Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus, generally known as Frankenstein, is a novel written by Mary Shelley. Shelley started writing Frankenstein when she was 18 and finished when she was 19. The first edition was published anonymously in London in 1818. Shelley's name appears on the second edition, published in 1831. The title of the novel refers to a scientist, Victor Frankenstein, who learns how to create life and creates a being in the likeness of man, but larger than average and more powerful. In popular culture, people have tended to refer to the Creature as "Frankenstein", despite this being the name of the scientist. Frankenstein is infused with some elements of the Gothic novel and the Romantic movement. It was also a warning against the expansion of modern man in the Industrial Revolution, alluded to in the novel's subtitle, The Modern Prometheus. The story has had an influence across literature and popular culture and spawned a complete genre of horror stories and films. It is often considered the first fully realized science fiction novel due to its pointed, if gruesome, focus on playing God by creating life from dead flesh.
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Cast of Characters
Captain Robert Walton
Captain Robert Walton writes to his sister Margaret Saville about his adventures, which the reader looks in upon in a typical epistolary novel manner. Then Victor recounts his story to Walton, who takes notes and sends them to his sister. Then the monster tells Victor about his or its adventures, which Victor recounts to Walton. Finally, the monster quotes the DeLaceys.
Victor Frankenstein
Victor Frankenstein's life story is at the heart of Frankenstein. A young Swiss boy, he grows up in Geneva reading the works of the ancient and outdated alchemists, a background that serves him ill when he attends university at Ingolstadt. There he learns about modern science and, within a few years, masters all that his professors have to teach him. He becomes fascinated with the “secret of life,” discovers it, and brings a hideous monster to life. The monster proceeds to kill Victor's youngest brother, best friend, and wife; he also indirectly causes the deaths of two other innocents, including Victor's father. Though torn by remorse, shame, and guilt, Victor refuses to admit to anyone the horror of what he has created, even as he sees the ramifications of his creative act spiraling out of control. Victor changes over the course of the novel from an innocent youth fascinated by the prospects of science into a disillusioned, guilt-ridden man determined to destroy the fruits of his arrogant scientific endeavor. Whether as a result of his desire to attain the godlike power of creating new life or his avoidance of the public arenas in which science is usually conducted, Victor is doomed by a lack of humanness. He cuts himself off from the world and eventually commits himself entirely to an animalistic obsession with revenging himself upon the monster. At the end of the novel, having chased his creation ever northward, Victor relates his story to Robert Walton and then dies. With its multiple narrators and, hence, multiple perspectives, the novel leaves the reader with contrasting interpretations of Victor: classic mad scientist, transgressing all boundaries without concern, or brave adventurer into unknown scientific lands, not to be held responsible for the consequences of his explorations.
Baron Alphonse Frankenstein
Father of Victor, Ernest and William Frankenstein; husband of Caroline; uncle and adoptive father of Elizabeth. Very sympathetic toward his son. Alphonse consoles Victor in moments of pain and encourages him to remember the importance of family.
Alphonse Frankenstein is a syndic (magistrate) of Geneva and comes from a long line of syndics. Victor describes his character and his devotion to public duty:
"my father had filled several public situations with honor and reputation. He was respected by all who knew him for his integrity and indefatigable attention to public business. He passed his younger days perpetually occupied by the affairs of his country; and it was not until the decline of life that he thought of marrying, and bestowing on the state sons who might carry his virtues and his name down to posterity." (1.1.1)The emphasis on duty is clear in all of his dealings with his son.Alphonse dies of an apoplectic fit after hearing of the death of Elizabeth.
Alphonse Frankenstein is a syndic (magistrate) of Geneva and comes from a long line of syndics. Victor describes his character and his devotion to public duty:
"my father had filled several public situations with honor and reputation. He was respected by all who knew him for his integrity and indefatigable attention to public business. He passed his younger days perpetually occupied by the affairs of his country; and it was not until the decline of life that he thought of marrying, and bestowing on the state sons who might carry his virtues and his name down to posterity." (1.1.1)The emphasis on duty is clear in all of his dealings with his son.Alphonse dies of an apoplectic fit after hearing of the death of Elizabeth.
Caroline Beaufort Frankenstein
Daughter of M. Beaufort; mother of Victor, Ernest, and William Frankenstein; wife of Alphonse; aunt and adoptive mother of Elizabeth; mother surrogate to Justine Moritz. Beaufort, in his decline into poverty and wretchedness, brings Caroline with him, and during his final illness, she ministers to him for ten months. Finally,
her father died in her arms, leaving her an orphan and a beggar. This last blow overcame her; and she knelt by Beaufort's coffin, weeping bitterly, when my father entered the chamber. He came like a protecting spirit to the poor girl, who committed herself to his care, and after the interment of his friend he conducted her to Geneva, and placed her under the protection of a relation. Two years after this event Caroline became his wife. (1.1.2)
Caroline Frankenstein, after adopting Elizabeth, determines that she and Victor should marry. Before Victor leaves for his university, however, Elizabeth is stricken with scarlet fever, and as Caroline stays with her to care for her, she contracts the disease. Elizabeth recovers, but Caroline's fever is fatal.
