Assignment Prompt

Intro: This assignment gives students a creative way to explore the themes of Frankenstein by designing their own modern version of the creature. I would use it near the end of the unit, once students have a strong grasp of the novel’s ideas. It’s a fun and meaningful way for them to think critically about ambition, fear, and humanity today. Through their design, written explanation, reflection, and short presentation, students show their understanding in a more personal and imaginative way. This project reflects my teaching style by blending creativity, analysis, and self-expression to make literature more engaging and relevant.

Assignment: Create a Creature – A Modern-Day Frankenstein’s Monster

In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the creature is more than just a monster. It represents human ambition, fear, loneliness, and other themes. In this assignment, you will design your own modern version of Frankenstein’s creature to explore similar themes in a creative and meaningful way.

 

Learning Goals:

As you work, keep these goals in mind:

  • Demonstrate your understanding of Frankenstein by clearly explaining its key themes.

  • Write your ideas clearly and in an organized manner, using examples from the novel.

  • Share your thoughts during the class presentation and respond thoughtfully to others.

Instructions: 

  1. Create a physical version of your creature. This can be a drawing, sculpture, collage, digital design, or any other creative format that shows what your creature looks like.

  2. Write a detailed description (about 1 page, Times New Roman, 12 pt, double-spaced) explaining:

  • What your creature is like (traits and abilities)

  • How and why it was created

  • What role or purpose it has in the world today

  1. Write a one-page reflection that explores:

  • What your creature says about human nature or society today

  • What you learned about the themes of the novel through this process

  1. Prepare a 5-minute class presentation to:

  • Show and explain your creature’s design

  • Summarize its backstory and purpose

  • Share one key insight from your reflection

What I’m Looking For:

  • A thoughtful, original creature with a strong connection to themes in Frankenstein

  • Clear, organized writing that communicates your ideas effectively

  • A creative and well-explained design

  • A confident, prepared presentation that shows you understand your creature and its meaning

This project will help you practice analyzing literature, expressing your ideas in writing, and sharing your thoughts with others.

(Additionally, I will provide an example to help students better understand the assignment.)

Grading Rubric: Create a Creature (10 Points Total)

Category

Excellent

(2 Points)

Good

(1 Points)

Needs Improvement

(0 Points)

Points

1. Physical Representation

(2 pts)

Creative 

and detailed

Lacks detail or originality

Incomplete 

or rushed.

_____/2

2. Description & Backstory

(2 pts)

Thorough and clearly explains 

Covers main points but not all 

Lacks detail or misses key elements.

_____/2

3. Reflection

(2 pts)

Insightful and connects to themes 

Some connection made but need more

Minimal or lacks connection to themes

_____/2

4. Clarity & Effort

(2 pts)

Work is neat, organized, 

consistent effort 

Mostly clear and organized; some areas need polish.

Disorganized, 

messy, or rushed 

_____/2

5. Presentation

(2 pts)

Confident, clear, 

and engaging

Mostly clear; some points undeveloped

Unclear, unprepared, or missing information

_____/2

Total  

____/10


I chose the "Create a Creature" assignment because it allows students to explore Frankenstein’s themes in a creative and personal way. Designing a modern-day creature will help students connect the novel to real-world issues while practicing critical thinking and self-expression. The written and presentation components encourage reflection, organized and clear writing, and build confidence and communication skills. The grading rubric supports these goals by focusing on comprehension, writing, creativity, effort, and presentation. Overall, I believe this assignment makes literary analysis more engaging, meaningful, and memorable for students.

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