frankenstein ap lit essay example

Frankenstein: Essay Samples

Welcome to Frankenstein Essay Samples page prepared by our editorial team! Here you’ll find a number of great ideas for your Frankenstein essay! Absolutely free essays & research papers on Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Examples of all topics and paper genres.

📝 Frankenstein: Essay Samples List

Frankenstein , by Mary Shelley, is famous all over the world. School and college students are often asked to write about the novel. On this page, you can find a collection of free sample essays and research papers that focus on Frankenstein . Literary analysis , compare & contrast essays, papers devoted to Frankenstein ’s characters & themes, and much more. You are welcome to use these texts for inspiration while you work on your own Frankenstein essay.

• Feminism in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Genre: Critical Analysis Essay Words: 2280 Focused on: Frankenstein ’s Themes Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster, Elizabeth Lavenza , Justine Moritz
• Frankenstein’s Historical Context: Review of “In Frankenstein’s Shadow” by Chris Baldrick Genre: Critical Writing Words: 1114 Focused on: Historical Context of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: the Monster
• Science & Nature in Frankenstein & Blade Runner Genre: Essay Words: Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein , Compare & Contrast Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Romanticism in Frankenstein: the Use of Poetry in the Novel’s Narrative Genre: Essay Words: 1655 Focused on: Literary analysis of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, Henry Clerval
• The Dangers of Science in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Genre: Essay Words: 1098 Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein as a Tragedy Genre: Essay Words: 540 Focused on: Literary analysis of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein
• Frankenstein: a Deconstructive Reading Genre: Essay Words: 2445 Focused on: Literary analysis of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Ethics as a Theme in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Genre: Essay Words: 901 Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’: Chapter 18 Analysis Genre: Essay Words: 567 Focused on: Literary analysis of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster, Elisabeth Lavenza
• The Role of Women in Frankenstein Genre: Essay Words: 883 Focused on: Frankenstein Characters Characters mentioned: Caroline Beaufort, Elizabeth Lavenza, Justine Moritz
• On First Looking into Chapman’s Homer vs. Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus: Compare & Contrast Genre: Essay Words: 739 Focused on: Compare & Contrast Characters mentioned: the Monster
• Macbeth & Frankenstein: Compare & Contrast Genre: Essay Words: 2327 Focused on: Compare & Contrast Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Dr. Frankenstein & His Monster: Compare & Contrast Genre: Research Paper Words: 1365 Focused on: Compare & Contrast, Frankenstein Characters Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Education vs. Family in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Genre: Essay Words: 1652 Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein
• Victor Frankenstein vs. the Creature: Compare & Contrast Genre: Research Paper Words: 1104 Focused on: Compare & Contrast, Frankenstein Characters Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Frankenstein: Monster’s Appearance & Visual Interpretations Genre: Essay Words: 812 Focused on: Frankenstein Characters Characters mentioned: the Monster
• Doctor Frankenstein: Hero, Villain, or Something in Between? Genre: Essay Words: 897 Focused on: Frankenstein Characters Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein
• Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: 1994 Movie Analysis Genre: Essay Words: 1084 Focused on: Compare & Contrast Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster, Elizabeth Lavenza
• Frankenstein vs. Great Expectations: Compare & Contrast Genre: Essay Words: 2540 Focused on: Compare & Contrast, Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster, Robert Walton
• Innocence of Frankenstein’s Monster Genre: Term Paper Words: 2777 Focused on: Frankenstein Characters Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster, Robert Walton
• Knowledge as the Main Theme in Frankenstein Genre: Term Paper Words: 2934 Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster, Robert Walton, Henry Clerval, Elisabeth Lavenza, Willian Frankenstein
• Responsibility as a Theme in Frankenstein Genre: Essay Words: 619 Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein
• Homosexuality in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Genre: Research Paper Words: 2340 Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster, Henry Clerval
• Frankenstein & the Context of Enlightenment Genre: Historical Context of Frankenstein Words: 1458 Focused on: Compare & Contrast Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Frankenstein: the Theme of Birth Genre: Essay Words: 1743 Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Frankenstein: Critical Reflections by Ginn & Hetherington Genre: Essay Words: 677 Focused on: Compare & Contrast Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Loneliness & Isolation in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein Genre: Essay Words: 609 Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein
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• Summary & Analysis
• Literary Devices & Symbols
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• Mary Shelley: Biography
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Frankenstein by Mary Shelley - AP English Literature & Composition

