Frankenstein Analytical Essay

Choose one of the topics below to analyze some aspect of the novel Frankenstein.

Topics:

1. Discuss the role of nature in the novel.

2. Discuss the similarities between Victor and his creation. How do they evolve through the novel to become similar?

3. Who was the monster, Frankenstein or his creation?

4. Discuss Shelley’s use of physical beauty and ugliness in the novel.

5. Compare R. Walton to Victor Frankenstein. How are they similar? What is the role of this similarity in the novel?

6. Discuss Victor’s actions. Does he commit “sin” according to the logic of the work? If so, what are the consequences of his sin and do you believe them to be just?

7. One of the most important themes of Frankenstein is the importance of companionship. Identify several characters who long for or enjoy companionship and discuss how it shapes their actions in the novel.

8. Victor and the creature both claim to be the most wretched creatures on earth. Who is the most wretched of the two?

9. Use one of Keith Neilson’s ideas from the Afterword as a focus for an essay.

10. Your own idea—please clear it with me first.

Draft a thesis statement: This should be insightful, arguable and clear.

Use this old-fashioned Planning Sheet to plan your essay (or outline in on another sheet of paper). This is actually a very good way to visualize how each part/paragraph of your essay fits under your thesis, and to gather specifics to support each of your points.

Requirements for essay:

*an introduction which mentions the author and title, includes a brief summary of the parts of the book that is relevant to your topic, and ends with your thesis statement

*at least three well-developed body paragraphs, each one with at least one quotation from the book

*a concluding paragraph that wraps up your discussion in a satisfying way

*500-750 words

*typed, double-spaced, using MLA format (see back of this sheet)

*proof-read for spelling/grammatical/typographical errors