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Lesson 2

We will continue our study of Frankenstein, focusing our attention on human connection as it relates to answering the Central Question: What does it mean to be human?

Lesson Goals

  • Can I analyze relationships among thematic development, characterization, point of view, significance of setting, and plot in Chapters 6–8?

  • Can I analyze how characters’ behaviors and underlying motivations in Chapters 6–8 contribute to moral dilemmas that influence the plot and theme?

  • Can I critique and evaluate how complex plot structures such as subplots contribute to and advance the action in Chapters 6–8?

Texts

Core

  • Tradebook
    • Frankenstein, Mary Shelley, Signet Classics, 1831

Materials

Tools

Reference Guides

Question Sets

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Read – Discuss

We will work in groups to review our answers to the guiding questions from chapters 6–7 of Frankenstein.

Step 1

Join your group to review the homework reading. Use the following questions to guide your discussion and be sure to cite evidence from the text to support your responses:

  1. We see two new letters in these chapters: one from Elizabeth and one from Victor’s father. Compare their tone. What is their impact on the overall tone of the novel? How does the use of letters impact the plot?

  2. What is Victor’s relationship to the natural world? What impact do the natural settings in these chapters have on the meaning of the story?

  3. What connection do you infer Shelley makes between Justine and "justice"? Do you think she’s guilty? Why or why not?

As you discuss your answers, consider adding notes to your Frankenstein Big Ideas Note-Taking Tool.

Step 2

Take a few moments to record additional notes in your Frankenstein Big Ideas Note-Taking Tool.

Activity 2: Read – Write – Discuss

We will read chapter 8 in Frankenstein and answer guiding questions in our Learning Logs.

Step 1

Independently, read Chapter 8 in Frankenstein. Respond to the following questions in your Learning Log:

  1. How does Justine handle her misfortunes differently than Victor? How do these two approaches to difficulty reflect differences in humanity?

  2. Why doesn’t Victor speak up to save Justine? Is he right to hide his creation? Why or why not?

  3. What do you think Shelley believes about the justice system? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

  4. How do the deaths of William and Justine impact Victor, his creation, and their relationship?

As you read, record new or interesting words you encounter in your Vocabulary Journal.

Step 2

In pairs, discuss your responses to the guiding questions for Chapter 8.

Take a few moments to record any additional notes in your Frankenstein Big Ideas Note-Taking Tool.

Activity 3: Read – Write

We will analyze a mentor sentence from the novel.

Use the Working with Mentor Sentences Tool to analyze the sentence provided by your teacher.

Be sure to record the sentence in your Mentor Sentence Journal to expand your writer’s toolbox.

Activity 4: Read – Write

For homework, we will read chapters 9–10 of Frankenstein and answer guiding questions in our Learning Logs.

For homework, we will read and annotate Chapters 9-10 of Frankenstein. Respond to the following questions in your Learning Log:

  1. How do Shelley’s setting descriptions in these two chapters impact our understanding of Victor’s character? How do they develop tension within the story?

  2. How would you describe Victor’s creation, both physically and emotionally? How does this description compare to his representation in today’s culture (i.e., what do you think of when you hear the name “Frankenstein”)?

  3. Why might Shelley include an allusion to Milton’s poem Paradise Lost? What comparisons might she be trying to draw and why?

Record new or interesting words you encounter in your Vocabulary Journal. Also, in your Mentor Sentence Journal, record at least one sentence that strikes you as interesting or that represents a strong example of a concept you learned.