How long does it take to read Frankenstein?
Answer: 5 to 6 hours
The time it takes to read Frankenstein by Mary Shelley can vary depending on individual reading speed and the chosen reading pace. Several factors influence the reading time, such as the reader’s familiarity with the language and the complexity of the text. Let’s break it down:
Word Count: Frankenstein is a novel of moderate length. The word count can vary slightly depending on the edition, but it generally falls in the range of 80,000 to 85,000 words.
Chapter Counts: Frankenstein typically consists of 24 chapters.
Reader’s Speed: The average adult English reader can read about 200-300 words per minute. However, some readers may read faster or slower depending on their reading habits and comprehension level.
Estimation: To estimate the reading time, we can take an average of 250 words per minute.
Calculation: If we take a word count of 80,000 words and divide it by the average reading speed (250 words per minute), it would take approximately 5.3 hours to read the entire novel in one sitting. However, reading a novel of this length in a single session might be challenging for some readers.
Remember that reading speed and the time taken to complete the book may vary from person to person. The most important thing is to find a pace that allows you to enjoy and engage with the novel fully.
How long does it take to read Frankenstein out loud?
Answer: 11 to 12 hours
The time it takes to read Frankenstein out loud will depend on the reader’s speaking pace and how expressive they choose to be while reading. As with any text, the reading speed can vary widely from person to person. However, we can still provide a rough estimation.
The average reading speed for reading aloud is typically slower than silent reading, ranging from 100 to 150 words per minute for most individuals. Let’s use a conservative estimate of 120 words per minute for reading Frankenstein out loud.
Word Count: As mentioned before, Frankenstein has a word count of approximately 80,000 to 85,000 words.
Estimation: If we take an average reading speed of 120 words per minute, it would take around 667 to 708 minutes to read the entire novel out loud.
In hours: To convert this to hours, we divide by 60 minutes (1 hour = 60 minutes):
- 667 minutes / 60 minutes = approximately 11.1 hours
- 708 minutes / 60 minutes = approximately 11.8 hours
So, reading Frankenstein out loud may take around 11 to 12 hours, depending on the reader’s pace and style. This estimation does not include any breaks or pauses, so it’s essential to consider the reader’s stamina and the need for rest during such a prolonged reading session.
Reading Frankenstein in 6 sessions:
Here’s a breakdown of Frankenstein into six logical readings:
Reading 1:
- Chapters 1 to 4: In this initial part, you’ll be introduced to Captain Robert Walton and his letters to his sister. You’ll also meet Victor Frankenstein and learn about his early life, his family, and his fascination with science and natural philosophy.
Reading 2:
- Chapters 5 to 10: In this section, Victor’s story continues as he heads to Ingolstadt to pursue his studies. You’ll witness his creation of the creature and the profound consequences that follow. The creature’s awakening and his first experiences in the world are also explored.
Reading 3:
- Chapters 11 to 16: This reading delves into the creature’s experiences as he learns about humanity, faces rejection, and seeks companionship. Victor’s struggles and internal conflicts are further developed.
Reading 4:
- Chapters 17 to 21: In this part, the narrative shifts between Victor and the creature’s perspectives. You’ll read about Victor’s deteriorating mental state and the creature’s plea for a companion. The emotional and moral dilemmas are intensified.
Reading 5:
- Chapters 22 to 24: As the climax approaches, this reading covers Victor’s decision regarding the creature’s request for a companion and the devastating consequences that follow. The creature’s final actions and Victor’s pursuit unfold.
Reading 6:
- Chapters 24 (continued) to the end: This final reading concludes the novel, with Captain Walton’s perspective returning to frame the narrative. The aftermath of the events is revealed, and the novel ends on a reflective note.
Breaking the novel into six readings allows you to explore the key themes and character developments in manageable chunks. It gives you ample time to immerse yourself in the intricacies of the story while providing natural stopping points for contemplation and discussion.
How long does it take to read Frankenstein?