On her deathbed, She joined the hands of Elizabeth and Victor: "My children," she said, "my firmest hopes of future happiness were placed on the prospect of your union. This expectation will now be the consolation of your father. Elizabeth, my love, you must supply my place to your younger cousins. Alas! I regret that I am taken from you; and, happy and beloved as I have been, is it not hard to quit you all? But these are not thoughts befitting me; I will endeavour to resign myself cheerfully to death, and will indulge a hope of meeting you in another world." (1.2.1)
her father died in her arms, leaving her an orphan and a beggar. This last blow overcame her; and she knelt by Beaufort's coffin, weeping bitterly, when my father entered the chamber. He came like a protecting spirit to the poor girl, who committed herself to his care, and after the interment of his friend he conducted her to Geneva, and placed her under the protection of a relation. Two years after this event Caroline became his wife. (1.1.2)
Caroline Frankenstein, after adopting Elizabeth, determines that she and Victor should marry. Before Victor leaves for his university, however, Elizabeth is stricken with scarlet fever, and as Caroline stays with her to care for her, she contracts the disease. Elizabeth recovers, but Caroline's fever is fatal.
On her deathbed, She joined the hands of Elizabeth and Victor: "My children," she said, "my firmest hopes of future happiness were placed on the prospect of your union. This expectation will now be the consolation of your father. Elizabeth, my love, you must supply my place to your younger cousins. Alas! I regret that I am taken from you; and, happy and beloved as I have been, is it not hard to quit you all? But these are not thoughts befitting me; I will endeavour to resign myself cheerfully to death, and will indulge a hope of meeting you in another world." (1.2.1)
Elizabeth Lavenza
Elizabeth Lavenza is the orphan child taken in by the Frankenstein family, who was lovingly raised with Victor; she later becomes Victor's wife and is killed by the monster on their honeymoon. Elizabeth was the daughter of a Milanese nobleman and a German mother. She was found living with a poor family near Lake Como. She was granted land, where she and Victor honeymooned, around the time she was getting married. Elizabeth is the one who keeps the family together after Caroline dies. Elizabeth survives the scarlet fever plague that takes Caroline. She writes to Victor while at school and tells him what is going on with the family. She is the source for information for Victor when he is away at the university. Her letters are important in the plot of the story.Elizabeth also represents a character much like Mary Shelley herself, by aiding the poor, respecting all classes of common people, and coming to the assistance of Justine Moritz, when Justine is accused of murder. Elizabeth was a happy child and had a positive outlook on life. She is an innocent murdered merely for revenge on Victor.
Professor M. Waldman
The professor of chemistry who sparks Victor's interest in science. He dismisses the alchemists' conclusions as unfounded but sympathizes with Victor's interest in a science that can explain the “big questions,” such as the origin of life.
M. Waldman is the exact opposite of Krempe. He is more tolerant of the enthusiasm of youth. Victor finds himself changing his opinions about modern science, thanks to Waldman's nature. He is infused with a new spirit of vigor and excitement at returning to his studies in his beloved field. Waldman expresses the opinion that Victor ought not to be just a petty experimentalist, but a man of science, and therefore should devote himself wholly to the study of every branch of natural philosophy. In Victor he finds a willing disciple.
M. Waldman is the exact opposite of Krempe. He is more tolerant of the enthusiasm of youth. Victor finds himself changing his opinions about modern science, thanks to Waldman's nature. He is infused with a new spirit of vigor and excitement at returning to his studies in his beloved field. Waldman expresses the opinion that Victor ought not to be just a petty experimentalist, but a man of science, and therefore should devote himself wholly to the study of every branch of natural philosophy. In Victor he finds a willing disciple.
Professor M. Krempe
Professor of Natural Philosophy at the University of Ingolstadt whose instruction Victor Frankenstein resists. Krempe, discovering Frankenstein's fondness for alchemists in their first interview, bursts out contemptuously, "Have you really spent your time in studying such nonsense?" (1.2.4). Frankenstein relates his impression of his new teacher:
"M. Krempe was a little squat man, with a gruff voice and repulsive countenance; the teacher, therefore, did not prepossess me in favour of his doctrine." (1.2.5)
Later, though, when Frankenstein begins to apply himself to his studies, he admits, "I found even in M. Krempe a great deal of sound sense and real information, combined, it is true, with a repulsive physiognomy and manners, but not on that account the less valuable"
"M. Krempe was a little squat man, with a gruff voice and repulsive countenance; the teacher, therefore, did not prepossess me in favour of his doctrine." (1.2.5)
Later, though, when Frankenstein begins to apply himself to his studies, he admits, "I found even in M. Krempe a great deal of sound sense and real information, combined, it is true, with a repulsive physiognomy and manners, but not on that account the less valuable"
Henry Clerval
A friend gained by Victor during his youth, and one who helps provide balance for the young scientist. Henry is a Romantic, spending most of his time evolving as an adventerous youth, interested in romances and the moral relations of things. Despite this friendship, Henry is unable to attend the university with Victor, as Henry's father sees idleness in this sort of ambition.
In Branagh's movie, he does not meet Victor until they are at the university together.
In Branagh's movie, he does not meet Victor until they are at the university together.
Madame Moritz and Justine
The servants to the Frankenstein's.
Madame Moritz is, at times, quite cruel to Justine. Madame Moritz, her mother, was a widow with four children, of whom Justine was the third. This girl had always been the favourite of her father; but, through a strange perversity, her mother could not endure her, and, after the death of M. Moritz, treated her very ill. My aunt observed this; and, when Justine was twelve years of age, prevailed on her mother to allow her to live at her house.
Justine is the housekeeper for the Frankenstein family. We do not learn much about her character except that she embodies the best in suffering for a just cause. She represents graceful suffering in the face of injustice, much like a martyr. Justine is well treated by the Frankenstein family and is regarded not as household help, but with the esteem and affection accorded a family member. Also, Justine endures the rejection by her own family through no fault of her own. It is the Frankenstein family, specifically Elizabeth, who rescues her and allows her to continue her work as a housekeeper. Through the character of Justine, Shelley addresses the issues of equal treatment for domestic help and the accommodation of those in need of aid. Because of all that she endures, Justine is a sympathetic character who elicits a favorable response and empathy from the reader.
