Frankenstein has a number of key motifs that Shelley explores right from the opening of the novel. When students have read through chapter 5, one interim assessment can be the motif paragraph assignment.
Students will choose a motif and write a paragraph about how Shelley uses that motif to create an argument.
Directions
Directions for the Motif Paragraph
SELECTION. Choose ONE of the following motifs Shelley uses in her novel:
Isolation from others, loneliness
Pregnancy and childbirth
Creation and invention
Parents and children
THESIS. Write a thesis for your work. Use the following thesis template:
In [TAG -- Title, Author, Genre], the motif of [motif here] strongly suggests Shelley's argument that _____[argument ABOUT THE MOTIF].
If you're not sure what Shelley's argument is, think of it this way: What major truth bomb is Shelley dropping in this novel ABOUT pregnancy, ABOUT parenting, ABOUT isolation, and so on?
MOMENT. Choose ONE specific moment to focus on in your paragraph. Here are some possibilities:
When Walton laments having no friends and is grateful to form a connection with Frankenstein
When Victor describes the process of the Creature's creation
When Victor sees and reacts to the Creature the first time
BODY. Write your body paragraph. Your body paragraph should use the following guidelines.
Claim Template: One moment in which Shelley argues [put argument here] occurs when [put your moment here].
Context: Who or what is going on? Describe the events. Keep it 1-2 LINES at most.
Data: Quote from the text in which your moment appears. Cite it.
Quote template: At an important point in the novel, Victor states, ["quote"], or in other words [paraphrase] (# of page).
Warrant. The moment in which_________[put the event]______occurs suggests __[Shelley's argument]_____________ because_____________ and also since_____________.
Warrant, Continued. Readers may not realize that [tell more about Shelley's argument, the issue, why it is important].
Conclusion
CHECKLIST
Include the key words of your motif AT LEAST EVERY 3rd LINE.
For example, if you're working with "pregnancy" as a motif, I should see the words pregnancy, labor, baby, conceive, conception, etc. once about every three lines OR MORE.
No dead words, including different, way, situation, thing, people
No second person, including you, your, yourself.
Please turn in using a pseudonym and MLA style. Write in pen on one side only, please.