Teaching resources for Frankenstein (1818) by Mary Shelley

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Austi Classics explainer videos on Frankenstein (1818) by Mary Shelley

Take our courses on Frankenstein

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1. Understanding Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
2. Frankenstein, AI and New Tech Insights
3. Frankenstein and CRISPR gene editing: ethical reflections

Recent cinematic adaptations

20th Century FOX released a cinematic version called Victor Frankenstein in 2015 starring Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy. The trailer is here:

The 2015 film is set in 19th Century Britain like the original story. In 2014, a modern adaptation in which Frankenstein lives in the 21st Century was released starring Aaron Eckhart, Bill Nighy and Miranda Otto. The trailer is here:

Foreword to the Austi Classics edition

In Mary Shelley's preface to Frankenstein, which is included in the Austi Classics edition, Shelley explains that the story of Frankenstein was written partly for amusement, the topic arose from casual conversation, and the story is not intended to prejudice any philosophical doctrine of any kind. Therefore, on the one side, the story is not to be taken too seriously. On the other hand, Shelley has endeavoured 'to preserve the truth of the elementary principles of human nature' so that, in effect, Shelley has within the story embarked on an exploration of human nature. Shelley is exploring: how would ordinary people behave in the extraordinary circumstances presented?

Modern portrayals of the story Frankenstein put the monster front and centre which misplaces Shelley's intended emphasis. Shelley's title is 'Frankenstein' who is Victor Frankenstein the scientist, not the monster. Shelley followed up the main title 'Frankenstein' with the subtitle 'or, The Modern Prometheus' to emphasize that this story is about the trials associated with human ingenuity and creation, in parallel with the hideous punishment inflicted Prometheus, by the Olympian god Zeus, for daring to give to humans the gift of fire. Thus, this story primarily is about the creator of the monster, not about the monster itself. Undoubtedly, the experience of Frankenstein is bound up with his creation, and without the monster there would be no horror, and horror is the key macabre attraction of the novel.

The horror results from the genius of a scientist, and Shelley takes pain to praise the worth and necessity of scientific endeavour at every opportunity. Nevertheless, the dilemmas created by human ingenuity need attention, as much as science itself does, in order to ensure that humanity as far as possible benefits rather than suffers as a result of scientific potential.

Shelley in the preface says that the story does not 'prejudice any philosophical doctrine of whatever kind'. This no-prejudice note includes science, because what we call science today was called 'natural philosophy' in Shelley's time. While Dr Victor Frankenstein is the archetypal 'mad scientist', Shelley is careful to point out in the preface that Frankenstein is not intended to create a prejudice against scientific work. On the contrary, through Frankenstein Shelley makes numerous references to the necessity and benefits of scientific endeavour.

The achievement of Victor Frankenstein in creating a human being cannot be understated, and nor can the complexities and dilemmas that surround the supreme responsibilities of being human. Shelley etches in relief the tortures that can be associated with human ingenuity – though human ingenuity ever shall be. By calling Frankenstein 'the modern Prometheus', Shelley offsets the hardships caused and experienced by Frankenstein's creation by the greatness of the creative human spark. Prometheus himself was condemned by the arch oligarch Zeus for daring to teach humans how to use fire. Prometheus' punishment was to be chained to a rock and to have his liver eaten by an eagle, with Prometheus' liver growing back at night to eaten again the next day.

I hope you enjoy this edition of Frankenstein.

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Ideas for teaching Frankenstein to high school students

Analysis Worksheets

Provide students with character analysis worksheets that focus on the main characters in the novel, such as Victor Frankenstein, the Creature, and other significant figures. Have students analyze and discuss the personalities, motivations, and actions of each character. Encourage students to use evidence from the text to support their analyses. This activity will help students gain a deeper understanding of the characters' roles in the plot and the themes they represent.

Socratic Seminars

Organize Socratic Seminars where students engage in open-ended discussions about the novel's themes and plot. Assign specific discussion questions that require critical thinking and encourage students to defend their viewpoints using textual evidence. Encourage students to listen actively to their peers and respond thoughtfully. Socratic Seminars foster collaborative learning and help students develop their analytical and communication skills.

Journaling and Reflections

Ask students to keep reading journals throughout their journey with Frankenstein. In these journals, they can write reflections on the plot progression, character development, and themes they encounter. Assign specific prompts to guide their reflections, such as "What moral dilemmas does Victor face, and how do they relate to the novel's themes?" Journaling encourages students to engage deeply with the text, develop their thoughts, and make personal connections to the novel's themes.

Create Storyboards

Divide students into small groups and ask them to create storyboards that visually depict the key events of the novel. Each storyboard should include a brief description of the event, its significance to the plot, and the themes it represents. Storyboarding helps students develop their visual literacy skills and promotes a deeper understanding of the narrative structure and themes of the novel.

Role-Playing and Debates

Organize role-playing activities or debates where students take on the roles of characters from Frankenstein. They can reenact critical scenes or engage in debates on ethical dilemmas presented in the novel, such as the responsibility of the creator towards the creation. Role-playing and debates encourage students to explore different perspectives, strengthen their understanding of character motivations, and delve into the novel's complex themes.

The above work best with adequate background information on the historical and literary context of Frankenstein. By incorporating a variety of media, students are more likely to engage and better appreciate the novel through their own active participation.