Madame Moritz is, at times, quite cruel to Justine. Madame Moritz, her mother, was a widow with four children, of whom Justine was the third. This girl had always been the favourite of her father; but, through a strange perversity, her mother could not endure her, and, after the death of M. Moritz, treated her very ill. My aunt observed this; and, when Justine was twelve years of age, prevailed on her mother to allow her to live at her house.
Justine is the housekeeper for the Frankenstein family. We do not learn much about her character except that she embodies the best in suffering for a just cause. She represents graceful suffering in the face of injustice, much like a martyr. Justine is well treated by the Frankenstein family and is regarded not as household help, but with the esteem and affection accorded a family member. Also, Justine endures the rejection by her own family through no fault of her own. It is the Frankenstein family, specifically Elizabeth, who rescues her and allows her to continue her work as a housekeeper. Through the character of Justine, Shelley addresses the issues of equal treatment for domestic help and the accommodation of those in need of aid. Because of all that she endures, Justine is a sympathetic character who elicits a favorable response and empathy from the reader.
Frankenstein's monster
Part of Frankenstein's rejection of his creation is the fact that he does not give it a name, which gives it a lack of identity. Instead it is referred to by words such as "monster," "dæmon," "fiend," "wretch" and "it." When Frankenstein converses with the monster in Chapter 10, he addresses it as "Devil," "Vile insect," "Abhorred monster," "fiend," "wretched devil," and "abhorred devil."
The monster has often been mistakenly called "Frankenstein." In 1908 one author said "It is strange to note how well-nigh universally the term "Frankenstein" is misused, even by intelligent persons, as describing some hideous monster...".
The monster is created by Victor Frankenstein while at the University of Ingolstadt. "Formed into a hideous and gigantic creature," the monster faces rejection and fear from his creator and society. The monster is the worst kind of scientific experiment gone awry. He does acquire humane characteristics, even compassion for his "adopted" family, the De Lacey's, but he still murders for revenge. The creature also begins to learn about himself and gains general knowledge through the books he reads and the conversations he hears from the De Lacey's.
The monster represents the conscience created by Victor, the ego of Victor's personality — the psyche which experiences the external world, or reality, through the senses, that organizes the thought processes rationally, and that governs action. It mediates between the impulses of the id, the demands of the environment, and the standards of the superego.
The monster has often been mistakenly called "Frankenstein." In 1908 one author said "It is strange to note how well-nigh universally the term "Frankenstein" is misused, even by intelligent persons, as describing some hideous monster...".
The monster is created by Victor Frankenstein while at the University of Ingolstadt. "Formed into a hideous and gigantic creature," the monster faces rejection and fear from his creator and society. The monster is the worst kind of scientific experiment gone awry. He does acquire humane characteristics, even compassion for his "adopted" family, the De Lacey's, but he still murders for revenge. The creature also begins to learn about himself and gains general knowledge through the books he reads and the conversations he hears from the De Lacey's.
The monster represents the conscience created by Victor, the ego of Victor's personality — the psyche which experiences the external world, or reality, through the senses, that organizes the thought processes rationally, and that governs action. It mediates between the impulses of the id, the demands of the environment, and the standards of the superego.
Victor's Pre-University Studies
Cornelius Agrippa
a German magician, occult writer, theologian, astrologer, and alchemist."Nothing is concealed from the wise and sensible, while the unbelieving and unworthy cannot learn the secrets." He emphasized: "All things which are similar and therefore connected, are drawn to each other's power." This is known as the law of resonance.
Paracelsus
"Whence have I all my secrets, out of what writers and authors? Ask rather how the beasts have learned their arts. If nature can instruct irrational animals, can it not much more men?"The truth of Paracelsus’s doctrine was apparently confirmed by his success in curing or mitigating diseases for which the regular physicians could do nothing. For about a couple of years his reputation and practice increased to a surprising extent. But at the end of that time people began to recover themselves. Paracelsus had burst upon the schools with such novel views and methods, with such irresistible criticism, that all opposition was at first crushed flat.
Moreover, he had a pharmaceutical system of his own which did not harmonize with the commercial arrangements of the apothecaries, and he not only did not use up their drugs like the Galenists, but, in the exercise of his functions as town physicians, urged the authorities to keep a sharp eye on the purity of their wares, upon their knowledge of their art, and upon their transactions with their friends the physicians.
he had proof hat positive knowledge of nature was not to be got in schools and universities, but only by going to Nature herself, and to those who were constantly engaged with her. Hence came Paracelsus’s peculiar mode of study. He attached no value to mere scholarship; scholastic disputations he utterly ignored and despised,—and especially the discussions on medical topics, which turned more upon theories and definitions than upon actual practice. He therefore went wandering over a great part of Europe to learn all that he could. In so doing he was one of the first physicians of modern times to profit by a mode of study which is now reckoned indispensable. In the 16th century the difficulty of moving about was much greater than it is now; still Paracelsus faced it, and on principle. The book of nature, he affirmed, is that which the physician must read, and to do so he must walk over the leaves. The humours and passions and diseases of different nations are different and the physician must go among the nations if he well be master of his art; the more he knows of other nations, the better he will understand his own. For the physician it is ten times more necessary and useful to know the powers of the heavens and the earth, the virtues of plants and minerals, than to spend his time on Greek and Latin grammar.
