Description:
Write a response paper for Frankenstein, Preface and Volume I. Consider what themes or ideas the author seems to be introducing. There are several. Remember that in addition to being a story, this novel also makes an argument. Make a few guesses about what the novel may be arguing. Until you have read the whole novel you can only guess, but the events and descriptions provided in the story should help you with your interpretation of the first part of the story. Remember to read, interpret, and critique (evaluate).
You can also concentrate on one or two passages rather than trying to explain all of Volume I. For example, consider “…the truth of the elementary principles of human nature” (Preface).
Another way to examine the novel is to consider the conflicts that exist in the novel and how the various characters participate in these conflicts or represent different points of view in the conflicts or themes the novel presents.