This study focuses on how Frankenstein works: how the story is told and why it is so rich and gripping. Part I uses carefully selected short extracts for close textual analysis, while Part II examines Shelley's life, the historical and literary contexts of the novel, and offers a sample of key criticism.
'Direct and engaging in style, this comprehensive study will appeal to new students of Frankenstein, and will also be useful to the Shelley specialist.'
- Mike Edwards, formerly Head of Humanities, Crosskeys College, UK
'The book comprises an intrinsic analysis of the novel itself and an extrinsic account of its context and critics. Throughout, Marsh's method is close reading: quoting a substantial passage to illustrate each of his points and then commenting oon it in detail. This approach, illuminating in itself, also sets a good example for students...It would help an instructor preparing to teach the novel for the first time, not least because of the excellent essay questions that end most chapters.'
- D. L. Macdonald, Professor of English, University of Calgary, Canada, New Books Online 19
General Editor's Preface
A Note on Editions
Introduction
PART I: ANALYSING FRANKENSTEIN
The Narrative Frame
Characterisation
Nature, Society and Science
Symbol and Myth
Themes and Conclusions to Part I
PART II: THE CONTEXT AND THE CRITICS
Mary Shelley's Life and Works
The Historical and Literary Context
A Sample of Critical Views
Further Reading
Index
NICHOLAS MARSH formerly taught English at Francis Holland School, Regent's Park, London. He is author of the popular How to Begin Studying English Literature and many titles in the Analysing Texts series, of which he is the general editor.
Description
This study focuses on how Frankenstein works: how the story is told and why it is so rich and gripping. Part I uses carefully selected short extracts for close textual analysis, while Part II examines Shelley's life, the historical and literary contexts of the novel, and offers a sample of key criticism.
Reviews
'Direct and engaging in style, this comprehensive study will appeal to new students of Frankenstein, and will also be useful to the Shelley specialist.'
- Mike Edwards, formerly Head of Humanities, Crosskeys College, UK
'The book comprises an intrinsic analysis of the novel itself and an extrinsic account of its context and critics. Throughout, Marsh's method is close reading: quoting a substantial passage to illustrate each of his points and then commenting oon it in detail. This approach, illuminating in itself, also sets a good example for students...It would help an instructor preparing to teach the novel for the first time, not least because of the excellent essay questions that end most chapters.'
- D. L. Macdonald, Professor of English, University of Calgary, Canada, New Books Online 19
Contents
General Editor's Preface
A Note on Editions
Introduction
PART I: ANALYSING FRANKENSTEIN
The Narrative Frame
Characterisation
Nature, Society and Science
Symbol and Myth
Themes and Conclusions to Part I
PART II: THE CONTEXT AND THE CRITICS
Mary Shelley's Life and Works
The Historical and Literary Context
A Sample of Critical Views
Further Reading
Index
Authors
NICHOLAS MARSH formerly taught English at Francis Holland School, Regent's Park, London. He is author of the popular How to Begin Studying English Literature and many titles in the Analysing Texts series, of which he is the general editor.
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