Moreover, he had a pharmaceutical system of his own which did not harmonize with the commercial arrangements of the apothecaries, and he not only did not use up their drugs like the Galenists, but, in the exercise of his functions as town physicians, urged the authorities to keep a sharp eye on the purity of their wares, upon their knowledge of their art, and upon their transactions with their friends the physicians.
he had proof hat positive knowledge of nature was not to be got in schools and universities, but only by going to Nature herself, and to those who were constantly engaged with her. Hence came Paracelsus’s peculiar mode of study. He attached no value to mere scholarship; scholastic disputations he utterly ignored and despised,—and especially the discussions on medical topics, which turned more upon theories and definitions than upon actual practice. He therefore went wandering over a great part of Europe to learn all that he could. In so doing he was one of the first physicians of modern times to profit by a mode of study which is now reckoned indispensable. In the 16th century the difficulty of moving about was much greater than it is now; still Paracelsus faced it, and on principle. The book of nature, he affirmed, is that which the physician must read, and to do so he must walk over the leaves. The humours and passions and diseases of different nations are different and the physician must go among the nations if he well be master of his art; the more he knows of other nations, the better he will understand his own. For the physician it is ten times more necessary and useful to know the powers of the heavens and the earth, the virtues of plants and minerals, than to spend his time on Greek and Latin grammar.
Albertus Magnus
Albertus Magnus, "Albert the Great" played a key role, along with his student Thomas Aquinas, in the reception and integration of the "New Science", particularly Aristotelian thought, from the advanced Islamic civilization of the Middle East. As European civilization awoke after its long slumber in the Dark Ages that followed the fall of the Roman Empire, a flood of texts were translated, predominately Spain and Sicily, on a wide variety of scientific and philosophical subjects. The effect on European philosophy and thought was immense. He is recognized as one of the few "Doctors" of the Catholic Church due to the immense significance of his theological writing. He was canonized as a saint in 1931.
Albertus wrote treatises on a whole range of subjects including the Heavens, the Properties of the Elements, Generation and Corruption, Meterology, Minerals and Metals, the Soul, Life and Death, Youth and Age, Nourishment, Sleeping and Waking, the Senses, the Intellect, Plants and Animals. Albertus' greatest contribution, however, was to begin the process of assembling the scholastic system of thought based on the newly rediscovered works of Aristotle. The use of the rigorous logic and rationalism of scholasticism allowed medieval thinkers to construct a unified schema of knowledge, internally consistent and coherent, in which all arts, sciences and theology were encompassed.
Albertus wrote a complete treatise on astrology and astronomy, considered at the time to be a single unified system, in his Speculum Astronomiae, "The Mirror of Astronomy". Albertus says of astrology, which explains the effects of the stars and planets on earthly affairs, that it provides a connection between natural philosophy, which treats of the material world and metaphysics, which treats of the Divine World. That the inferiors of the material world are so obedient to the unchanging cycles of the Celestial World, says Albertus, is a great proof of the primacy of God. "No human science attains this ordering of the universe as perfectly as the science of the judgement of the stars does." Speculum Astronomiae Chapter 3.
Albertus is careful to explain the differences between licit and illict use of the knowledge of astrology, particularly in the problematic area of astrological talismans. In this extract from the Speculum AstronomiaeAlbertus discusses various astrological talismans and which are evil and demonic and which are the product of natural magic and the natural powers of the Heavens.
Albertus wrote treatises on a whole range of subjects including the Heavens, the Properties of the Elements, Generation and Corruption, Meterology, Minerals and Metals, the Soul, Life and Death, Youth and Age, Nourishment, Sleeping and Waking, the Senses, the Intellect, Plants and Animals. Albertus' greatest contribution, however, was to begin the process of assembling the scholastic system of thought based on the newly rediscovered works of Aristotle. The use of the rigorous logic and rationalism of scholasticism allowed medieval thinkers to construct a unified schema of knowledge, internally consistent and coherent, in which all arts, sciences and theology were encompassed.
Albertus wrote a complete treatise on astrology and astronomy, considered at the time to be a single unified system, in his Speculum Astronomiae, "The Mirror of Astronomy". Albertus says of astrology, which explains the effects of the stars and planets on earthly affairs, that it provides a connection between natural philosophy, which treats of the material world and metaphysics, which treats of the Divine World. That the inferiors of the material world are so obedient to the unchanging cycles of the Celestial World, says Albertus, is a great proof of the primacy of God. "No human science attains this ordering of the universe as perfectly as the science of the judgement of the stars does." Speculum Astronomiae Chapter 3.
Albertus is careful to explain the differences between licit and illict use of the knowledge of astrology, particularly in the problematic area of astrological talismans. In this extract from the Speculum AstronomiaeAlbertus discusses various astrological talismans and which are evil and demonic and which are the product of natural magic and the natural powers of the Heavens.
Plot Summary
Frankenstein begins with the epistolary technique of a correspondence between Captain Robert Walton and his sister. These letters form the framework of the story in which Walton tells his sister the story of Victor Frankenstein and his creature as Frankenstein tells it to him.
