Frankenstein teaching pack

Last updated: 15/11/2023
Contributor: Teachit Author
Frankenstein cover
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Key stage
Resource type
Teaching pack

Take students on a compelling journey through this famous text and prepare them for the AQA and Edexcel English Literature GCSE.

‘I think this novel is a fantastic exam text, but can be a little intimidating for teachers and students. I wanted the pack to offer a pathway through this challenging text and offer lots of contextual support, so that teachers can easily navigate this stimulating novel. There is a real emphasis on thinking skills and developing alternative viewpoints … : all essential skills for the GCSE exams.’

Annabel Wall, writer

Featuring resources and activities to explore context, key themes and plot development, this pack will shed light on this dark and challenging 19th century text.

What's included?

  • 20 lessons
  • exam-style questions with extracts for relevant exam boards
  • 51 bespoke resources 
  • activities to develop students’ critical reading skills in preparation for the GCSE.

What's inside?

Introduction (page 3)

Specification summaries (page 4)

Chapter 1 - 4 (pages 6-32)

  • Lesson 1 - Robert Walton’s letters
    • Resource 1 – The letters
    • Resource 2 – Thinking about Robert Walton
  • Lesson 2 - Symbolism
    • Resource 3 – Symbolism record
    • Resource 4 – Semantic field and devices
  • Lesson 3 - Frankenstein’s early life - Chapters 1 and 2
    • Resource 5 – Family tree
    • Resource 6 – Similarities between Walton and Frankenstein
  • Lesson 4 - Science and discovery
    • Resource 8 – Galvani and Frankenstein
    • Resource 9 – Timeline
    • Resource 10 – Knowledge and discovery
  • Lesson 5 - Mary Shelley and context
    • Resource 11 – Research
  • Exam style questions

Chapters 5 - 8 (pages 33-61)

  • Lesson 6 - The creature
    • Resource 12 – Images of the creature
    • Resource 13 – Creating a creature with words
    • Resource 14 – Working with an extract
  • Lesson 7 - Exploring genre
    • Resource 15 – Definitions of science-fiction
    • Resource 16 – Exploring genres
    • Resource 17 – Features of the Gothic
  • Lesson 8 - Theme of creation
    • Resource 18 – Prometheus and Frankenstein
    • Resource 19 – Discussion questions
  • Lesson 9 - Femininity in the novel
    • Resource 20 – Women in the novel
    • Resource 22 – Letter to Victor
  • Lesson 10 - Friendship
    • Resource 23 – Defining friendship
    • Resource 24 – Essay practice
    • Resource 25 – Friendship mind map
  • Exam style questions

Chapters 9 - 16 (pages 62-87)

  • Lesson 11 - Language and landscape
    • Resource 26 – Terminology bingo
    • Resource 27 – Blackout poetry
    • Resource 28 – Analysing quotations
    • Resource 29 – Working with an extract
  • Lesson 12 - Judging the creature
    • Resource 30 – Courtroom role play
  • Lesson 13 - Biblical references
    • Resource 31 – Heaven or hell?
    • Resource 32 – Searching the text
    • Resource 33 – Quotation quest
  • Lesson 14 - Society and prejudice
    • Resource 34 – Prejudice and society
  • Lesson 15 - Frankenstein and the creature
    • Resource 35 – Relationships
    • Resource 36 – Linking the creator and the creature
  • Exam style questions

Chapters 17 - 24 (pages 91-126)

  • Lesson 16 - Journeys and travel
    • Resource 37 – The purpose of travel
    • Resource 38 – Journeys and travel
    • Resource 39 – Wild places
  • Lesson 17 - Tension and drama
    • Resource 40 – The nightmare
    • Resource 41 – The wedding night
  • Lesson 18 - Family
    • Resource 42 – Families in the novel
    • Resource 43 – The family
    • Resource 44 – Exploring an extract
    • Resource 45 – The creature’s family
  • Lesson 19 - Narrative structure
    • Resource 46 – Racing questions
    • Resource 47 – Terminology audit
    • Resource 48 – Key terminology for narrative structure
  • Lesson 20 - The writer’s intention
    • Resource 49 – Our final judgement
    • Resource 50 – Possible meanings
    • Resource 51 – The writer’s intention
  • Exam style questions

This sample student activity looks at essay practice.

1. Work in a group of three and match the brief points from this essay plan to the examples/references given.
2. Then, working individually, choose two of the points and expand them into detailed paragraphs. For each paragraph, ensure that: … 
•    there is a link to the essay title
•    the examples/references are expanded and explained
•    there is a link to how the reader responds.

Essay title: Why is the character of Henry Clerval important in the novel?

Point

Examples/references from the novel

Clerval is devoted to Frankenstein and represents a morally pure image of humanity.

Clerval combines ambition with sensitivity and affection.

Clerval functions as a foil to Frankenstein’s character.

Clerval admires the beauty of nature and is enthusiastic about poetry.

Clerval represents what Frankenstein could have become.

Clerval’s appearance in Chapter 5 represents a temporary end to Frankenstein’s isolation.

Clerval represents the ideal romantic man.

Clerval is selfless and less obsessive – his goodness is a sharp contrast to Frankenstein’s flaws.

Frankenstein hints that something may have happened to Clerval.

Clerval also values education and wants independence – he also defies his father.

Clerval’s friendship is important to Frankenstein’s state of mind and recovery.

Frankenstein refers to Clerval as his former self – he represents all that he has lost.

Clerval and Frankenstein share some of the same character traits.

Clerval looks after Frankenstein when he is ill and delays his own studies.

Clerval is a balanced character who combines traditional feminine and masculine traits.

Frankenstein talks about Clerval in the past tense.

Frankenstein pack
£15.00
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All reviews

Have you used this resource?

5

16/02/2021

5

15/02/2021

5

10/01/2021

5

22/05/2020

5

16/02/2021

5

15/02/2021

5

10/01/2021

5

22/05/2020

5

28/11/2018

Great Introduction to the letters. I like how students engage with this "dying" form. Clearly structured to work through the novel.

Stella Re

28/01/2018

Well written and succinct. A POWERPOINT presentation would have put the sherry in the trifle!!!

10/10/2017

5

5

5