CKLA Unit 2: Frankenstein
Focus:
Unit 2, Frankenstein or; The Modern Prometheus, focuses on the features of horror stories and science fiction, which are combined in Frankenstein: or, the Modern Prometheus. Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein when she was just nineteen years old.
The story introduces the archetypal mad scientist in Dr. Frankenstein, as well as the misunderstood loner in his monster. Shelley offers a warning about the dangers of science and what happens when man “plays God.” The conflict between man and nature is demonstrated in various ways; in the end, nature proves to be the victor. At the end of the novel, nature takes on a menacing new meaning, as Frankenstein chases his monster through the Arctic wilderness.
Frankenstein or; the Modern Prometheus is filled with adventure, mystery, intrigue, and horror. Shelley’s characters and their exploration of universal themes of alienation and death make this a classic of both the science fiction and horror genres.
In terms of literary skills, students will focus on narrators and point of view, character development, the influence of setting, theme development, foreshadowing, and suspense. Students will also compare the influence of real-world ideas and settings to the way these ideas and settings are used in the text.
Number of Lessons: 9
Instruction Time:
90 minutes (Each lesson is broken into 45-minute segments.)
Additional Search Terms:
allusion • foreshadowing • archetype • dramatic irony • point of view • verbals • gerund
