Guidelines
Paper is based on one novel , Frankenstein. We have
learned that one element crucial to horror stories is a monster. After reading the
entire novel , you will write a two- to three-page paper analyzing whether Victor Frankenstein or the
creation is the true monster in the novel. You must pick one. Then state three
reasons/actions why he is the monster.
DO NOT:
o Claim they are both monsters
o Claim that neither is
o Claim that there is no monster because Victor is hallucinating, has
a split personality, is dreaming, etc.
o Claim that the real monster is abstract/philosophical–narcissism,
society, nature vs. nurture, etc
These are all innovative and great and may make a great essay but that’s not
the assignment. You must make a claim that Victor is the true monster
OR his creation is the true monster and support your claim.
Even though it is your interpretation of who the monster is, when you write
academic essays, you are really asserting a claim and attempting to convince
readers to agree with your stance. To do this effectively, it’s best to create a
more objective tone, pulling back on personal statements and writing in terms of
what Shelley intended and how readers in general perceive/infer the information.
In other words, avoid statements like: “I think the monster is really Victor
Frankenstein.” And use statements like: “After careful analysis of Shelley’s
characters, readers agree that Victor is the true monster of the novel.” Also, a
major pitfall to avoid: Do not claim that the monster is Victor then focus on the
creation in the body of the essay and why the creation is not the monster.
Throughout the semester, I have been posing questions on the Discussion Board
that you have been responsible for. You were then required in some weeks to
respond to a peer’s answers. The purpose of this is to cultivate interaction among
peers as you are working in such solitude when in an online environment.
However, I know that it is hard to routinely read a lot of what your peers have to
say. So this second paper is the one opportunity for you to truly HEAR several
angles of a discussion, much like in a traditional classroom, and assimilate the
opinions of your classmates.
For the essay, after you first come to your own observation about who the true
monster is then read through a handful of each of the four Frankenstein
discussion threads (Storyline Shift, Victor Frankenstein, The Creation, and
Frankenstein Finale). Find a few posts that support your observation. You do not
need to read through all of the posts for each thread but read through enough to
help inform your selection. Throughout your essay you will need to include at
least three quotes from two different threads (one per body
paragraph/reason). These quotes need to support your claim. In other words, if
you claim that Victor is the monster, don’t include a quote by a peer that focuses
on the monster’s compassion. Also, be sure to give the poster credit. For
example: “According to her post on the Discussion Board, Suzie M. supports the
idea that the creation is the true monster with this statement: ‘The creation’s
senseless, vindictive killing of William is proof enough that he’s the monster.’”
Remember, your quotes should be
• Relevant—supporting your claim
• Credited to a specific name—not just one student wrote
• Varied—avoid quoting the same student
• Short—fewer than three lines of text
• Embedded in the paragraph—not set off on their own
You may also include a maximum of two short quotes from the actual novel.
These are not required but you can include them as additional to your three
required thread quotes. The same rules above apply (shorter than three lines,
embedded in paragraph, relevant, and attributed to Shelley).
I expect that you will write complete, coherent sentences paying special attention
to your grammar and spelling. Just because the paper is short and labeled
informal does not mean you can pass in sloppy work. There should be a short
introduction (identifying the novel and author) with a thesis, body paragraphs and
a closing. In order to maintain some structure and organization and avoid the
essay veering off on too many tangents, create a firm, three-part thesis to help
guide you and your readers. To do this, come up with three reasons why Victor
or the creation is the monster. Then use these three reasons as the basis for
three individual paragraphs. If you need clarification on something, post it on the
discussion board or email me. See the outline and sample Intro below.
In terms of logistics:
• 2 – 3 pages, 1 inch margins all around
• 12 point Times New Roman
• Double spaced.
• Standard essay formatting—indented first line paragraphs, no extra space
between.
In essence, you are writing a five-paragraph essay. Here is a sample
Introduction. Then what follows is an outline that will guide you through the
structure of this essay very easily to ensure success.
Sample Introduction
All horror stories have monsters. Some are supernatural while others can
take on the human form. Authors shape their characters through their actions
allowing readers to identify the true evil in the story. In her iconic novel,
Frankenstein, May Shelley gives readers an abundance of information for two of
the three main characters, Dr. Victor Frankenstein and his creation, blurring
many lines as to who is good and who is bad. After careful analysis, readers do
ultimately come to the conclusion that the creation is the true monster because
he kills William to exact revenge, he frames an innocent girl for his actions, and
he blackmails Victor to create him a mate.
I. Intro
A. An introductory paragraph that ends with a thesis statement
that PREDICTS, CONTROLS, and OBLIGATES (check out file in
Writing Files). Intros are short and to the point. Start with a broad
statement about monsters, then introduce the author and story, then
end with the thesis statement—THREE reasons why VF or the
creation is monster—focus on ACTIONS.
II. Body
A. Paragraph—Reason #1
1. Topic/Transition sentence
2. Expand on reason
3. Introduce evidence—quote from one of the threads
4. Explain how quote supports reason
5. Closing sentence (don’t introduce new reason)
B. Paragraph—Reason #2
1. Topic/Transition sentence
2. Expand on reason
3. Introduce evidence—quote from one of the threads
4. Explain how quote supports reason
5. Closing sentence (don’t introduce new reason)
C. Paragraph—Reason #3
1. Topic/Transition sentence
2. Expand on reason
3. Introduce evidence—quote from one of the threads
4. Explain how quote supports reason
5. Closing sentence (don’t introduce new reason)
III. Closing
A. Short paragraph summing up your paper. Restate your thesis
and reasons.
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RECAP
• Select Victor Frankenstein or the creation as the monster
• Determine three reasons why Victor or the creation is the monster
• Include three quotes from two different threads that support your
reasons (one each)
• Two to three pages typed, double spaced