Walton sets out to explore the North Pole and expand his scientific knowledge in hopes of achieving fame and friendship. Unfortunately, the ship becomes trapped in ice. One day, the crew observes a being in the stature of a giant man in the distance on a dogsled. Frankenstein was in pursuit of his monster, when all but one of his dogs from his dogsled died. He broke apart his dogsled to make oars to row an ice-raft toward the vessel. Hours later they find Frankenstein, weak and in need of sustenance, near the ship. Saved by the kind occupants of the ship, Frankenstein starts to recover from his exertion and recounts to Walton his story, warning Walton of the wretched effects of allowing one's ambition to push one to aim beyond what one is capable of achieving. Victor Frankenstein begins by telling Walton of his childhood. Frankenstein was raised by a wealthy family, and was always encouraged to seek a greater understanding of the world around him (but not science), whilst remaining in a safe environment surrounded by loving family and friends.
Frankenstein grew up with close ties to Elizabeth Lavenza, his orphaned cousin brought to his family who is raised with Frankenstein like a sister, and his friend Henry Clerval. As a young boy, Frankenstein becomes obsessed with studying outdated theories of science that focus on achieving natural wonders. He plans to attend college at Ingolstadt, Germany when a week before departure his mother dies of Scarlet Fever. The whole family is in grief, and Frankenstein views it as his first misfortune. At college, he excels at chemistry and other sciences and discovers the secret to imbuing the inanimate with life, in part by studying how life decays. He also becomes interested in galvanism, a technique discovered in the 1790s.
In contrast with later film adaptations the monster in the original novelization was not created from dead body parts. In fact Frankenstein himself concedes that he later found that reversing death was impossible. While the exact details of the monster's construction are left ambiguous Shelley's depiction of the monster is akin to that of a golem. Frankenstein explains that he has been forced to make the monster much larger than a normal man, in part because of the difficulty in replicating the minute parts of the human body. After giving the monster life, Frankenstein, disgusted by and fearful of the monster's appearance, flees. Henry Clerval comes to Ingolstadt to study with Frankenstein, but ends up nursing him after his exhausting and secretive efforts to create a human life. Frankenstein recovers from his illness in a fortnight. He determines to come home, for his five-year-old brother William has been found murdered.
After several harsh encounters with humans, the monster becomes afraid of them and spends a year living near a cottage and observing the family who lived there. Through these observations he becomes educated and self-aware and realizes that he is very different in physical appearance from the humans he watches. In loneliness, the monster seeks the friendship of the family of cottagers(the De Laceys). The family was previously wealthy, but is forced into exile when Felix De Lacey rescues the father of his love, Safie. The father, a Turkish merchant, was wrongfully accused of a crime and sentenced to death, obviously because of racism. When the man is rescued, he promises Felix the hand of Safie. But, he loathes the idea of his beloved daughter marrying a Christian and flees. Safie comes back, though, eager for the freedom of European women. Eventually, the monster tries to befriend the family, but they are afraid of him, and this rejection makes him seek vengeance against his creator. He travels to Geneva and meets a little boy in the woods. In the vain hope that because the boy is still young and potentially unaffected by older humans' perception of his hideousness, the monster hopes to kidnap him and keep him as a companion, but the boy reveals himself as a relation of Frankenstein, so the monster kills him in his first act of vengeance against his creator. The monster plants a necklace he removes from the child's body on a sleeping girl, Justine Moritz, the Frankenstein's trusted servant who is like a member of the family. She is found with the necklace and knowing she is not guilty, admits to the murder. She then is put on trial and executed.
When Frankenstein learns of his brother's death, he returns to Geneva to be with his family. In the woods where his young brother is murdered, Frankenstein sees the monster and becomes sure that he is William's and Justine's murderer. Frankenstein, ravaged by his grief and guilt for creating the monster who wreaked so much destruction, retreats into the mountains alone to find peace. After a time in solitude, the monster approaches Frankenstein. Initially furious and intending to kill it, Frankenstein composes himself upon the monster's pleading. The monster delves into a lengthy narrative of his short life, beginning with his creation, which fashions an impression of him as an initially harmless innocent whom humans abused into wretchedness. He concludes his story with a demand that Frankenstein create for him a female counterpart, reasoning that no human will accept his existence and character due to his hideous outer appearance. He argues that as a living thing, he has a right to happiness and that Frankenstein, as his creator, has the duty to facilitate it. He promises to never reappear in his life if Frankenstein does so.
Frankenstein, fearing for his family, reluctantly agrees and travels to England to do his work. Clerval accompanies Frankenstein, but they separate in Scotland. In the process of creating a second being on the Orkney Islands, Frankenstein becomes plagued by the notion of the carnage another monster could wreak and destroys the unfinished project. The monster vows revenge on Frankenstein's upcoming wedding night. Before Frankenstein returns to Ireland, the monster murders Clerval. Once arriving in Ireland, Frankenstein is imprisoned for the crime, and falls violently ill. After being acquitted and back to health, Frankenstein returns home.
Once home, Frankenstein marries his cousin Elizabeth and, in full knowledge of and belief in the monster's threat, prepares for a fight to the death with the monster. He doesn't want Elizabeth to be frightened at the sight of the monster, so he asks her to stay in her room for the night. Instead, the monster kills Elizabeth; the grief of his wife's, William's, Justine's, Clerval's, and Elizabeth's deaths kills Frankenstein's father. After that, Frankenstein vows to pursue the monster until one destroys the other.
Over months of pursuit, the two end up in the Arctic Circle near the North Pole. Here, Frankenstein's narrative ends and Captain Walton reassumes the telling of the story. A few days after Frankenstein finishes his story, Walton and his crew decide to turn back and go home, since they cannot break through the ice. As Frankenstein dies, the monster appears in his room. Walton hears the monster's sorrowful justification for his vengeance as well as expressions of remorse before he leaves the ship and travels toward the Pole to destroy himself on his own funeral pyre so that none would ever know of his existence.
