1. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
A critical look at human “progress”

2. Author’s Purpose
I busied myself to think of a story...One which would speak to the mysterious fears of our nature and awaken thrilling horror. - Mary Shelley

3. Characters Victor Frankenstein- protagonist
The Creature/Monster- Victor’s experiment
Elizabeth- Victor’s love interest
Henry Clerval- Victor’s school friend
Justine- Victor’s cousin who live at the castle
Baron Frankenstein- Victor’s father
We open the movie with a “frame tale” and a flashback to tell the story of Victor Frankenstein

4. Text Background
Mary Shelley’s gothic novel Frankenstein was labeled “romantic fiction” by an early reviewer. It is a powerful work of imagination that uses exotic natural settings and emphasizes the emotions of fear and awe. The title character who she holds up for readers’ evaluation, Dr. Frankenstein, is an ambiguous character who may or may not be worthy of our admiration.

5. Pre-Viewing Questions
Why do you think people like to explore the unknown?
What historical examples can you think of about explorers venturing into the unknown?
Is exploration and discovery worth the sacrifice? Why or why not?
What are some reasons that people get rejected by others?
Why do you think companionship and love are important to the human experience?
Do you think it is more important to make intellectual decisions or emotional decisions? Why?