Frankenstein (In the Footsteps Of...)
In the Footsteps Of... Series
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
This book is part of a series designed for horror enthusiasts, featuring retellings of scary stories, the facts behind the tales, and an exploration of the myths and legends that inspired them. It specifically focuses on the story of Frankenstein and his monster.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-14
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the relationship between Victor Frankenstein and his creation? How did it make you feel?
Why do you think the monster wanted to be accepted by others? How does this relate to how we treat people who are different?
What are the consequences of Victor’s decisions throughout the story? Can you think of a time when you had to consider the consequences of your actions?
How does the setting influence the mood of the story? Can you describe a scene where the setting made you feel a certain way?
What lessons can we learn about science and responsibility from Victor’s experiments?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in the monster’s or Victor’s situation.
Relate themes from the book to real-life situations, such as the importance of understanding and kindness towards others who are different.
Discuss the moral dilemmas presented in the book and ask your child what they would have done differently.
Use descriptive scenes from the book to enhance visualization skills by asking your child to draw or describe a scene in detail.
Explore the consequences of actions with your child to underline the importance of thinking things through.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of responsibility
Explanation: The story showcases how Victor Frankenstein's neglect of his creation leads to disastrous consequences.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and the impact they can have on others.
Example Lesson: Understanding the impact of isolation
Explanation: The creature’s feelings of abandonment and isolation by society and its creator highlight the crucial human need for companionship and acceptance.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate the value of inclusion and the effects of ostracizing others.
Example Lesson: The consequences of unchecked ambition
Explanation: Victor’s relentless pursuit of scientific discovery without considering the ramifications illustrates how blind ambition can be harmful.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to balance their ambitions with ethical considerations and the welfare of others.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: The creature’s experiences and emotional responses elicit sympathy and understanding, demonstrating the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to empathize with others who are different from themselves, fostering a more inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: The quest for knowledge
Explanation: The book explores the theme of the thirst for knowledge and the moral implications of pursuing knowledge without ethical boundaries.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious and seek knowledge, while also understanding the importance of ethical considerations in their pursuits.