FORMAL PAPER ON FRANKENSTEIN

DUE TO SAFEASSIGN BY 11:59 PM ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18^TH (AND IN CLASS ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19^TH)

Please choose one of the following topics (or pitch your own) to develop into a formal literary analysis essay. Please make sure you fulfill the following requirements:

1. 5-7 pages (and by 5 I do NOT mean 4 ½ – I will take off 10 points per missing page ON TOP OF any other points deducted).
2. 12 pt. font, Times New Roman ONLY, double-spaced, 1” margins (NO HEADERS).
3. Title that reflects your understanding of the topic (be creative!! Don’t just write “Men are the Monsters” or something like that – lame!!).
4. Correct MLA in-text citations (you should use at least 10 throughout your paper).
5. Well-organized, formal literary analysis that uncovers meaning below the surface – do not simply regurgitate plot. DO NOT USE “I”, “WE”, OR “YOU” WHEN DEFENDING YOUR ARGUMENTS!!

TOPICS (If you want to come up with your own, please get my approval firstJ):

1. 1.       Frankenstein is a product of British Romanticism, which is defined as “a revolt against aristocratic social and political norms of the Age of Enlightenment and a reaction against the scientific rationalization of nature. Romanticism validated strong emotion as an authentic source of aesthetic experience, placing new emphasis on such emotions as trepidation, horror and terror and awe—especially that which is experienced in confronting the sublimity of untamed nature and its picturesque qualities” (Classicliterature.com). The Romantics viewed nature as a source of emotional experience and spiritual renewal.  Literature in the Gothic tradition also involves nature’s darker side as relating to human experience. Discuss passages that relate to Nature and how it impacts character development and theme within the novel.

1. 2.       The word “solipsism” relates to “the view or theory that the self is all that can be known to exist”; in other words, “knowledge of anything outside one’s own mind is unsure.”  Can one define Frankenstein as solipsistic? Consider Shelley’s use of the word “friend” throughout this novel, and Frankenstein’s treatment of the creature, his family, Henry, and Elizabeth. Use evidence to prove your argument.

1. 3.       The idea behind “The Other” in literature refers to anyone opposing “the norm.” Who represents The Other in Frankenstein? Is it the creature or Frankenstein himself? How can you bring gender into this argument (referencing characters like Elizabeth, Caroline, Justine, and/or Safie)? Defend your answer using textual evidence.

1. 4.       Frankenstein is most often dissected as an allegory. Many things, including the way that the monster speaks, allude to this being the case. How could you defend Frankenstein as an allegory regarding social issues? Based on your analysis, what do the characters represent symbolically? Defend your answer through textual evidence. You may want to do some outside research on the time period to inform your argument (must cite appropriately). You MAY NOT write about the text as an allegory for the French Revolution: these papers are difficult to support, and they always turn into history papers, inherently disregarding the novel. Concentrate more on cultural and social issues and norms of the time.

1. 5.       Many 19^th century novels criticized the limited choices women were offered with regard to marriage, property, and independence. How does Shelley portray female characters? What is Shelley’s commentary on gender roles through this novel? You should understand expectations regarding gender roles during the early 19^th century, which may involve some outside research.

1. 6.       Discuss how the framed narrative structure of the novel affects the reliability of the narrator and the story as a whole (consider all narrators involved). What was Shelley’s purpose through choosing three male narrators to tell her story through letters and second-hand accounts?

(one I chose)

1. 7.       Regarding the topics of gender and procreation, is the novel more a reflection of a woman’s fear of generating a monster through natural birth (as it is written by a woman), or a man’s unnatural desire to give birth (as the titular character is a man)? How are these issues explored in depth throughout the course of the novel? To bolster your argument, you could also incorporate the way that sickness functions as a motif into your analysis of this theme.

Remember: do NOT summarize. ANALYZE the information based on textual evidence and in-depth interpretations. Please know that I care about your success: I am ALWAYS here to help you. Come to tutorials, schedule a time in the morning, or email me with any questions you have throughout your writing process. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE. Prioritize and plan your time accordingly.