Frankensteintheme Analysis

English 10HName:

FrankensteinTheme Analysis

Theme is the central idea or a message about life that the author is trying to convey through the characters and events in a text. There are several themes presented in Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein. In order to explore some of them, complete chart below.

Theme Analysis Chart: For each of the concepts listed on the chart below, create a thematic statement based on the characters and events in the novel; then, provide supporting details from the text to demonstrate the theme’s development throughout the novel.

Concept / Thematic Statement / Which character(s) is most closely associated with this theme? Why? / What details, actions, or events in the novel contribute to the theme?
Revenge / Revenge destroys both the victim and the avenger. / The theme applies to both Victor Frankenstein and the Creature because they both meet their demises as a result of seeking revenge. /

• “I will be with you on your wedding night.” This is the Creature’s vow to Frankenstein after the second creation is destroyed. Thus begins the cycle of revenge that destroys both characters.
• Frankenstein chases the Creature through the Arctic, becomes exhausted and ill, and dies.
• The Creature vows to bring about his own destruction after he learns of Frankenstein’s death.

Isolation
Ambition
Prejudice
Compassion & Forgiveness

Allusion: An allusion is a reference in a written work to something from history, art, religion, myth, or another work of literature. Writers use allusions to give readers additional insights about what is happening in the story and why. Shelley makes frequent use of literary allusions in Frankenstein.

The subtitle of the novel contains an allusion to the story of Prometheus, and the myth is alluded to throughout the novel: “Who shall conceive the horrors of my secret toil as I dabbed among the unhallowed damps of the grave or tortured the living animal to animate the lifeless clay?” In order to glean deeper insight, read the myth and complete the chart below.

Allusion / What is the theme/central meaning of the allusion? / Why did Mary Shelley include this allusion as a subtitle of the novel?
Prometheus