Frankenstein of Woman by Mary Shelley

Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

Frankenstein of Woman by Mary Shelley

Subject: Literature (Gothic Literature, Romanticism)

Grade Level: 11-12 (Note: The novel's complexity and dark themes make it appropriate for more mature students)

Time Allotment: 6-8 weeks (This can be adjusted based on class time and desired depth of study)

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will analyze the characteristics of Gothic literature and how Shelley employs them in the novel.
  • Students will understand the themes of scientific ambition, creation vs. destruction, and the nature of good and evil.
  • Students will identify and interpret the perspectives of key characters like Victor Frankenstein, the creature, and Robert Walton.
  • Students will develop close reading skills and analyze literary devices like symbolism, foreshadowing, and epistolary form.
  • Students will participate in class discussions, debates, and writing assignments that explore the novel's ambiguity and enduring themes.

Materials:

  • Copies of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
  • Whiteboard or projector
  • Markers or pens
  • Handouts for activities and assignments (character charts, Gothic elements analysis worksheets, discussion questions, essay prompts)
  • Access to online resources on Gothic literature and Romanticism (optional)

Lesson Procedures:

Week 1-2: Introduction and Gothic Literature

  • Introduction: Introduce Mary Shelley and Frankenstein. Briefly discuss the context of Romanticism and the rise of Gothic literature.
  • Gothic Elements: Identify key characteristics of Gothic literature such as dark settings, supernatural elements, suspense, and a focus on the monstrous. Analyze how Shelley incorporates these elements in the novel.

Activities:

  • Students can create a graphic organizer that outlines the key characteristics of Gothic literature.
  • Research and present on a specific Gothic novel or author (e.g., Dracula by Bram Stoker, The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe).

Week 3-4: Characters and Perspectives

  • Character Analysis: Focus on the development of key characters like Victor Frankenstein, the creature, and Robert Walton. Students can complete a character analysis chart that tracks each character's motivations, actions, and transformations throughout the novel. Discussions can explore themes of ambition, isolation, and the search for identity.
  • Epistolary Form: Analyze the significance of the epistolary form (letters) used in the novel. Discuss how it shapes the narrative perspective and contributes to the sense of mystery and suspense.

Activities:

  • Students can write a journal entry from the perspective of a character at a pivotal moment in the story.
  • In pairs, students can analyze a specific exchange of letters and discuss how it reveals character motivations and contributes to the plot.

Week 5-6: Themes and Symbolism

  • Major Themes: Explore the novel's central themes such as scientific ambition and its consequences, the nature of creation and destruction, the search for knowledge and its limitations, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
  • Symbolism: Analyze the use of symbols in the novel, such as light and darkness, fire and ice, and the creature itself. Discuss how they contribute to the themes and overall meaning.

Activities:

  • Students can create a visual representation (collage, drawing) of a symbol from the novel and explain its significance in the context of the story.
  • Hold a Socratic Seminar discussion on a specific theme, encouraging students to use textual evidence to support their interpretations.

Week 7-8: Debates and Relevancy

  • Scientific Responsibility: Hold a debate on the ethics of scientific exploration and the importance of responsibility for one's creations.
  • Modern Connections: Explore how the themes of Frankenstein resonate with contemporary audiences. Discuss issues like artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and the ongoing debate about the boundaries of science.

Activities:

  • Students can research current advancements in science and technology and discuss potential ethical concerns related to Frankenstein's themes.
  • Write a persuasive essay arguing for or against a specific scientific development in light of the lessons learned from Frankenstein.

Differentiation:

  • Provide scaffolding and support for struggling readers through chapter summaries, annotated versions of the text, and vocabulary lists.
  • Challenge advanced students with deeper analysis of literary devices and philosophical references, research on the history of science, or comparisons with film adaptations.
  • Offer a variety of response formats for assignments to cater to different learning styles (e.g., presentations, creative writing, visual projects).

Assessment:

  • Class participation in discussions and debates
  • Character analysis charts
  • Gothic elements analysis worksheets
  • Journal entries or letter-writing assignments
  • Symbolism analysis projects
  • Debates and presentations on scientific responsibility
  • Persuasive essays on the novel's contemporary relevance or a final project demonstrating understanding of the novel's themes and characters.