A Hubristic Character

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is centered on the theme of hubris as it appears in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.” It encourages students to consider who the hubristic character is and how their excessive pride leads to downfall. The character in question is Victor Frankenstein, who, in his quest for knowledge and power, defies natural laws to create life, only to face dire consequences.

The first section of the chart is for students to list the achievements and successes of Victor Frankenstein and how these lead to his overconfidence. The second part prompts a discussion of any warnings he might have received about the dangers of playing God and how he chose to ignore these cautions. Following this, the students must note the actions Victor takes despite these warnings and how these actions precipitate the tragedy of the novel.

In the final section, students are asked to reflect on the message or moral of the story, particularly focusing on the limitations of humanity that Frankenstein attempted to exceed. This worksheet is a tool to help students understand the critical literary theme of hubris and its impact on character and plot within the story of “Frankenstein.”