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Mary Shelley’s Visionary Creation of Frankenstein: a Literary Analysis

This essay about Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” explores the novel’s profound examination of human ambition, ethical boundaries, and the consequences of scientific exploration. It highlights the intricate relationship between Victor Frankenstein and his creation, the Monster, and discusses themes of isolation, societal prejudices, and the limits of Romantic ideals. The essay underscores the novel’s relevance to contemporary scientific and ethical debates.

How it works

Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” stands as a monumental achievement in literary history, recognized not just for its chilling narrative but for its profound exploration of human ambition, ethical boundaries, and the consequences of scientific exploration. Published in 1818, the novel emerged from the fertile intellectual environment of the Romantic period, a time characterized by a deep engagement with the tensions between reason and emotion, nature and industrialization. Shelley’s creation transcends the confines of a Gothic horror tale, presenting multiple layers of meaning and a prophetic critique of the hubris associated with scientific advancement.

Central to “Frankenstein” is the intricate relationship between creator and creation, which Shelley examines with remarkable psychological and philosophical depth. Victor Frankenstein, the novel’s protagonist, epitomizes the archetypal mad scientist driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge. His obsession with animating life leads him to defy natural laws, resulting in the creation of a sentient being, often referred to as the Monster. This act raises fundamental questions about humanity, identity, and the moral implications of creation.

Victor’s quest for forbidden knowledge serves as a critical examination of Enlightenment ideals, which championed reason, progress, and dominion over nature. Shelley warns of the perils inherent in unchecked scientific ambition that ignores ethical boundaries and the natural order. Victor’s tragic flaw is not simply his scientific curiosity, but his arrogance and lack of foresight. By neglecting the moral ramifications of his work and failing to take responsibility for his creation, he unleashes a chain of events that leads to his own downfall and immense suffering for those around him.

The Monster, often misinterpreted as a mere grotesque figure, emerges as one of the novel’s most tragic and sympathetic characters. Shelley’s portrayal imbues the creature with a profound sense of humanity, highlighting the intrinsic qualities of a being rejected and condemned by society. The Monster’s eloquent articulations of loneliness, rejection, and longing for companionship resonate deeply with readers. His transformation from a benevolent, innocent being into one driven by rage and vengeance underscores the novel’s theme of nurture versus nature. Shelley’s narrative suggests that monstrosity is not innate but a consequence of social alienation and the absence of empathy.

The Monster’s story within the novel serves as a powerful critique of societal prejudices and the dehumanizing effects of marginalization. His poignant appeals for acceptance and understanding challenge readers to reconsider their perceptions of otherness and their ethical responsibilities towards those who are different. In this sense, “Frankenstein” prefigures modern discussions about inclusivity, identity, and what it means to be human.

Shelley’s use of a framed narrative structure, with multiple layers of storytelling, enhances the novel’s complexity and richness. The story unfolds through the letters of Robert Walton, an ambitious explorer who encounters Victor in the Arctic. Victor’s narrative is interwoven with the Monster’s account of his experiences, allowing Shelley to present various perspectives and voices. This technique underscores the interconnectedness of the characters’ fates and the broader implications of their actions, adding depth to the central themes of the novel.

“Frankenstein” also engages deeply with Romantic ideals and critiques their limitations. The Romantic movement celebrated the sublime beauty of nature, individualism, and emotional depth. Victor’s initial inspiration to create life is driven by a Romantic fascination with nature’s sublime power and the potential for human creativity. However, his endeavor ultimately reveals the destructive potential of such pursuits when they are divorced from ethical considerations and respect for the natural order. Shelley’s novel thus serves as a cautionary tale about the limits of human ambition and the need for a balance between reason and emotion, science and morality.

