Frankenstein is full of important literary elements for students to explore. One of these elements is the tragic hero, a protagonist who seems to be ill-fated, and destined for doom. In this novel, Frankenstein and his monster both fit this archetype.
The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, first articulated the specific attributes or principles of a tragic hero. In the storyboard example, the creator has focused on Victor Frankenstein as a tragic hero. The finished product outlines each of Aristotle's principles with a detailed explanation of the specific attributes and how they apply to Dr. Frankenstein. Students could choose to examine Frankenstein’s monster instead, or compare the two side by side in a grid layout
| ATTRIBUTE | DEFINITION | EXAMPLE FROM TEXT |
|---|---|---|
| Hamartia | Flaw that Causes the Hero's Downfall | Frankenstein’s blind ambition leads him to investigate science that is best left alone. |
| Hubris | Excessive Pride | Victor believes he can conquer death with science, recklessly playing “God” and ignoring the natural order. |
| Peripeteia | Reversal of Fortune | Victor thinks the monster is gone but returns home to find his brother, William, killed and the creature lurking. |
| Anagnorisis | Hero Makes a Critical Discovery | Victor realizes his monster killed his new bride, Elizabeth, and this is what was meant by, “I shall be with you on your wedding-night.” |
| Nemesis | Unavoidable Fate | Once Victor brought the monster to life, his fate was inextricably intertwined with it, to the ends of the earth, and the ends of their lives. |
| Catharsis | Pity or Fear the Audience Feels After Hero's Fall | In the end, the reader is left feeling pity for Victor, and fear that they too could suffer the consequences of hubris. Captain Walton, a surrogate for the reader, heeds the lesson and sails for home. |
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows how either Victor Frankenstein or his monster can be considered a tragic hero.