The 1818 novel written by English author Mary Shelley tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a sentient being using unorthodox scientific methods. The novel has since become a classic of English literature. If you are a student interested in writing an essay about the novel, there are numerous avenues you could explore.
You could, for example, compare and contrast characters in the novel and how they represent good and evil. Alternatively, you could explore how Shelley challenges traditional gender roles or perhaps analyze the novel’s representation of technology and science.
Another great option could be to discuss how Victor’s obsession with playing God results in catastrophic consequences for him and those around him. You might focus on how his hubris affects his relationship with family and friends. Or, relatedly, you could examine what Shelley is saying about human limitations when it comes to controlling nature.
You might want to explore other themes that run through Frankenstein – such as its ideas about morality, justice, revenge, destruction, and creation.
You might choose to write an essay that examines different interpretations of Frankenstein’s monster. Do we sympathize with him? Is Frankenstein’s monster a villain or a victim? How does he compare to other characters in the novel, and what do these comparisons say about Shelley’s message?
Shelley’s masterpiece is one that explores the human condition and asks the reader to grapple with moral issues. You’re bound to find some element of the novel that’s worth further thought. Here, we’ve put together a list of topics that you could consider exploring in an essay.
1. Should Victor be held responsible for the actions of the monster in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein?
2. Was it morally wrong for Victor to create the monster in the first place?
3. Was Victor justified in his pursuit of revenge on the creature?
4. Does Mary Shelley offer any hope or solutions for humanity?
5. Is there a purpose to suffering and death, as presented by Shelly?
6. Are we too reliant on technology and science, as presented by Shelly’s novel?
7. What are the implications of playing God, as shown in Frankenstein?
8. How does Mary Shelley use nature to represent themes and motifs in her novel?
9. Does revenge ultimately lead to a sense of satisfaction and justice?
10. Is the monster in Frankenstein, the one created by Victor Frankenstein, or is Victor Frankenstein himself the monster?
1. How does Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein relate to contemporary society and its relationship with science?
2. What can we learn from the consequences of Victor’s actions in the novel?
3. What do the choices and behaviors of the characters tell us about morality and justice in Frankenstein?
4. In what ways does nature play a role in Shelley’s work, and how is it connected to themes such as suffering, death, revenge, creation, destruction, etc.?
5. Discuss the transformation of Victor throughout the course of Shelley’s novel and why his character changes so dramatically.
6. In the novel Frankenstein, sickness appears to play a significant role. After experiencing traumatic events, Victor frequently becomes ill. It’s unclear whether this is a coping mechanism or not and, if so, whether it’s helpful. Additionally, it’s not clear whether there might be a different explanation for his recurring illnesses. Discuss.
7. Compare and contrast Victor’s relationship with family, friends, and the creature.
8. What are some of the ethical issues that Shelley’s work addresses?
9. What message is Shelley trying to convey about human limitations?
10. How does revenge function as a theme or tension throughout the novel? Discuss some of its implications for characters and plot development.
1. What is the central theme of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein?
2. How does the novel comment on human nature and morality?
3. Examine how Victor’s character develops throughout the course of the novel.
4. The dangers of scientific and technological development in Frankenstein and Blade Runner.
5. Compare and contrast the creature’s relationship with his creator versus that with other characters.
6. Discuss some of the ethical implications of Victor’s actions throughout the novel.
7. Explore how Romanticism and scientific discovery play a role in Shelley’s work.
8. How does nature play a role in the novel, and what messages can we take away from it?
9. Analyze how technology is presented throughout Frankenstein and evaluate if Shelley is warning us against its misuse or endorsing its benefits.
10. Reflect on Mary Shelley’s message about human limitations as evidenced by Victor’s character. What do his choices tell us?
Analyze the various themes that are explored in Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein through the lens of how people perceive, judge, and are judged by their appearances.
Explore how the representation of technology and science is used to explore the consequences for humanity in Shelley’s Frankenstein.
Discuss Victor’s obsession with playing God and its catastrophic consequences for him and those around him.
Examine revenge as a major theme or tension throughout Shelley’s novel Frankenstein.
Analyze gender roles in the novel Frankenstein and explore how they influence relationships between characters.
Consider how Mary Shelley challenges the notion of boundaries when it comes to morality and justice in Frankenstein.
Analyze different interpretations of Victor’s character and discuss what they say about Shelley’s message about human limitations.
Discuss how nature and nurture play a role in shaping and influencing characters throughout the novel Frankenstein.
Explore creation alongside destruction, and analyze how these two themes are represented in Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein.
Examine the connection between romanticism and scientific discovery in Frankenstein.
Analyze how Shelley uses family dynamics to explore themes of morality, justice, revenge, destruction, and creation throughout her novel.
Consider how hubris affects Victor’s relationships with family and friends as well as his attempts to control nature in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
Analyze humanity’s relationship with science and technology in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein in order to discuss its implications for humanity today.
Compare and contrast themes in Shelley’s novel with other works of literature in order to discuss her overall message about human limitations.
When it comes to choosing a topic for your Frankenstein essay, you should consider what themes and topics interest you the most. Do some research on the novel, looking at critiques and reviews of Shelley’s work as well as other works that explore similar themes. Once you have a better understanding of the novel, decide which approach appeals to you.
If you are interested in exploring gender roles or family dynamics in the novel, focus your essay on those topics. Alternatively, if you are more interested in discussing revenge or scientific discovery within the context of the novel, make sure your essay reflects that by focusing on those themes. Whichever approach you choose for your essay should be well-informed and thoroughly researched so that your arguments are backed up with evidence from the novel.
By being aware of some of the different themes and ideas explored in Frankenstein, you can create an essay that is engaging and thoughtful.
These essay topics will help you write a powerful essay about Mary Shelley’s classic novel Frankenstein. Be sure to read the text carefully to help you incorporate detailed evidence from the book into your essay!
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