Isolation and its impact on the human psyche is another central theme that resonates through the novel. Both Victor and the Monster experience profound loneliness and alienation, driving their actions and shaping their destinies. Victor’s self-imposed isolation, fueled by his obsession with his work, leads to his emotional and physical deterioration. Similarly, the Monster’s enforced isolation, resulting from societal rejection, propels his descent into bitterness and revenge. Shelley vividly illustrates the destructive effects of isolation and the fundamental human need for connection and empathy.

“Frankenstein” also engages with the scientific debates of its time and the ethical implications of technological advancements. Shelley’s references to galvanism—a scientific theory suggesting the reanimation of dead tissue through electrical currents—root the novel in contemporary scientific discourse. This engagement adds a layer of realism to the narrative, making the story’s ethical questions even more pertinent. Shelley’s cautionary tale about the potential consequences of scientific experimentation without moral oversight remains relevant in today’s world, where technological advancements continue to raise complex ethical and existential questions.

In conclusion, Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” is a visionary work that transcends its Gothic horror origins to offer a profound exploration of human nature, scientific ambition, and ethical responsibility. Through its complex characters, layered narrative structure, and engagement with contemporary scientific and philosophical debates, the novel challenges readers to reflect on the consequences of playing God and the importance of empathy and ethical consideration in the pursuit of knowledge. Shelley’s masterpiece continues to captivate and inspire, underscoring the timeless relevance of its themes and the enduring power of literature to illuminate the human condition.

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Lit & More

January 15, 2019 ·

Why Teach Frankenstein? The Treasure That is Gothic Literature

Planning Content & Choosing Curriculum

AP® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this website .

My first year in the teaching field was also my first year teaching AP ® Lit. Being a new teacher, I relied on a lot of trial-by-basis lessons and also made use of most of what the previous teacher left behind for me. While I did eventually survive that first year (by some miracle), I buckled down in the summer months and made necessary changes to my AP curriculum.

And the very first thing I did was added Frankenstein .

Mary Shelley’s gothic novel has always been one of my favorite books to teach to AP ® Lit students. Not only do I personally enjoy it, but I love watching my students approach the text and react to the novel’s two polarizing main characters and the horrific actions that both commit.

If you’re considering adding Frankenstein to your curriculum, or even just to your reading list, here are some benefits I can point out for you:

Gothic Novel

If you go back and look at the open question prompts over the past few years (free list here! ), you can see that many of the questions apply to gothic novels and Byronic heroes. In fact, the 2018 question suggested 4 gothic novels alone. Professors and literature teachers love gothic novels because they balance suspense, characterization, and descriptive imagery in an accessible, but not-too-easy, combination. While there are many gothic novels that are absolutely wonderful, Frankenstein seems the most exciting to most teenagers because of their prior knowledge of the story based on Hollywood interpretations. Which leads me to my next point…

This novel may seem easy because they have made so many movies about it, but it is startlingly complex. To start with, the book has three narrators, organized in a frame narration. Secondly, there is no clear villain. In fact, debates over who is responsible for the death of William can get pretty heated in my classroom. Another complicated factor is the diction, which is elevated and somewhat archaic. AP ® Lit students absolutely must be exposed to language like this in preparation for the exam. While it can be a struggle, the complexity of this gothic novel helps prepare students for the AP ® Lit exam and its language better than many modern texts. Click here for a Frankenstein AP ® Lit style multiple choice assessment, with a detailed answer key!

