English 12 Honors
Research Paper 2014
Mrs. Colando
Preliminary Essay Assignment
Directions: Because writing a research paper involves utilizing both primary and secondary sources, it is important for you to develop a sound argument before attempting to incorporate other people’s opinions. For this assignment, you are to write a multi-paragraph essay utilizing only Frankenstein to answer one of the following prompts. These are your research paper prompts and this essay is the first step in the research paper process.
1. The term “doppelganger” is used to describe a person’s double or alter ego. Who is/are Victor’s doppelganger(s)? Analyze the effect of the double in the novel.
2. Analyze justice in the novel. Is justice served? Examine Shelley’s views on justice in terms of plot, characters and themes.
3. An important concept that we’ve discussed is the relationship between appearance and reality. What factors contribute to the distinction between appearance and reality? Are characters/setting always what they seem to be in the novel?
4. Can Frankenstein be considered a true Gothic Novel?
5. What are the effects of isolation/alienation of characters in the novel? You may also further explore this topic to connect/compare to other literary figures we’ve studied.
6. Analyze Shelley’s views on creation through characters, plot and themes in Frankenstein. (Think about creation in terms of science and religion.)
7. To what extent is Frankenstein a commentary on duty and human responsibility.
8. Does Victor Frankenstein suffer from a psychological disorder? If so, which one?
9. Does creating the monster cause Victor’s mental illness or does Victor’s mental illness cause him to create the monster?
10. How do environmental factors play a role in the development of Victor and the monster’s psychological character?
11. Analyze and discuss Shelley’s view of Science during the Enlightenment through plot, characters and themes in Frankenstein.
12. Analyze and discuss Shelley’s view of Enlightenment Education through plot, characters and themes in Frankenstein.
13. Analyze and discuss the role of nature and the natural world in Frankenstein.
14. Analyze and discuss the relationship between good and evil in Frankenstein.
15. How is Mary Shelley’s life reflected in characters, setting, plot, and themes in Frankenstein?
16. How are symbols and imagery used in Frankenstein to assist in the development of themes in the novel?
**You must have a clear thesis statement
**You must present your argument using only evidence from Frankenstein.
**Use parenthetical citation/works cited page
**Essay due:_________________
To view the list of books and their descriptions available in the West library for the Frankenstein assignment, click the pdf file link below. 
