Mary Shelley: Frankenstein (original 1818 text) and Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe: The Sorrows of Yourng Werther and selected writings (translated by Catherine Hutter)

In this essay, discuss two literary works utilizing a single, relevant theme that emerges from your CLOSE READING analysis. You can discuss theme by way of characters, symbols, or even from a historical or sociological perspective. This essay is not long, so you must narrow your topic, and not address the entire work, but rather an aspect of the two works that clearly suggests you theme. Support your analysis by integrating quotes from the text. YOU are the narrator, so you are doing the talking. Let the quotes support you–and NOT do the talking for you.

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Your thesis statement should be short and clear, AND serve as your introduction. Not generalities (like “People have always…”) since it disrespects your readers. Start right in and discuss how this theme—applies to the first work, and then to the second. Do not discuss both works at the same time. Keep it simple, and don’t confuse your readers.
Finally, if you’ve said something once, do not repeat it again. Remember: Your reader is informed, so you can trust them to follow you. Be concise—NO FLUFF, and no common knowledge! Its easier when you are informed, and all time to EDIT.
One work will be Frankenstein. The second work will be either Candide or Sorrows of the Young Werther.
Length: 3 – 4 double spaced pages (about 1000 words)
Format: Use Times New Roman 12 pt., one inch margins on all four sides of the page, and double spaced throughout. The Heading (double spaced) should include your name, my name, the name of the course, and the date, flush left. The title should be centered. The thesis statement—an “assertion of an opinion that leads to a meaningful discussion,” is your introduction. Consult MLA guidelines for citing quotes from your chosen text (s). DO NOT use outside sources (e.g., Spark Notes or Cliffs Notes).
PREWRITING, DRAFTING, AND EDITING:

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Generate Ideas.-Create lists of points you perceive in you analysis. Group related points and eliminate all others.
Formulated a working thesis.-What is the significant point you want your readers to learn or understand from reading your essay? In one or two sentences, write an answer to the question. For example: In Shelly’s Frankenstein and Voltaire’s Candide, excessive optimism only escalates Candide and Victor’s suffering.
Organization.-Keep it simple: State your thesis, then discuss each subject separately.
Support your points with evidence.-Quote generously from the text to support your thesis. No block quotes allowed.
Analyze your evidence.-You are illustrating, not proving your theme. Be an objective analyst!
Edit your work.-This process should be where you spend HALF your time.
THEMES: You must select one of the options below:
The possibilities are unlimited, so for expediency’s sake, choose one or more prompts below. Then refine it according to what you want to say. Should you wish to pursue something unrelated, you may, upon my approval.
Abandonment Female Roles Isolation/Solitude
Rebelling Betrayal Sloth
Darkness and Light Identity Crisis Survival
Escaping Social Ineptness Power of Language
Portrayal of Family Injustice Unfulfilled Desire
Example Thesis using escapism and social ineptness. Escapism is a central theme in The Sorrows of Young Werther and Frankenstein. The protagonists of both stories escape from adult responsibilities into their subjective realities.