Walton sets out to explore the North Pole and expand his scientific knowledge in hopes of achieving fame and friendship. Unfortunately, the ship becomes trapped in ice. One day, the crew observes a being in the stature of a giant man in the distance on a dogsled. Frankenstein was in pursuit of his monster, when all but one of his dogs from his dogsled died. He broke apart his dogsled to make oars to row an ice-raft toward the vessel. Hours later they find Frankenstein, weak and in need of sustenance, near the ship. Saved by the kind occupants of the ship, Frankenstein starts to recover from his exertion and recounts to Walton his story, warning Walton of the wretched effects of allowing one's ambition to push one to aim beyond what one is capable of achieving. Victor Frankenstein begins by telling Walton of his childhood. Frankenstein was raised by a wealthy family, and was always encouraged to seek a greater understanding of the world around him (but not science), whilst remaining in a safe environment surrounded by loving family and friends.
Frankenstein grew up with close ties to Elizabeth Lavenza, his orphaned cousin brought to his family who is raised with Frankenstein like a sister, and his friend Henry Clerval. As a young boy, Frankenstein becomes obsessed with studying outdated theories of science that focus on achieving natural wonders. He plans to attend college at Ingolstadt, Germany when a week before departure his mother dies of Scarlet Fever. The whole family is in grief, and Frankenstein views it as his first misfortune. At college, he excels at chemistry and other sciences and discovers the secret to imbuing the inanimate with life, in part by studying how life decays. He also becomes interested in galvanism, a technique discovered in the 1790s.
In contrast with later film adaptations the monster in the original novelization was not created from dead body parts. In fact Frankenstein himself concedes that he later found that reversing death was impossible. While the exact details of the monster's construction are left ambiguous Shelley's depiction of the monster is akin to that of a golem. Frankenstein explains that he has been forced to make the monster much larger than a normal man, in part because of the difficulty in replicating the minute parts of the human body. After giving the monster life, Frankenstein, disgusted by and fearful of the monster's appearance, flees. Henry Clerval comes to Ingolstadt to study with Frankenstein, but ends up nursing him after his exhausting and secretive efforts to create a human life. Frankenstein recovers from his illness in a fortnight. He determines to come home, for his five-year-old brother William has been found murdered.
After several harsh encounters with humans, the monster becomes afraid of them and spends a year living near a cottage and observing the family who lived there. Through these observations he becomes educated and self-aware and realizes that he is very different in physical appearance from the humans he watches. In loneliness, the monster seeks the friendship of the family of cottagers(the De Laceys). The family was previously wealthy, but is forced into exile when Felix De Lacey rescues the father of his love, Safie. The father, a Turkish merchant, was wrongfully accused of a crime and sentenced to death, obviously because of racism. When the man is rescued, he promises Felix the hand of Safie. But, he loathes the idea of his beloved daughter marrying a Christian and flees. Safie comes back, though, eager for the freedom of European women. Eventually, the monster tries to befriend the family, but they are afraid of him, and this rejection makes him seek vengeance against his creator. He travels to Geneva and meets a little boy in the woods. In the vain hope that because the boy is still young and potentially unaffected by older humans' perception of his hideousness, the monster hopes to kidnap him and keep him as a companion, but the boy reveals himself as a relation of Frankenstein, so the monster kills him in his first act of vengeance against his creator. The monster plants a necklace he removes from the child's body on a sleeping girl, Justine Moritz, the Frankenstein's trusted servant who is like a member of the family. She is found with the necklace and knowing she is not guilty, admits to the murder. She then is put on trial and executed.
When Frankenstein learns of his brother's death, he returns to Geneva to be with his family. In the woods where his young brother is murdered, Frankenstein sees the monster and becomes sure that he is William's and Justine's murderer. Frankenstein, ravaged by his grief and guilt for creating the monster who wreaked so much destruction, retreats into the mountains alone to find peace. After a time in solitude, the monster approaches Frankenstein. Initially furious and intending to kill it, Frankenstein composes himself upon the monster's pleading. The monster delves into a lengthy narrative of his short life, beginning with his creation, which fashions an impression of him as an initially harmless innocent whom humans abused into wretchedness. He concludes his story with a demand that Frankenstein create for him a female counterpart, reasoning that no human will accept his existence and character due to his hideous outer appearance. He argues that as a living thing, he has a right to happiness and that Frankenstein, as his creator, has the duty to facilitate it. He promises to never reappear in his life if Frankenstein does so.
Frankenstein, fearing for his family, reluctantly agrees and travels to England to do his work. Clerval accompanies Frankenstein, but they separate in Scotland. In the process of creating a second being on the Orkney Islands, Frankenstein becomes plagued by the notion of the carnage another monster could wreak and destroys the unfinished project. The monster vows revenge on Frankenstein's upcoming wedding night. Before Frankenstein returns to Ireland, the monster murders Clerval. Once arriving in Ireland, Frankenstein is imprisoned for the crime, and falls violently ill. After being acquitted and back to health, Frankenstein returns home.
Once home, Frankenstein marries his cousin Elizabeth and, in full knowledge of and belief in the monster's threat, prepares for a fight to the death with the monster. He doesn't want Elizabeth to be frightened at the sight of the monster, so he asks her to stay in her room for the night. Instead, the monster kills Elizabeth; the grief of his wife's, William's, Justine's, Clerval's, and Elizabeth's deaths kills Frankenstein's father. After that, Frankenstein vows to pursue the monster until one destroys the other.
