Close Textual Analysis on Frankenstein - Any tips?

Question

I have to write a close textual analysis on a passage from the novel Frankenstein for English but I've never done one before. I'm a bit stuck as to how to approach it, any tips or advice?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Well, there are different ways in which to write a textual analysis. You could write about the book in general, referring to the period in which it was written, the atmosphere, setting and themes of the play. You might also try approaching the book through the themes directly. You could start with the main theme and link all the other interests of the book with it. Or, you could speak about the themes without making them revolve around a central theme. Alternatively, try speaking about the characters themselves, mainly Frankenstein and his creator. You might also try interpreting the book, like what is really represented by Frankenstein and how he is an oddity.

On the whole, however, whatever approach you chose, you should have included all the following information in your analysis:-

1.Setting, atmosphere, mood of the novel

2.Characters( mostly main characters with very little on the minor ones only to say how they reinforce the impression given by the main characters)

3.Themes, motifs, symbols and interests of the novel.

4. Never write a summary of the novel, this will never bring you any credit. many students tend to write summaries, without realizing that their teacher knows the story too. What you might do is to try to include a critical summary while writing the analysis. It must not look exactly like a summary but must allow someone who had not read the book to get a basic idea of the plot without its becoming monotonous.

5.Some sort of post-modern perspective on the novel as a whole. If you have read any criticisms on the book, you might include a few sentences on the perspectives of other authors, which would show you have researched your subject before writing.

6. Your personal opinion, if any, in one sentence in the conclusion.

I'm including a link to spark notes Frankenstein, if you want to have a look at it:-

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

Hope this helps!