Identifying features of the Gothic genre in the plot of ‘Frankenstein’
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify features of the Gothic genre in the plot of 'Frankenstein' in 'Frankenstein'.
Key learning points
- Gothic literature is literature that evokes feelings of mystery, fear and terror.
- The horrifying events narrated in Gothic texts are often metaphors for characters' psychological struggles.
- Gothic atmospheres are often tense, created by a fear of the unknown.
- The supernatural is also an important element of Gothic literature.
- Frankenstein tells the story of a scientist who pushes knowledge to its limit by creating a creature out of human parts.
Keywords
Gothic literature - literature that evokes feelings of mystery, fear and terror
Convention - a recognised way of doing things - a standard expectation of something
Supernatural - something that cannot be explained by the laws of science or nature
Unsettled - unnerved or uneasy - anxious
Isolated - alone - removed from others
Common misconception
Students think that Frankenstein is the name of the creature.
Frankenstein is the name of the scientist who created the hideous creature that students are often familiar with.
Teacher tip
Before reading the plot summary of Frankenstein, you could show the novel's cover and get students to label any Gothic conventions they can identify from the cover. They can then compare this with their table after completing task B.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.If decorating a Christmas tree is a 'convention' of Christmas, what might a 'convention' be?
Q2.Which of the following would you not expect to find in a frightening text?
Q3.The marked the shift away from using manpower to farm and manufacture goods, and the turn towards using machinery to resource and create products instead.
Q4.What did the Enlightenment period place emphasis on?
Q5.Which weather would create the most tense and frightening atmosphere?
Q6.Which of the following settings would create the most tense and frightening atmosphere?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is Gothic literature?
Q2.Who wrote the Gothic novel 'Frankenstein'?
Q3.Which of the following is not a Gothic convention?
Q4.Who is the character of Frankenstein in the novel 'Frankenstein'?
Q5.Why does the creature in the novel 'Frankenstein' kill Victor's friend Henry?
Q6.Why is the line between good and evil blurred in 'Frankenstein'?
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Identifying features of the Gothic genre in the plot of ‘Frankenstein’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Identifying features of the Gothic genre in the plot 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.