Reading an extract from 'Frankenstein': A fateful night
I can explain how Shelley crafts an unsettling atmosphere on the night of the birth of the Creature.
Reading an extract from 'Frankenstein': A fateful night
I can explain how Shelley crafts an unsettling atmosphere on the night of the birth of the Creature.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- On a dreary night in November, Frankenstein brings his creation to life.
- He despises his creation because it is hideous and ugly; he shuns the Creature and runs away from it.
- Shelley uses pathetic fallacy and setting to create an ominous atmosphere.
- Shelley cleverly builds tension in the lead up to the reveal of Frankenstein’s monster.
Common misconception
Students often think that the Creature did something to terrify/hurt Victor.
Victor takes an instant dislike to the Creature because of its ugliness. Victor shuns the Creature immediately, purely because of its looks.
Keywords
Unsettling - unnerving - makes you feel anxious and uncomfortable
Atmosphere - the tone or mood of a place or scene
Pathetic fallacy - when the weather reflects the mood of the character(s)
Tension - the sense that something ominous or bad might happen imminently
Summary - a short account of the events of a text
Equipment
You will need access to the 'Frankenstein' extract from Chapter 5 which can be found in the additional materials section.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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