“When falsehood can look so like the truth, who can assure themselves of certain happiness?”  Frankenstein , Mary Shelley

One thing my AP ® Lit students struggle with in older texts is identifying allusions. While I often have to point them out, Frankenstein helps them find meaning behind allusions in order that they may start finding them on their own. There are two prevalent allusions in Frankenstein (among others). The first is indicated in Shelley’s subtitle, calling Frankenstein “The Modern Prometheus”. There are actually several myths about Prometheus that connect to Frankenstein . In Hesiod’s version, Prometheus stole fire from Zeus, who had retracted the gift of fire from mankind after some displeasing sacrifices. Prometheus stole the fire back and dispensed it among humans, resulting in Pandora’s creation, and we all know how that ended. In a later variation of Hesiod’s myth and another by Plato, Prometheus used fire to bestow life on clay figures, resulting in the birth of mankind.

The other central allusion is to John Milton’s Paradise List , which contains more direct references. As the creature learns the English language, one of his three texts is Paradise Lost . As he reads, the creature relates to Adam for being the first of his kind. However, he also empathizes with Satan, wondering why his creator abandoned him. These allusions not only reference older, historical texts, but leave enough room for interpretation and debate among AP ® Lit students.

“I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel…”  Frankenstein , by Mary Shelley

Prior Knowledge

So many students come in on our first day of Frankenstein with an attitude that they already know the story. I like to show students their misconceptions by giving them an introductory quiz. This quiz points out that there is no Igor, that the bride of Frankenstein was not a real thing, and that nowhere in the text does it say the creature fears fire more than anything. In fact, most don’t even know that Frankenstein is the name of the creator rather than the monster! This little activity piques their interest and opens doors for real and true Frankenstein knowledge to enter in. If you’re interested in this introductory quiz , it is for sale on my TpT store

Modern Connections

One last benefit of Frankenstein is the plethora of ethical and scientific debates that stem from the text. Was it wrong for Victor to try and defeat death? When it comes to the creature, is he murderous because of nature or nurture? When does medical research cross the boundaries of ethics? Is it wrong to attempt to create a more perfect creature, such as what experts in gene therapy are attempting?

Frankenstein is not only the first creation story to use scientific experimentation as its method, but it also presents a framework for narratively examining the morality and ethics of the experiment and experimenter. Audrey Shafer, Stanford Medicine

Audrey Shafer discusses the ongoing debates going on in the minds of researchers in the scientific and medical fields, constantly at war between beating time and obeying the rules of ethics. To read more about her take on Frankenstein from the point of view of a doctor, click here for the article. But whether or not your students pre-med or future philosophy majors, most cannot resist the bait to discuss what Victor could have done if he had continued with his experiment, and what the ramifications of those actions might have been.

For these reasons and many others, I absolutely adore teaching Frankenstein to my AP ® Lit students. The text is relevant, challenging, relatable, and interesting. Furthermore, College Board’s recent writing prompts rely heavily on the gothic style, so a gothic novel is an absolute must in current AP ® reading lists. I highly suggest you add Frankenstein or a gothic book like it to your AP ® Lit curriculum if you teach the course.

Other Gothic Texts

If Frankenstein is off the menu for whatever reason, I’m also fond of the following gothic titles:

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
• Dracula by Bram Stoker
• Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
• The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
• The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson (this one is a novella, but could be a good option if there is no time to add a longer text)
• The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

If you like thinking outside the box, these modern texts contain many similarities to gothic novels and could be great suggestions for hesitant or struggling readers:

• The Shining by Stephen King
• The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield (a personal favorite!)
• ‘Salem’s Lot by Stephen King
• The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
• In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware
• The Winter People by Jennifer McMahonv

This blog post can help you determine if a book is “AP ® worthy”

If you are looking to add Frankenstein to your curriculum but need AP-level ® resources in a hurry, I sell several standalone products in my TpT store, including Guided Reading Notes, quizzes, a Socratic seminar, a unit test, and a full unit bundle with all of these and more. See below for a full list!

I have also created a Gothic Novel book club resource, which focuses on group discussion activities and pushing students toward literary self-discovery. Click here to learn more!

Reader Interactions

February 19, 2019 at 6:31 am

Please post more like this? It’s been extremely helpful for people.

[…] king of the scary stories. Read this blog post to learn wby you should be teaching Frankenstein or another gothic […]

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