Frankenstein Literary Analysis Essay

Literary Analysis Essay. Analyze and evaluate the argument concerning monstrosity, its definition, nature and root-causes, as developed in Shelley's Frankenstein. According to the author, what is a "monster" and what is it like to be one? In what ways, according to Shelley, do creatures become monsters due to social forces beyond their own control, and in what ways is their monstrosity their own responsibility and the result of their own choices? Accordingly, which characters seem more or less guilty of his own monstrosity? Finally, evaluate how well Shelley has created a valid conception or characterization of monstrosity;in other words, explain how Shelley succeeds and fails to create a valid argument or representation of the nature of monstrosity.  (4 pages min.)

There are two graded portions of this assignment: a formal (typed) outline and an essay based on that outline. An outline is linked here. Make sure you quote and cite in the outline as well as the essay. The general essay organization is described below.

Use this outline to get started on the essay itself:

Part 1: Intro: Introduce the text and author, publication date etc., describe what your essay will attempt. Summarize your conclusion in a clear thesis statement.

Part 2: Summarize/describe Shelley’s (implied and explicit) definition of a monster: According to Shelley, a monster is x. She believes it is like y to be one etc. Use and cite quotes as support. Remember that there may be more than one monster in the text.

Part 3: Summarize/describe how Shelley’s monster (s) becomes monstrous due to forces beyond his/their own control. According to Shelley’s novel, in what ways does monstrosity seem a matter of essence, of fate or natural forces beyond one's own responsibility and the result of his own choices?

Part 4:  Summarize/describe how Shelley’s monster (s) becomes monstrous due to forces within his/their own control. According to Shelley’s novel, in what ways does monstrosity seem the result of his own choices,of one's own responsibility?

Part 5: From the elements cited in the previous two paragraphs, summarize Shelley's main point about the nature of monstrosity and root this summary within Shelley's historical/cultural/personal context as discussed in class; how does Shelley's representation of monstrosity itself represent the Cultural Lens within which she lived?

Part 6: Conclusion: Finally, evaluate how well the author has created a valid conception or representation of monstrosity; explain how,according to your own understanding of monstrosity, Shelley succeeds and/or fails to create valid monsters. 

REMEMBER: You are not simply writing “an essay” but should be addressing the specific questions posed in the assignment; address the assignment in a clear thesis and defend that thesis in your essay. Use and cite quotes frequently to prove your statements are accurate to the text.

Also see Drake's General Assignment Guidelines