Year 8 - English
Regret in Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein'
A monster within: reading and writing Gothic fiction
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils explore the Gothic. They start by learning what the Gothic is, before reading extracts from 'Frankenstein' and 'Jane Eyre', practising descriptive writing and reading 'The Tell-Tale Heart'. They finally learn how to write opinion articles and then write their own.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how Frankenstein's attitude towards the Creature fluctuates throughout the text.
Key Notes
- 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.
Vocabulary To Learn
- 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 Mistakes To Avoid
- Students do not appreciate the Creature's eloquence and the fact that he has educated himself.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key 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.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'malignity'
the desire to see others experience pain or suffering.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Students do not appreciate the Creature's eloquence and the fact that he has educated himself. Correction: The Creature is a persuasive and eloquent character who manages to convince Victor to begin making him a mate.
More Lessons In This Unit
- 'Frankenstein' and the Gothic context Study Guide
- A written analysis of 'Frankenstein' Study Guide
- A written analysis of 'The Tell-Tale Heart' Study Guide
- An introduction to 'Jane Eyre': Analysing an unseen extract Study Guide
- Analysing effective opinion articles Study Guide
- Analysing the atmosphere at Thornfield Hall in 'Jane Eyre' Study Guide
- Context for Gothic literature: science and religion in the 19th century Study Guide
- Editing descriptive writing based on 'A monster within' Study Guide
- Exploring the character of Victor Frankenstein in Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' Study Guide
- Frankenstein's reaction to his creation Study Guide
- Frankenstein's regret and the scientific revolution Study Guide
- Identifying features of the Gothic genre in the plot of 'Frankenstein' Study Guide
- Improving your opinion article on Gothic literature Study Guide
- Lowood Institution: Gothic settings in 'Jane Eyre' Study Guide
- Organising our gothic writing to build tension Study Guide
- Planning a cohesive argument about 'The Tell-Tale Heart' Study Guide
- Planning a Gothic description inspired by 'A monster within' Study Guide
- Planning a written analysis of 'Frankenstein' Study Guide
- Planning an opinion article about Gothic literature Study Guide
- Reading 'The Tell-Tale Heart' Study Guide
- Reading an extract from 'Frankenstein': A fateful night Study Guide
- Reading an extract from Charlotte Brontë's 'Jane Eyre' Study Guide
- Symbolism in 'The Tell-Tale Heart' Study Guide
- The creation of suspense in 'The Tell-Tale Heart' Study Guide
- The structure of an opinion article Study Guide
- Using 'Jane Eyre' to inspire our use of gothic vocabulary Study Guide
- Using description in functional writing Study Guide
- Using figurative language to create a gothic atmosphere Study Guide
- Using semantic fields to create a gothic atmosphere Study Guide
- Writing a gothic description Study Guide
- Writing an opinion article on Gothic literature Study Guide
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