Frankenstein
Frankenstein Essay Prompts
Due date: March 4, 2011
Directions: Answer one of the following prompts in a well-crafted five paragraph essay.
Ensure that you provide a thesis statement which gives a clear focus and direction for the paper and that your topic sentences do the same for each paragraph.
Your thesis statement must discuss what Shelley is saying about the theme on which you are writing.
Once you have a thoughtful and clearly stated thesis, the quality of your paper will be determined by the quality of your commentary. Make sure that your commentary includes meaningful opinions that are tied to specific details in the text.
Include at least six concrete details (CD’s) supporting your thesis and at least six pieces of commentary (CM’s) explaining the significance of the CD’s.
Stay in present tense and do not use first person in your essay.
Some questions that will help you create good commentary: How does this CD affect the reader? Why would Shelley want the reader to think/feel/respond in this way? What theme is Shelley dealing with in this CD? What is she saying about the theme?
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?
Due date: March 4, 2011
Directions: Answer one of the following prompts in a well-crafted five paragraph essay.
Ensure that you provide a thesis statement which gives a clear focus and direction for the paper and that your topic sentences do the same for each paragraph.
Your thesis statement must discuss what Shelley is saying about the theme on which you are writing.
Once you have a thoughtful and clearly stated thesis, the quality of your paper will be determined by the quality of your commentary. Make sure that your commentary includes meaningful opinions that are tied to specific details in the text.
Include at least six concrete details (CD’s) supporting your thesis and at least six pieces of commentary (CM’s) explaining the significance of the CD’s.
Stay in present tense and do not use first person in your essay.
Some questions that will help you create good commentary: How does this CD affect the reader? Why would Shelley want the reader to think/feel/respond in this way? What theme is Shelley dealing with in this CD? What is she saying about the theme?
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?