1. Mary Shelley FRANKENSTEIN EXCERPTS

2. ABOUT THE NOVEL Frankenstein was published in 1818 During this time, many new experiments were being performed that utilized electricity In addition, Frankenstein was written during the Romantic period in literature Romantic literature emphasizes emotions, utilizes the supernatural, and promotes free thinking and individuality A common misconception about the novel is that the name of the creature is Frankenstein. THIS IS NOT TRUE! Frankenstein is the name of the scientist who creates the monster, not the monster itself Furthermore, the monster is not a brute who cannot speak, but has the ability to learn and becomes a very eloquent speaker We also do not see HOW the monster is brought to life, leaving Victor’s secret of bestowing life a mystery

3. THEMES OF THE NOVEL The blurry line between good and evil The human soul The dangers of passion/obsession

4. FRAMING TALES Frankenstein utilizes a literary technique known as a framing tale A framing tale is a story that provides a context for the actual story In the case of Frankenstein, the framing tale is a ship traveling across the Arctic Ocean finds a man wandering across an icy shelf This man is Victor Frankenstein While aboard this merchant ship, Victor tells his story to the ship’s captain. Framing tales can provide a reason for a narrator to be telling the readers the story

5. SCIENCE FICTION MEETS GOTHIC LITERATURE There are several elements of gothic literature in the novel The use of weather to depict characters’ emotions Intense emotions, particularly fear The use of morbid or grotesque imagery

6. ABOUT THE EXCERPTS We will be picking up the story shortly after the death of Victor Frankenstein’s mother He is about to leave his home to go study at a college in Ingolstadt He mentions his adopted cousin Elizabeth, whom he is in love with, and his best friend Henry Clerval These are important characters in the story and Victor’s life Pay close attention to what drives Frankenstein to the creation of the creature and how he reacts when his work is finally done