English IV
Frankenstein Essential Questions
Chapters 1-6
1. Pick a passage where the author’s diction helps to create the mood for thefollowing specific
characters: Robert Walton or Victor Frankenstein. Explain/analyze how this diction creates
a specific mood. Please writethe passage and page number that you choose. Underline the
specific word youuse in your response to describe the mood.
2. Discuss in a well-developed explanation at least 2 elements of a Gothic Romance as seen in
the book in chapters 1-6. Identify the specific characteristic and explain how it is seen in the
book.
English IV
Frankenstein Essential Questions
Chapters 7-12
1. Discuss 2 elements of a Gothic Romance as seen in chapters 7-12. Choose a quote for each and discuss
how the quote explains the element of Gothic Romance as well as sets the mood.
2. Evaluate Victor’s actions from an ethical point of view. Does he cross a line in the pursuit of
knowledge? Discuss the following aspects of a God complex, and choose a passage that supports your
point for each.
A. The Christian belief is that only God can create life; however, Victor creates his monster. Discuss
whether you feel Victor’s actions and attitude before, during and after the creation comes to life are
ethical or not.
B. Victor participates in the scientific aspect of choosing and creating the “perfect child.” Does his
experiment go according to his plan? Discuss whether Victor has an obligation to the creature as a
“father,” and be sure to discuss whether you think his actions before creation and after are ethical
or not.
English IV
Frankenstein Essential Question
Chapters 13-18
Compose a letter using the following format. This assignment should be based upon the listed passages from the novel.
Message Speaker Audience Tone Purpose Method
revenge Grendel’s mom the monster didactic to teach letter
Chapter 16: monster
“I continued for the remainder of the day in my hovel in a state of utter and stupid despair. My protectors had departed and had broken the only link that held me to the world. For the first time the feelings of revenge and hatred filled my bosom, and I did not strive to control them, but allowing myself to be borne away by the stream, I bent my mind towards injury and death.”
“I had saved a human being from destruction, and as a recompense I now writhed under the miserable pain of a wound which shattered flesh and bone. The feelings of kindness and gentleness which I had entertained but a few moments before gave place to a hellish rage and gnashing of teeth. Inflamed by pain, I vowed eternal hatred and vengeance to all mankind.”
English IV
Frankenstein Essential Question Chapters 19-24
Criminal Profile: The Daemon
Many of you will be familiar with “Criminal Minds,” the highly popular TV series that follows the adventures of a profiling team from the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) from Quantico, Virginia. Unlike other crime shows, which focus on the crime, “Criminal Minds” focuses on the criminal.
You are going to take on the role of a FBI profiler and analyze Frankenstein’s creature based on the crimes he has committed thus far in the novel. Your profiles should include answers to the following questions:
•What does this character look like? How does he carry himself? How does he dress?
•How does this character speak? Does he have any identifiable speech patterns?
•Where was this character born? How was he raised?
•Describe the time period in which this character lives. How do the times affect this character’s thinking and actions?
•What is this character’s main motivation? Why?
•Describe any redeeming qualities this character may have.
•Analyze the character’s personality flaws. From what do they stem? How do they affect the choices he makes?
•Choose an object this character holds or would hold dear. Explain the connection.
•Does this character have any secrets? If so, explain.
•Who would be this character’s contemporary counterpart? Explain your choice.