you will
prove with txt evidence.
1. Write an essay discussing what Victor learns throughout the course of the novel.
How do his goals and plans change as the novel progresses?
For example for the above question say that Victor learns about himself and the human
condition with his creation of the The Monster.
Or, over the course of the novel Victor becomes …….
2. Analyze a character other than Victor Frankenstein or the creature. What is
his/her role in the story? Is he/she necessary to the novel? Why or why not?
For example, Victor undergoes the same dilemmas that many scientists who have
invented great things experience.
3. In your opinion, discuss how Victor Frankenstein could have helped the creature
acclimate to and be accepted by society. What would you have done differently?
4. Write an essay explaining how the creature of Frankenstein forms the archetypal
horror character.
5. Evaluate Victor’s actions from an ethical point of view. How does Victor act or
shy away from acting ethically?
6. Compare the creature’s development and actions to those of a child. Does viewing
the creature as a child alter one’s view of him? Why or why not?
Physical Appearance
Some of the central characters in "Frankenstein" are notable for their
physical appearance, with destinies that may or may not be reflected in
their looks. Argue one way or the other. Related to this idea, you could
also argue that physical appearance is an indicator of character. Discuss
whether beauty signifies a beautiful soul and whether ugliness represents
an ugly soul.
Character
You might take a position on who is worse, the monster or his creator.
Consider which of them is more a monster or whether they both are
monsters. You will need to look past the superficial and consider each
character from different angles, the physical and the spiritual among them.
You will also have to set criteria to define inner and outer beauty and use it
to make a comparison of each character. Related to this, you could
develop a thesis that answers whether the monster, Frankenstein, Caroline,
Elizabeth and other characters are symbols of human nature.
Romanticism
Mary Shelley wrote "Frankenstein" as a Gothic novel during the Romantic
period, during which the natural world was revered. You could write about
the ways in which the monster represents the natural and the unnatural,
arguing that he is more a reflection of one or the other, or that he
represents both equally. In either case, discuss the moral values of
Romanticism. You might also consider taking a position on whether or not
we should view the monster as a victim or perpetrator in light of Mary
Shelly's Romantic sensibility.
Narration
Through their letters, several characters inform the storyline of
"Frankenstein." Some critics have argued that too many characters drive
the storyline, making the work a mishmash. You could develop a thesis on
that narrative strategy, discussing whether it works cohesively, or whether
Shelley should have eliminated some of the epistolary influences, instead
sticking to third-person omniscient. To do so, you will need to consider
whether her strategy serves a purpose that is not readily apparent, such as
reflecting the monster's creation, or whether it was just a quick way for her
to develop the story without having to finesse point of view.
Alter Ego
1. Alter egos often populate works of fiction, and it's always interesting
to argue that two characters do or do not represent different sides of
the same character. For this thesis, discuss how Frankenstein and
his monster are the same and different, and in what ways they seem
to mesh. Ultimately, you will have to take a position on whether they
represent different aspects of what is essentially one character, or
whether Shelley intended them to be taken at face value.
http://classroom.synonym.com/thesis-ideas-mary-shelleys-frankenstein-4933.html
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Throughout Frankenstein, Shelley uses the weather to symbolize the mood of a situation or
the experience of a character. Identify at least three specific examples of how the weather
reflects the narrative and analyze the connection of each.
Throughout Frankenstein, Victor’s own family is juxtaposed to Victor’s relationship to and
treatment of the Creature. Identify and analyze at least three specific instances where the
contrast between the instances of nurturing and neglect are given in the novel.
Identify and analyze a theme of Frankenstein. Find at least three specific examples from the
novel that support this theme and explain each in detail.
It can easily be argued that Frankenstein is a “classic” romantic novel. Explain how
Frankenstein embodies romanticism. (Hint: explain how Frankenstein approaches nature,
childhood, and imagination.)
marinoteacher.files.wordpress.com/.../frankenstein-essayprompts1.doc
1. Discuss what is meant by the Romantic patterns found in
the novel?
2. Describe the personality of Victor Frankenstein and the
monster he creates.
3. How does the monster learn about the world in which he
lives?
4. Is the ending inevitable? Do the monster and Victor have
to be destroyed in order for there to be order restored
among men?
5. How is Frankenstein both a Romantic novel and a Gothic
horror novel?
6. Discuss the role that nature plays in this novel.
7. Are the characters of Robert Walton and Victor
Frankenstein similar or dissimilar? Discuss your viewpoint
fully.
1. Discuss the role of sickness in the novel. Victor often seems to fall ill after
traumatic events. Is this a means of escape, and, if so, is it effective? Is there
another explanation for his recurring illness?
2. Does the creature’s eloquence and persuasiveness make it easier for the
reader to sympathize with him? Why do you think most film versions of the
story present the creature as mute or inarticulate?
3. Trace the similarities between Victor and the creature. Consider their
respective relationships with nature, desires for family, and any other
important parallels you find. Do Victor and the creature become more similar
as the novel goes on? How does their relationship with each other develop?
4. Victor attributes his tragic fate to his relentless search for knowledge. Do you
think that this is the true cause of his suffering? In what ways does the novel
present knowledge as dangerous and destructive?
5. Examine the role of suspense and foreshadowing throughout the novel. Do
you think these devices are effective, or does Victor’s blatant foreshadowing
reveal too much? How does foreshadowing differ among the three main
narrators (Walton, Victor, and the creature)?