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Lesson 3

We will delve deeply into the historical context of the books the creature reads and their impact on his character development.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I use text evidence and original commentary from Chapter 17 to support an evaluative response?

  • Can I analyze relationships among thematic development, characterization, point of view, significance of setting, and plot in Chapters 15–17?

  • Can I analyze how characters’ behaviors and underlying motivations in Chapters 15–17 contribute to moral dilemmas that influence the plot and theme?

Texts

Core

  • Tradebook
    • Frankenstein, Mary Shelley, Signet Classics, 1831
  • Digital Access
    • “Frankenstein: The Creature’s Education,” Julie Melnyk, N/A, 2016

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 15–16 of Frankenstein.

Step 1

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

  1. The creature begins to study several books as part of his self-education. In what ways do the books develop his character?

  2. What are the repercussions, or consequences, of the creature’s interaction with Felix? In what ways do the creature’s actions make him more or less human?

  3. This chapter ends in a cliffhanger. Without reading ahead, how do you think Victor will react to the creature’s desire? What is Victor’s responsibility to the creature?

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

Step 2

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

Activity 2: View – Write

We will watch a narrated presentation providing historical context about the books the creature reads in chapter 15 and answer guiding questions in our Learning Logs.

Step 1

Watch "Frankenstein: The Creature’s Education." As you watch, record in your Learning Log key information presented about the following books:

  • The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

  • Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romansby Plutarch

  • Paradise Lost by John Milton

Step 2

In small groups, discuss your responses to the guiding questions by citing evidence from the presentation and the novel:

  1. What big ideas is the creature learning from each of the books? How do these ideas impact his development?

  2. How are each book's ideas continuing to develop the overall themes in the novel?

  3. How might the books connect with Shelley's 1818 audience? How is it different for current audiences?

Step 3

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

Activity 3: Read – Write – Discuss

We will read chapter 17 in Frankenstein and answer guiding questions in our Learning Logs.

Step 1

Independently, read Chapter 17 in Frankenstein. Respond in your Learning Log to the following questions:

  1. The text shifts back to Victor’s point of view in this chapter. What impact does this shift have in developing Victor’s character?

  2. What is the meaning of the word empathize?

  3. How do Victor and his creature differ in their ability to empathize? In what ways does this inform our understanding of what it means to be human?

  4. In what ways has the creature’s appeals affected Victor, if at all? What are Victor’s primary motivations?

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

Step 2

In pairs, discuss your responses to the guiding questions for Chapter 17.

Step 3

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

Activity 4: Read – Write

For homework, we will read chapters 18–19 of Frankenstein and answer guiding questions in our Learning Logs.

For homework, we will read and annotate Chapters 18-19 of Frankenstein. Respond in your Learning Log to the following questions:

  1. What does Henry Clerval add to the story? What function does his character serve?

  2. How has Victor changed over the course of the novel? In what ways is he affected by his natural instincts? In what ways is he affected by his experience?

  3. How does Shelley’s description of setting in these chapters reflect Romanticism? Use evidence from the text to support your response.

  4. Isolation is a common thematic idea in Frankenstein. The creature is isolated because of his appearance. Victor is isolated because of his secrecy. How is this theme being furthered in these chapters? What are some other examples of isolation in the novel?

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