Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

AP Free-Response Prompt, 2008 In a literary work, a minor character, often known as a foil, possesses traits that emphasize by contrast or comparison, the distinctive characteristics and qualities of the main character. For example, the ideas or behavior of the minor character might be used to highlight the weaknesses or strengths of the major character. Choose a novel or play in which a minor character serves as a foil to a main character. Then write an essay in which you analyze how the relation between the minor character and the major character illuminates the meaning of the work.

Assignment In Frankenstein, there are three possible foils for Victor: the monster Henry Clerval Elizabeth Choose one of these foils whose character, experience, and outcome best highlight the main character Write an essay using specifics from the text ANALYZE HOW THIS COMPARISON CREATES A/THE THEME OF THE NOVEL

Due on January 4/5 Pre-writing Outline Self-edited draft (with Twenty-Error Error Hunt) Final draft Self-reflection (Note that there is no peer review assigned on this essay. You may, of course, consult an editor, but the revisions are on you this time…Can you handle it?)

Pre-Writing Foil Character Strengths: Weaknesses: Outcome: Behaviors: Relative happiness: Morals: Psychology: Dr. Frankenstein Strengths: Weaknesses: Outcome: Behaviors: Relative happiness: Morals: Psychology: Station in life Age Education Interests Activities Relationships

Outline Introduction Hook??? Transition to foils in literature Context of story author title publication information Thesis: Body—Points of Comparison using specific details from the text Similarities of characters Major differences How the foil illuminates the main character How this insight creates theme in the novel The themes that are created by this comparison Conclusion Hook and return Summary of argument Clarification of theme/thesis Final Comment