Frankenstein Literary Analysis Essay Assignment2012 1 
English 4
Veitch
Name: ___________________________________________ Date: ___________ Period: _________
Frankenstein
Literary Analysis Research Essay
Topic:
You are to analyze a major aspect of Frankenstein. Think about some of the themes we’ve discussed (effect of isolation, significance of nature/nurture, development, parental responsibilities, etc.). Using your brainstorm ideas, journal responses or class notes, develop an original analysis of the novel and utilized the ideas of other credible scholars to support your ideas.
Possible ideas:
1.) Develop the importance of a particular theme and make a generalization or value judgment on that particular theme
a. What is a major theme in Frankenstein? What significance does Shelley attach to the theme?
b. Ex. Napoleon Dynamite not only gives audiences as a vision of the triviality of small town life in America, but also shows the ambivalence and numbness of American youth.
2.) Make an arguable statement about a particular character (i.e. his or her traits) and discuss the significance of that particular trait.
a. How does Victor’s hubris (arrogance) become his greatest weakness? What symbolic elements does Shelley use to track his demise?
b. How are Robert (or the creature) and Victor alike and different? What purpose does this comparison serve?
c. Tyler Durden in Fight Club, while fundamentalist, should be viewed as a victim; his eventual destruction by conformity is representational of individuals in today’s society not being able to triumph over “accepted” morals and values.
3.) Make an arguable statement about a particular symbol, and what that symbol represents for that particular group or characters or society as a whole.
a. In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet , love in all its forms is viewed as a disease, one that can only be cured by death.
4.) Create an argument based on one of the critical styles we discussed.
a. Example: Why has Shelley made the creator and creature both male? What is she saying
Veitch
Name: ___________________________________________ Date: ___________ Period: _________
Frankenstein
Literary Analysis Research Essay
Topic:
You are to analyze a major aspect of Frankenstein. Think about some of the themes we’ve discussed (effect of isolation, significance of nature/nurture, development, parental responsibilities, etc.). Using your brainstorm ideas, journal responses or class notes, develop an original analysis of the novel and utilized the ideas of other credible scholars to support your ideas.
Possible ideas:
1.) Develop the importance of a particular theme and make a generalization or value judgment on that particular theme
a. What is a major theme in Frankenstein? What significance does Shelley attach to the theme?
b. Ex. Napoleon Dynamite not only gives audiences as a vision of the triviality of small town life in America, but also shows the ambivalence and numbness of American youth.
2.) Make an arguable statement about a particular character (i.e. his or her traits) and discuss the significance of that particular trait.
a. How does Victor’s hubris (arrogance) become his greatest weakness? What symbolic elements does Shelley use to track his demise?
b. How are Robert (or the creature) and Victor alike and different? What purpose does this comparison serve?
c. Tyler Durden in Fight Club, while fundamentalist, should be viewed as a victim; his eventual destruction by conformity is representational of individuals in today’s society not being able to triumph over “accepted” morals and values.
3.) Make an arguable statement about a particular symbol, and what that symbol represents for that particular group or characters or society as a whole.
a. In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet , love in all its forms is viewed as a disease, one that can only be cured by death.
4.) Create an argument based on one of the critical styles we discussed.
a. Example: Why has Shelley made the creator and creature both male? What is she saying