Regret in Mary Shelley’s 'Frankenstein'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Frankenstein's attitude towards the Creature fluctuates throughout the text.
Key learning points
- In Chapter 10, we see Frankenstein confront the Creature aggressively.
- Frankenstein regrets creating first Creature, and regrets his decision to begin creating the second one.
- Victor subsequently destroys the second creation, fearing the consequences of unleashing another ‘wretch’.
- Arguably, Victor has understood the consequences of his actions and has developed some moral awareness.
- Victor’s regret forces him to take responsibility.
Keywords
Malignity - the desire to see others experience pain or suffering
Abhorrent - disgusting and loathsome
Negligent - failing to take proper care of something you have responsibility for
Irresponsible - not behaving in a sensible or responsible manner
Gravity - The gravity of something is its seriousness.
Common misconception
Students do not appreciate the Creature's eloquence and the fact that he has educated himself.
The Creature is a persuasive and eloquent character who manages to convince Victor to begin making him a mate.
Teacher tip
Ask the students their opinion on the following question: "Do you think that agreeing to the Creature's demand and then going back on his word made the Creature more vengeful than he would have been had Victor said no from the outset?"
Equipment
You will need to access to the extract from Chapter 10 of 'Frankenstein' which can be found in the additional materials
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
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.What is meant by the word 'transgression'?
Q2.Which of the following is a Gothic convention?
Q3.Which characters in 'Frankenstein' are not murdered by the Creature?
Q4.Complete the quotation from Chapter 5 of 'Frankenstein': "I collected the instruments of life around me, that I might infuse a of being into the lifeless thing that lay at my feet."
Q5.What do you think 'abhorrent' might mean?
Q6.Starting with the first, put the events of 'Frankenstein' in chronological order.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How does Victor feel when he meets his creation again in Chapter 10 of 'Frankenstein'?
Q2.Complete the quotation from Chapter 10 of 'Frankenstein': "Begone, vile !"
Q3.In Chapter 10 of 'Frankenstein', what does the Creature want from Victor?
Q4.Complete the quotation from Chapter 10 of 'Frankenstein': " made me a fiend."
Q5.Why did Frankenstein destroy his second (female) creation in 'Frankenstein'?
Q6.What does the following quotation from 'Frankenstein' show us about Victor? “Shall I, in cool blood, set loose upon the earth a dæmon whose delight is in death and wretchedness?”
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Regret in Mary Shelley’s 'Frankenstein', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Regret in Mary Shelley’s '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.