FRANKENSTEIN CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Requirements:

3 to 5 pages
Must use and underline/highlight/bold a minimum of 3 absolutes
Use STRONG voice
MLA format

Directions: For this assignment you may choose between two options.
1) You may write a formal argument in which you make a claim about the text and use
textual evidence to defend your claim
OR
2) You may write a creative analysis in which you write the first chapter of a sequel to
Frankenstein.
FORMAL ANALYSIS
Create a clear argument that effectively supports a claim you have made about the text. Hint:
your claim is your thesis statement.
Helpful suggestions:
1) Pick a theme and explain how minor characters emphasize that theme.
2) Choose a paratext we have studied in class and discuss how it has influenced your
interpretation of the novel. Use textual support to defend your interpretation.
3) How does the framing text technique affect the readers perception of the narrators?
4) Has Frankenstein become obsolete, or is it still relevant to todays society? How? Why?
5) What was Shelleys goal in writing Frankenstein? What lesson or point Frankenstein
makes do you think is the most important? Is it a warning against science? Is it a caution
tale about ambition and desire? What about education and knowledge?
You may choose your own idea, but you must first have it approved by me.

CREATIVE ANALYSIS
In class we discussed the contradiction the ending of Frankenstein creates. Victors purpose
in retelling his tale to Walton is to caution Walton of the dangers of ambition and desire.
However, on his deathbed, Victor begs Walton to carry on his mission. Unfortunately, by the
end of the novel the reader doesnt know what Walton will do. Due to this ambiguous ending,
some have speculated that Shelley intended to write a sequel that narrates Waltons
harrowing journey to destroy the monster. Write the first chapter of the sequel to

Frankenstein. In this chapter you must decide whether or not Walton will pursue the monster
per Victors request and write the chapter accordingly. In addition to this chapter, you must
also write a 2 page argument using textual evidence to explain why Walton decides what he
does in your story. The entirety of this project should still be between 3 to 5 pages.
GRADING RUBRIC
ANALYSIS GRADING RUBRIC
Thesis (10 points)
Is the thesis clearly presented in the opening of the paper?
Does the writer state his or her interpretation and the direction the discussion will go?

Comments:

Structure/organization (15 points)

Does the paper have a strong introduction?
Does the paper have a strong conclusion?
Is the paper organized into paragraphs?
Do paragraphs focus on one idea?
Is every paragraph directly connected to the thesis?
Are there clear and logical connections from one point to the next?

Comments:

Support material (20 points)

Does the writer provide sufficient support from the text to make the paper convincing and
credible?

Is support material explained and connected to the argument?

Comments:

Argument (20 points)

Does the writer clearly state his or her interpretation?
Is the thesis something that is significant and debatable?
Is the writing free from generalizations (everyone knows, most people agree,)?

Comments:

Language (10 points)

Does the writer use an appropriate tone?
Has the writer avoided use of the first person?
Does the writer use specific and vivid language to communicate the argument?
Are sentences clear, concise, and correctly constructed?

Comments:

Format (5 points)
Does the paper have an MLA format heading on the first page?
Does the paper have MLA format page numbering on all pages?
Are the font, font size, and margins following MLA guidelines?

Comments:

Grammar (10 points)

Does the author avoid use of awkward and incorrect sentence structure?
Does the author properly punctuate his/her sentences?
Does the author use appropriate tense?

Absolute Phrases (10 points)

Does the author properly use and identify at least 3 absolute phrases in their writing?

Comments: