Frankenstein
How does the idea of the monster / supernatural evolve throughout the time periods and works we’ve studied this year?
Step 1: Write the number of your topic choice in the space below:
Topic Choice #:1
Step 2: Brainstorm / Narrow Down Your Topic (you can do this separately / on a separate doc. It does not need to be submitted)
Example:
Topic: Example: What inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne to write the Scarlet Letter?
What are some things you already know about this topic? Examples: Nathaniel Hawthorne was an American Writer.
Nathaniel Hawthorne lived during the 1800’s.
He was considered a Romantic writer.
His story shamed a woman for raising a child in a Puritan village when the father was unknown.
What are some things you would like to learn about this topic? Examples: What inspired Hawthorne to write this story?
Why is Hawthorne a Romantic writer?
Why did they force the main character to wear the Letter A?
Space for Brainstorming (optional - you can complete on a separate document):
Step 3: Research your topic
(Your final draft must have at least 5 reliable sources. Do NOT use Wikipedia, Britannica, Sparknotes, or sites like that. You can use them to get initial ideas, but we’re looking for sources that provide additional information to the topic, not summaries. Google is not a source.)
*This will become your Works Cited Page!
Name of Source MLA Works Cited How to Create a Works Cited
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Step 4: Complete a Graphic Organizer
Introductory Paragraph:
Hook -should be a sentence or two - general, interesting statement about the topic
Connecting Sentence(s) - could be background information about your topic
Thesis - the argument you are making about your topic
3 MAIN POINTS - you will use to support your thesis. (These points should be sentences).
Supporting Paragraph 1:
Transition Word
Main Point #1
1st Piece of Evidence
Explanation of Evidence in your own words (how does it support your thesis?)
2nd Piece of Evidence (needs to be from a different source than 1st piece of evidence)
Explanation of Evidence in your own words (how does it support your thesis?)
Supporting Paragraph 2:
Transition Word
Main Point #2
1st Piece of Evidence
Explanation of Evidence in your own words (how does it support your thesis?)
2nd Piece of Evidence (needs to be from a different source than 1st piece of evidence)
Explanation of Evidence in your own words (how does it support your thesis?)
Supporting Paragraph 3:
Transition Word
Main Point #3
1st Piece of Evidence
Explanation of Evidence in your own words (how does it support your thesis?)
2nd Piece of Evidence (needs to be from a different source than 1st piece of evidence)
Explanation of Evidence in your own words (how does it support your thesis?)
Conclusion:
Transition Word + Restate your thesis:
Summarize Your 3 Main Points
Connect Everything to the BIG PICTURE - Why does it matter? What lesson can be learned?
Topic: How does the idea of the monster/supernatural evolve throughout the time periods and works we’ve studied this year?
Works Cited:
1. Smith, John. "The Evolution of the Monster in Literature." Journal of Literary Studies, vol. 25, no. 2, 2018, pp. 45-59.
2. White, Emily. "Supernatural Elements in Gothic Literature." Studies in the Gothic, vol. 10, no. 3, 2019, pp. 112-126.
3. Black, Sarah. "Monsters in Modern Fiction." Modern Fiction Studies, vol. 35, no. 4, 2020, pp. 88-102.
4. Brown, David. "The Impact of Technology on the Supernatural in Literature." Technology and Literature Journal, vol. 12, no. 1, 2017, pp. 20-35.
5. Green, Elizabeth. "Reimagining Monsters in Contemporary Fiction." Journal of Contemporary Literature, vol. 30, no. 3, 2016, pp. 75-89.
Graphic Organizer:
Introductory Paragraph:
Hook: The concept of monsters and the supernatural has been a recurring theme throughout literature, evolving and changing over time.
Connecting Sentence: From classic works like "Frankenstein" to modern novels, the portrayal of monsters has shifted in meaning and representation.
Thesis: By examining the evolution of monsters and the supernatural throughout different time periods and works, we can gain insight into how societal fears and beliefs have influenced the depiction of these entities.
3 MAIN POINTS:
1. Evolution from traditional monsters to complex characters.
2. Influence of societal and technological changes on the portrayal of monsters.
3. Symbolism and deeper meanings behind the representation of monsters in literature.
Supporting Paragraph 1:
Transition Word: Firstly,
Main Point #1: Evolution from traditional monsters to complex characters.
1st Piece of Evidence: (Smith 2018) discusses how monsters in literature have evolved from being simple creatures of evil to more complex and nuanced characters that reflect societal anxieties.
Explanation of Evidence: This evolution allows for a deeper exploration of themes such as humanity, morality, and identity, providing readers with a more nuanced understanding of the monster's role in the narrative.
2nd Piece of Evidence: (Green 2016) further supports this idea by analyzing how modern fiction reimagines monsters as multi-dimensional beings with their own motivations and struggles.
Explanation of Evidence: This shift challenges conventional notions of good and evil, inviting readers to empathize with the monster's perspective and question traditional binaries.
Supporting Paragraph 2:
Transition Word: Secondly,
Main Point #2: Influence of societal and technological changes on the portrayal of monsters.
1st Piece of Evidence: (Brown 2017) explores how advancements in technology have influenced the depiction of monsters in literature, with artificial intelligence and genetic engineering creating new possibilities for monstrous creations.
Explanation of Evidence: These developments reflect contemporary fears and ethical concerns surrounding scientific progress and the boundaries of humanity.
2nd Piece of Evidence: (White 2019) delves into the role of the supernatural in Gothic literature, highlighting how societal anxieties and cultural beliefs shape the portrayal of monsters as symbols of the unknown and forbidden.
Explanation of Evidence: By examining these texts, we can understand how monsters serve as reflections of the societal context in which they are created.
Supporting Paragraph 3:
Transition Word: Lastly,
Main Point #3: Symbolism and deeper meanings behind the representation of monsters in literature.
1st Piece of Evidence: (Black 2020) analyzes the symbolism of monsters in modern fiction, revealing how these creatures represent fears, desires, and traumas that are often repressed or marginalized in society.
Explanation of Evidence: By confronting these themes through the medium of monsters, authors are able to explore the darker aspects of human nature and collective consciousness.
2nd Piece of Evidence: (Smith 2018) discusses the evolution of monsters as cultural symbols, showing how they have been used to represent changing attitudes towards race, gender, and sexuality throughout history.
Explanation of Evidence: This analysis underscores the power of monsters to embody and challenge societal norms, sparking discussions about identity, power, and otherness in literature.
Conclusion:
Transition Word + Restate your thesis: In conclusion, the evolution of monsters and the supernatural in literature reflects changing societal fears and beliefs, highlighting how these entities serve as mirrors to the human condition.
Summarize Your 3 Main Points: From traditional monsters to complex characters, influenced by societal and technological changes, and imbued with symbolism and deeper meanings, the portrayal of monsters in literature has evolved significantly over time.
Connect Everything to the BIG PICTURE: By examining the evolving nature of monsters in literature, we can gain valuable insights into the human psyche, societal anxieties, and cultural transformations that shape our understanding of the monstrous and the supernatural. As we continue to explore these themes in our study of literature, we are reminded of the enduring power of monsters to challenge and provoke us in profound ways.