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Lesson 4

As we begin to prepare for the Section Diagnostic, we will engage in close reading activities to solidify our understanding of the text’s big ideas.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I discuss and write about the explicit and implicit meanings of Chapters 11–12?

  • Can I analyze relationships among thematic development, characterization, point of view, significance of setting, and plot in Chapters 11–12?

  • Can I evaluate Shelley’s messages within Frankenstein?

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 11–12 of Frankenstein.

Step 1

Join your group to review the homework reading. Use the following questions to guide your discussion:

  1. What is the impact of the shift in point of view from Victor to the creature? Why is it interesting that the story is still being told by Walton?

  2. What observations does the creature make about humans and society throughout these chapters? What impact do these observations have on him? Explain your thinking.

  3. What is the significance of Frankenstein’s creature referring to language as a "godlike science"? In what ways does the creature’s desire to learn language inform our understanding of the need for human connection?

  4. The creature is hopeful he will be accepted into society. Do you predict the cottagers will welcome him? What might be the result of your response?

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: Discuss

We will use the notes we’ve recorded on the Frankenstein big ideas Note-Taking Tool to reflect on discussion questions for the novel through chapter 12.

As a class, review your Frankenstein Big Ideas Note-Taking Tool and refer to it while we discuss the following questions:

  1. Which characters have demonstrated a need for human connection? How does their need impact the story? Consider conflict, tone, and theme in your response.

  2. Based on Frankenstein alone, what message does Mary Shelley want to convey about humanity? Use examples from the text in your answer.

  3. How does the concept of responsibility figure into the story? What does Shelley want to convey about what living beings owe each other? Use examples from the text in your answer.

Be sure to record additional notes in your Frankenstein Big Ideas Note-Taking Tool throughout the discussion.

Activity 3: Read – Write

We will evaluate the evidence we have collected on the Frankenstein big ideas Note-Taking Tool related to the Section Diagnostic.

Access your Frankenstein Big Ideas Note-Taking Tool and consider the evidence you have collected related to the need for human connection.

In pairs, discuss the following question:

  1. What messages has Mary Shelley conveyed about the need for human connection in the novel?

Record important information discussed in your Learning Log.

Activity 4: Read

For homework, we will identify key words and writing techniques that we plan to use in our responses to the Section Diagnostic.

For homework, review your Vocabulary Journal. Identify a significant word or words that you would like to use in your response to the Section Diagnostic.

Review your Mentor Sentence Journal. Select at least one technique that you plan to use when writing your response to the Section Diagnostic.