Over months of pursuit, the two end up in the Arctic Circle near the North Pole. Here, Frankenstein's narrative ends and Captain Walton reassumes the telling of the story. A few days after Frankenstein finishes his story, Walton and his crew decide to turn back and go home, since they cannot break through the ice. As Frankenstein dies, the monster appears in his room. Walton hears the monster's sorrowful justification for his vengeance as well as expressions of remorse before he leaves the ship and travels toward the Pole to destroy himself on his own funeral pyre so that none would ever know of his existence.
Prologue to Novel: genius.com/Mary-shelley-frankenstein-or-the-modern-prometheus-prologue-letter-1-annotated
Chapter-by-chapter Study Guide (from Prestwick House, copyright 1985)
Prologue (Opening letters from R. Walton to his sister)
1. The novel begins with a series of letters in which the narrator of the novel is writing letters of his thoughts and plans to his sister. Where is the narrator going? Why has he chosen to make this voyage? Of what does the narrator dream? What is his goal?
2. How has the narrator, Robert Walton, prepared for his great enterprise? What gives his the idea?
3. Why does Walton want a friend? How does he define a friend?
4. Walton says he is a "romantic." What is a romantic person like?
5. What time of year is it when Walton begins his voyage?
6. Describe the strange thing that is seen by Walton and his crew.
7. Describe the man who later is brought on the ship. What does this man ask that is astonishing to Walton? Why do you suppose he asks this; what does he want to do? How does Walton feel about this man? Why?
8. How does this man react to Walton's dream or goal?
9. What story is the stranger going to tell Walton? Why is he going to share this story with Walton?
10. Who do you suppose will be the narrator of Chapter One?
Chapters 1 +2
1. What are Frankenstein's parents like? How do they feel about each other and about their child?
2. Who is Elizabeth? Describe her. How does she come to join the Frankenstein family?
3. How do people react to Elizabeth? How does Victor feel about Elizabeth?
4. How are Victor and Elizabeth different? What kind of person is Victor?
5. Who is Henry Clerval? What is he like? How is he different from Victor?
6. How does Elizabeth affect Victor and Henry?
7. At age eighteen what does Victor say is his passion, and what is the eventual result of his passion?
8. What does Victor want to accomplish in life?
9. Why does Victor turn to the study of mathematics? What prevents him from continuing his study?
Chapters 3 +4
1. Identify the misfortune which he views as an "omen of his future misery" before he leaves for the university.
2. What does Victor's mother say she wants for Victor and Elizabeth?
3. Why can't Henry accompany Victor to the university?
4. How does this action of Henry's father relate to the themes of power and friendship?
5. Why does Victor not want to study the contemporary scientists suggested by M. Krempe?
6. After hearing M. Waldman's lectures, what does Victor plan to do?
7. After two years of study, why does Victor consider going home?
8. During Victor's study of anatomy, what is it that keeps him from going home? What does he discover?
9. Why does Victor refuse to explain to Walton what he has discovered?
10. What task does Victor begin? Describe Victor's feelings as he goes about his task.
11. What kind of studies does Victor say people should avoid?
12. What happens to Victor near the completion of his task?
Chapters 5 +6
1. Describe the appearance of the creature that Frankenstein creates.
2. How does Dr. Frankenstein feel about his creation? What does he do after the creature comes to life?
3. Describe Victor Frankenstein's disturbed dream.
4. What does Frankenstein do when the creature reaches out to him? What do you think is the creature's reason for reaching out for Dr. Frankenstein?
5. How does Victor feel when he realizes his creation has left the apartment? How does he behave right after this realization?
6. What does Victor find very tormenting?
7. What does Victor study now?
8. According to Victor, why is Henry a good friend to him?
9. Describe Henry's mood at the end of this chapter.
Chapters 7 +8
1. What tragedy happens in Victor's family?
2. How does Victor feel as he nears his home?
3. What does Victor see in the midst of a violent thunderstorm?
4. For what reason does Victor decide to remain silent about his monster?
5. Who has been accused of the murder and for what reason?
6. Why doesn't Victor tell about his creation to clear Justine's name?
7. Why does Victor think the tortures of the accused Justine do not equal his own tortures?
8. In what way does Elizabeth's speech in court hurt Justine?
9. How does Justine show her goodness?
10. Do you think Victor is as guilty as he feels he is? Of what do you think he is guilty, if anything?
Chapters 9 +10
1. What happens to Victor after Justine is put to death? What is Alphonse's opinion of Victor's 'immoderate grief'?
2. What keeps Victor from killing himself?
3. What effect have these events had on Elizabeth?
4. What makes Victor go to Charmounix?
5. Explain: "I was a wreck, but naught had changed in those savage and enduring scenes."
6. As Victor climbs the mountains, what effect do the mountains have on him?
7. Why does Victor climb Montanvent in spite of the rain?
8. What are Victor's feelings as his creation approaches him? What is the first thing he says to his creature?
9. Describe the expression on the creature's face.
10. How does the creature respond to Victor?
11. With what does the creature threaten Victor?
12. What does the creature say about his present position?
13. For what reason does Victor follow the creature and listen to his story?
Chapters 11 +12
1. How does the creature describe his first days of life?
2. Why does the creature decide to travel, and why is this a difficult decision for him?
3. What happens when the creature enters a village? Where does he end up?
4. How does the creature feel about the cottagers? At first, how does he react to the expression of emotions he observes them displaying?
5. Although the creature wants to join these people, why does he decide not to?
6. How does the creature show understanding and kindness to this family?
7. What does the creature spend the winter doing, and what does this reveal about him?
8. What does the creature say he discovers about himself? What feelings does this discovery engender?
9. In regard to the family, what does the creature plan to do? How is he feeling at that point?
Chapters 13 +14
1. Explain the sentence in this chapter: "I shall relate events that impressed me with feelings which...have made me what I am."
