Novel: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

[cheater123]

OK so I do admit this is an essay so you don't need to give me exact answers I just need a bit of help (please) as I'm running out of time!

In part of my essay I have to include:

Characterisation: how does shelley create her characters and how typical of the genre are they?

I just have no idea how to start explaining this or even what kind of things I should include in answering this part of my essay. Any help appreciated.

PS- Could someone please recommend a good book for me (15 year old lad) to read as I can't remember ever finishing a book (except ones I have to read at school which I don't enjoy) as I easily lose interest. As I am now moving into year 11 I want try and enjoy reading as I believe it can improve my English a lot. Thanks in advane for any answers.

[**Clem**]

Hi, it's been a while since I studied Frankenstein and when I did it was more concerned with Shelley's life in relation to the novel. Do a search on Frankenstein characterisation notes and that should bring some useful information up. Also, if you've got a copy of the book, there should be a preface in the front which should help. You could note how there are several references to Frankenstein's position as playing God. Apart from the obvious creator forming life theme of the book, there are referrals throughout the novel. The monster says in vol 2, chapter 2; 'I ought to be thy Adam; but I am rather the fallen angel'. Then in vol 2, chapter 7, he says; 'Like Adam, I was created apparently united by no link to any other being in existence; but his state...' and then a bit further down, 'God in pity made man beautiful and alluring, after his own image; but my form is a filthy type of yours...'. This is typical of the writing of the time by being preoccupied with the position of religion with emerging scientific discoveries. I'm not saying the bulk of your essay should be about this but it should definitely be discussed. Also, Frankenstein's constant feeling of shame and guilt (there are loads of quotes throughout) is typical of the Gothic novel.

I am mainly writing to say though that you will probably enjoy Of Mice and Men, The Catcher in the Rye and maybe The Dice Man or some Hubert Selby Jr if you're a worldly fifteen!
Good luck! x

[luckyeight]

Yeah, or - controversial answer and bit late in the day - read the book. ;-)

[dotty03]

Hi.

I have just finished reading 'The Bartimaeus Trilogy.' A very enjoyable set of books by Jonathan Stroud, about a young magician called Nathaniel and his djinni (demon) Bartimaeus.

Others you might enjoy are:

Alex Rider Books

Stormbreakr
Point Blanc
Eagle Strike
Seleton Key
Scorpia
Ark Angel

All by Anthony Horrowitz


The Harry Potter books are loved by almost everybody and I would definately reccomend them myself.


That should keep you going for a while my friend.

[missmoore]

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/frankenstein/

I think you have to join this site, but it's free and really helpful - it's saved my life many times.

As for reading, I remember a lot of the boys at my school really enjoying Catch 22.

Best of luck!

[showe68]

You probably already know that Mary Shelley created the Frankenstein story in a contest that she had between Percy Shelley, Lord Byron, and another fellow(forget his name but it begins with a P) I want to say Percival ? They were staying at a chateau in stormy weather and all decided to make up "ghost" stories. One of the group had a story of a Vampire. Dont know if that helps with your essay, but is interesting nonetheless.

Anyway, you might like reading:
Alexandre Dumas - The Count of Monte Cristo if you havent already. And there is always the Three Muskateers and The Man & the Mask.

I enjoyed Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls about a boy and his two hound dogs.

The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford is good

Watership Down by Richard Adams

[Hellion]

I'm with Dotty - The Alex Rider books are great my son loves them ,
I've just read Eragon and Eldest by Christopher Paolini - there suitable for a 15 year old boy because Christopher was only 15 when he started writing them! They are the first two in a trilogy.
Anything by Terry Pratchett they are completely mad - I love them -
You could try the Sharpe Books by Bernard Cornwell - they are adult books but I think you might like them.

Make sure you read books in the right place, some where quiet and relaxing - I love reading in bed - if your comfy and quiet it's much easier to get absorbed in the book.
Well done you for asking advice on books and not just give up trying to read which many guys do - I promise it can be come one of the simplest pleasures in life!!