Identifying features of the Gothic genre in the plot of ‘Frankenstein’
I can identify features of the Gothic genre in the plot of 'Frankenstein' in 'Frankenstein'.
Identifying features of the Gothic genre in the plot of ‘Frankenstein’
I can identify features of the Gothic genre in the plot of 'Frankenstein' in 'Frankenstein'.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Gothic literature is literature that evokes feelings of mystery, fear and terror.
- The horrifying events narrated in Gothic texts are often metaphors for characters' psychological struggles.
- Gothic atmospheres are often tense, created by a fear of the unknown.
- The supernatural is also an important element of Gothic literature.
- Frankenstein tells the story of a scientist who pushes knowledge to its limit by creating a creature out of human parts.
Keywords
Gothic literature - literature that evokes feelings of mystery, fear and terror
Convention - a recognised way of doing things - a standard expectation of something
Supernatural - something that cannot be explained by the laws of science or nature
Unsettled - unnerved or uneasy - anxious
Isolated - alone - removed from others
Common misconception
Students think that Frankenstein is the name of the creature.
Frankenstein is the name of the scientist who created the hideous creature that students are often familiar with.
To help you plan your year 8 english lesson on: Identifying features of the Gothic genre in the plot of ‘Frankenstein’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 english lesson on: Identifying features of the Gothic genre in the plot of ‘Frankenstein’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 english lessons from the A monster within: reading and writing Gothic fiction unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended