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.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
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.
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
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.
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).
Lesson video
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