Frankenstein

By Mary Shelley

Frankenstein Close Reading #1: Chapter IX, pages 64-65

Q3 Essay:

To prepare, follow these guidelines:

a. Reread 4-5 key passages in the novel so that the narrator and characters' voices are freshly in your mind.

b. Read over our Google docs Frankenstein thematic notes to help consider some ideas that might help you on the Q3.

c. Reminders about the Q3 Essay:

1. Because you don't have the text in front of you, you must recall, with a high level of detail, events from the novel as evidence. Remember that you should have correct names and spellings of the characters and settings and have a clear understanding of the plot.

2. Although you don't have the text in front of you, remember that the AP readers will expect you to still discuss literary devices in your essay--so refer to them whenever possible. This could include tone (mention that whenever you can), syntax/writer's style, imagery, figurative language (irony, metaphor, simile, symbolism), characterization, setting, etc.

3. Remember that like our Frankenstein thematic groups activity, your thesis will be in two parts: the first part will identify the smaller part (setting, scene, motif, symbol, characterization, moment of conflict, etc.) and connect it to "the work as a whole" (THEME). The prompt will direct you to examine a specific element of the novel/play and then ask you to connect it to the theme.

4. Remember that in the thesis model above, that leap into theme (the "So What?") is crucial to a successful thesis. So, after you write you thesis, ask yourself--"Is this what the WHOLE book is about? Is this what Shelley wants us to take away from this WHOLE novel?" Be careful that you don't stop your thesis at the first part--EXPAND to the WORK AS A WHOLE.

5. For this thesis, you don't have to include the literary devices, just be sure you use them in your body paragraphs. You can include them in your thesis if you want to--there's no set "rule" either way.

6. Remember that you will probably only have time to write a brief introduction with thesis, two meaty body paragraphs packed with detailed evidence from the text, and a compressed conclusion. You'll probably have time for 2-3 sentences (not including your thesis) for your introduction and 2-4 sentences for your conclusion. Remember: DON'T THROW AWAY YOUR CONCLUSION! Take a deep breath and make it count: Why is the idea in the thesis so significant? Why is the theme you're exploring so important? Expand and deepen thesis idea--don't repeat ideas stated earlier.

7. In terms of timing, remember you have 40 minutes. DON'T SKIP THE STEP of BRAINSTORMING! Give yourself 10-12 minutes to write your thesis and consider/write out your topic sentences and bullet your examples. You will not regret taking this planning time.

8. Here's a way to think about the timing:

10 minutes: planning/organization

25 minutes: writing intro., body paragraphs, conclusion

5 minutes: brilliant conclusion