A written analysis of 'Frankenstein'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can confidently explain Shelley's intentions with the character of Frankenstein.
Key learning points
- It is important to understand a text's context, as this enhances our understanding of why it was written.
- To keep focus on the writer’s intentions in your response, ask yourself ‘why’ at each stage in the writing process.
- Victor Frankenstein is characterised as irresponsible to reflect Shelley’s concerns about unethical science.
- A convincing analytical response should follow one line of argument.
- Focusing on an author's intention results in stronger analytical writing.
Keywords
Writer's intentions - The writer’s intentions are what they hope to achieve through writing the text.
Irresponsible - To be irresponsible means not behaving in a sensible or responsible manner
Method - This is anything a writer does intentionally.
Convincing - A convincing response is well-evidenced, with a clear line of argument and a formal, academic tone.
Common misconception
Students often simply 'method spot' in analytical responses.
The writer's intention should form part of students' analysis of the text, as they should be outlining why the writer has used the method.
Teacher tip
For the feedback task in learning cycle 2, it might be nice to take a student response and model the self-assessment process using the questions on the slide.
Equipment
You will need access to the extract taken from Chapter 10 of 'Frankenstein' used throughout his lesson. This can be found in the additional materials.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In which year was 'Frankenstein' published?
Q2.Why did some people fear new discoveries made in the Scientific Revolution?
Q3.In what way is Victor Frankenstein punished for his irresponsible actions in 'Frankenstein'?
Q4.What made the Creature in 'Frankenstein' turn to violence and aggression?
Q5.When planning an essay, what does the supporting detail in a paragraph outline not need to contain?
Q6.Which is the best opening to an analytical response?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which question forces you to focus on the writer's intentions?
Q2.Which of these would not be a useful question to ask yourself when thinking about the writer's intentions?
Q3.Which of the following is an embedded quotation?
Q4.Why was Victor agreeing to create a second female Creature in 'Frankenstein' an irresponsible decision?
Q5.Why might Shelley have characterised Victor in 'Frankenstein' as careless and irresponsible?
Q6.Which of the following makes a convincing analytical essay?
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: A written analysis of 'Frankenstein', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: A written analysis of 'Frankenstein', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 English lessons from the A monster within: reading and writing Gothic fiction unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.