Frankenstein's regret and the scientific revolution
I can explain how Shelley uses 'Frankenstein' to express her own views towards the Scientific Revolution.
Frankenstein's regret and the scientific revolution
I can explain how Shelley uses 'Frankenstein' to express her own views towards the Scientific Revolution.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Many critics read 'Frankenstein' as a criticism of the Scientific Revolution.
- The Scientific Revolution ushered in a new era, where assumptions about the natural world were questioned.
- Some saw the progress of science as limitless and, in some cases, immoral and unethical.
- The novel's alternative title is 'The Modern Prometheus' suggesting that, like Prometheus, Frankenstein stole from God.
- 'Frankenstein' could be a warning about what happens when science is not paired with individual moral conscience.
Keywords
Scientific Revolution - A series of significant events that occurred in the 16th and 17th centuries that led to a shift in people’s beliefs about nature.
To criticise - To express disapproval of someone or something.
Emergence - Something becoming known or starting to exist.
To contradict - To go against something that someone else has said.
Moral - Concerned with the principles of right and wrong behaviour.
Common misconception
Students think that Shelley was opposed to scientific advancement.
Shelley was not opposed to scientific advancement; she was opposed to unethical and limitless scientific practices.
To help you plan your year 8 english lesson on: Frankenstein's regret and the scientific revolution, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 english lesson on: Frankenstein's regret and the scientific revolution, 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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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.
Equipment
You will need access to the extract from Chapter 4 of Shelley's 'Frankenstein' which can be found in the additional materials.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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