UK K12 GCSE/A-Level: Year 8 KS3 English - Gothic Fiction, Frankenstein Extracts

Learning Objectives

By the end of this topic, students will be able to:

• Analyze the key features of Gothic fiction, particularly in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
• Identify and explain the use of literary devices such as imagery, symbolism, and foreshadowing in the novel.
• Evaluate the themes of creation, responsibility, and the dangers of unchecked ambition in the context of the novel.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the historical and cultural context in which the novel was written.
• Apply their knowledge of Gothic fiction to a close reading of selected extracts from Frankenstein.

Core Concepts

Gothic fiction is a literary genre characterized by elements of horror, mystery, and the supernatural. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a classic example of this genre, exploring themes of creation, responsibility, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. Key features of Gothic fiction include:

• Imagery: vivid descriptions of setting, characters, and events that create a sense of atmosphere and mood.
• Symbolism: objects, colors, or other elements that carry meaning beyond their literal interpretation.
• Foreshadowing: hints or clues that suggest events or outcomes that will occur later in the text.
• Monstrous 'other': a character or creature that represents the unknown, the feared, or the rejected.

In Frankenstein, these features are used to explore the themes of creation and responsibility. The creature, created by Victor Frankenstein, represents the monstrous 'other', while Victor's actions and decisions demonstrate the dangers of unchecked ambition.

Worked Examples

Extract Analysis

Consider the following extract from Frankenstein:

"The being was of gigantic stature; but the proportions of its limbs were in nothing so disproportioned as the size of its head. Its features were not of the same cast with those of the human family. The shape of the head was that of a gigantic infant; the features were irregular, and the skin was of a bluish color."

• What literary devices are used in this extract to create a sense of atmosphere and mood?
• How does the description of the creature's features and skin color contribute to the theme of creation and responsibility?
• What does the use of the word "gigantic" suggest about the creature's size and the author's intentions?

Close Reading

Read the following extract from Frankenstein:

"I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body. I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart."

• What literary devices are used in this extract to convey the author's emotions and intentions?
• How does the use of the word "ardour" suggest Victor's level of commitment to his goal?
• What does the phrase "breathless horror and disgust" suggest about Victor's reaction to his creation?

Common Misconceptions

• Gothic fiction is only about horror and the supernatural. While these elements are present in Gothic fiction, they are not the only features of the genre.
• The creature in Frankenstein is simply a monster. The creature is a complex character with its own thoughts, feelings, and motivations.
• Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein as a horror novel. While Frankenstein contains elements of horror, it is also a novel that explores complex themes and ideas.

Exam Tips

• When analyzing extracts from Frankenstein, look for the use of literary devices such as imagery, symbolism, and foreshadowing.
• Consider the historical and cultural context in which the novel was written, and how this context influences the themes and ideas presented.
• Evaluate the themes of creation, responsibility, and the dangers of unchecked ambition in the context of the novel.
• Use close reading techniques to analyze the language and structure of the text, and to identify the author's intentions and emotions.

MCQs

MCQ 1 [F]

What is the name of the novel written by Mary Shelley that is a classic example of Gothic fiction?

A) Frankenstein B) Dracula C) The Turn of the Screw D) The Picture of Dorian Gray

Correct answer: A) Frankenstein Why the distractors fail: B) Dracula is a novel by Bram Stoker, C) The Turn of the Screw is a novella by Henry James, and D) The Picture of Dorian Gray is a novel by Oscar Wilde.

MCQ 2 [H]

What literary device is used in the following extract from Frankenstein: "The being was of gigantic stature; but the proportions of its limbs were in nothing so disproportioned as the size of its head"?

A) Imagery B) Symbolism C) Foreshadowing D) Hyperbole

Correct answer: A) Imagery Why the distractors fail: B) Symbolism is not used in this extract, C) Foreshadowing is not present in this extract, and D) Hyperbole is not the correct term for this literary device.

MCQ 3 [F]

What is the name of the character who creates the creature in Frankenstein?

A) Victor Frankenstein B) Robert Walton C) Henry Clerval D) Elizabeth Lavenza

Correct answer: A) Victor Frankenstein Why the distractors fail: B) Robert Walton is the narrator of the novel, C) Henry Clerval is a friend of Victor's, and D) Elizabeth Lavenza is Victor's adopted sister.

MCQ 4 [H]

What theme is explored in the following extract from Frankenstein: "I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body. I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart"?

A) Creation B) Responsibility C) Ambition D) Revenge

Correct answer: B) Responsibility Why the distractors fail: A) Creation is a related theme, but not the primary theme in this extract, C) Ambition is a relevant theme, but not the primary theme in this extract, and D) Revenge is not a relevant theme in this extract.

MCQ 5 [H]

What literary device is used in the following extract from Frankenstein: "The shape of the head was that of a gigantic infant; the features were irregular, and the skin was of a bluish color"?

A) Imagery B) Symbolism C) Foreshadowing D) Metaphor

Correct answer: A) Imagery Why the distractors fail: B) Symbolism is not used in this extract, C) Foreshadowing is not present in this extract, and D) Metaphor is not the correct term for this literary device.

Short-answer questions

1. Analyze the use of literary devices in the following extract from Frankenstein: "The being was of gigantic stature; but the proportions of its limbs were in nothing so disproportioned as the size of its head. Its features were not of the same cast with those of the human family. The shape of the head was that of a gigantic infant; the features were irregular, and the skin was of a bluish color."
2. Evaluate the theme of creation in the context of the novel Frankenstein. How does the author use literary devices to explore this theme?
3. Consider the historical and cultural context in which the novel Frankenstein was written. How does this context influence the themes and ideas presented in the novel?
4. Analyze the use of imagery in the following extract from Frankenstein: "I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body. I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart."
5. Evaluate the theme of responsibility in the context of the novel Frankenstein. How does the author use literary devices to explore this theme?