2. How does the creature feel about Spring?
3. What does the creature learn that changes Felix's feelings of sorrow to feelings of joy?
4. What is the creature going to be able to learn now, and what kind of progress does he make?
5. How has Felix come to know Safie?
6. Explain why Safie wants to marry Felix. How does her father feel about this?
7. Why does Felix have to leave Safie for what he hopes is a short time?
8. What happens to Felix, his father and sister?
9. What does Safie's father do? How does Safie manage to escape?
Chapters 15 +16
1. Overall, what is the creature's reaction to the cottagers?
2. What is the creature's reaction to Milton's poem Paradise Lost? According to the creature, how is he like but also unlike Adam?
3. What does the creature learn from papers found in Victor's pocket?
4. For what does the creature hope, and what does he make to achieve this hope?
5. How does the old man react to the creature?
6. What happens when the others return?
7. How does the creature feel after this response? What does he wish he had done? What is the next plan?
8. What happens to the cottagers? What is the creature's reaction to this?
9. Why does the creature decide to go to Geneva? How have these horrible circumstances changed the creature?
10. What happens that makes the creature feel even more bitter?
11. Why does the creature kill William? How does the creature feel afterward?
12. What does the creature do with the portrait he takes from William?
13. What does the creature say Frankenstein must do?
Chapters 17 +18
1. Why does the creature say he is malicious? Do you think his feelings are justified/understandable?
2. Why does the creature think he will be happy with a female creature like himself? Do you agree with him? Explain.
3. Describe Victor's reaction to the monster's request. What does he decide? Do you agree with his decision? Explain.
4. What are Dr. Frankenstein's feelings when he returns home?
5. Why doesn't Victor want to marry Elizabeth right away?
6. Why does Victor decide to go to England? How does he feel about Henry's going with him?
7. Explain the following statement Victor makes: "But through the whole period during which I was a slave of my creature, I allowed myself to be governed by the impulse of the moment." Give examples of how this is true.
8. Contrast Henry and Victor.
9. Describe Henry and Victor's journey. What is Henry's opinion of the area around the Rhine?
10. How is Henry a Romantic?
11. In what fashion does Victor talk about Henry toward the end of this chapter?
Chapters 19 +20
1. Describe Victor's feelings as he journeys through England.
2. Why does Victor decide to go to Scotland?
3. Describe the place that Victor picks to work. How does he feel about his labors?
4. Give four reasons why Victor changes his mind. Do you agree with his reasoning? Do you see anything wrong with his decision?
5. What opinion does Victor have of his creation? Do you agree with this assessment of the creature?
6. What does Victor do at this point and who observes him?
7. What is your reaction to the creature's speech? Do you agree with him at all? Do you think Victor has treated him fairly?
8. When does the creature say he will get his revenge?
9. Why does Victor leave Scotland?
10. What does Victor have to do before he leaves? Why does he feel this is an odious but necessary task?
11. What is the next fearful thing that happens to Victor?
12. What happens to Victor after he survives the storm and makes it to land?
Chapters 21 +22
1. Who has been murdered, and why is Victor accused of the murder?
2. How does Victor feel when he regains consciousness?
3. What finally brings about his release?
4. Why does Victor want to return home? How has his mental condition gotten worse?
5. Why does Victor feel he can't be with people? What opinion does Victor express about his creation?
6. Why doesn't Victor tell of the creature's existence and its crime? Do you think he is right or wrong?
7. What is Alphonse's opinion of Victor?
8. What has Victor assumed that monster's threat "to be with him on his wedding night" meant? Could it have some other meaning?
9. Why does Victor decide to marry Elizabeth immediately?
10. What will Victor tell Elizabeth after they are married? Give your opinion of this plan.
11. What precautions has Victor taken?
12. How does Elizabeth feel about her wedding? Why is she anxious?
13. What do you think will happen on Victor's wedding night?
Chapters 23 +24
1. What is Victor's plan for dealing with the creature?
2. Why does Victor ask Elizabeth "to retire" but does not accompany her? What sends him running into the bedroom?
3. What happens as a result and how does Victor's father react to this bad news?
4. What action does Victor take? What is the result of this?
5. Victor in his anger says to the magistrate, "How ignorant art thou in thy pride of wisdom." What is the irony in this?
6. Where does Victor meet the creature again, and why does the creature say he is satisfied?
7. How does the creature further torture Victor? Where is he leading Victor, and for what purpose?
8. What does Victor ask of Walton?
9. In his great despair, what is the only consolation Victor gets?
10. Explain Victor's statement: "When I reflected on the work I had completed, no less a one than the creation of a sensitive and rational animal, I could not rank myself with the herd of common projectors...All my speculations and hopes are as nothing; and, like the archangel who aspired to omnipotence, I am chained to eternal hell."
11. Why does Walton dread a mutiny by his crew? What opinion does Victor express to the men concerning the continuation of the journey?
12. What advice does Victor give Walton?
13. What is your opinion of the justification the creature offers for his actions? What is his plan now?
1. The novel begins with a series of letters in which the narrator of the novel is writing letters of his thoughts and plans to his sister. Where is the narrator going? Why has he chosen to make this voyage? Of what does the narrator dream? What is his goal?
2. How has the narrator, Robert Walton, prepared for his great enterprise? What gives his the idea?
3. Why does Walton want a friend? How does he define a friend?
4. Walton says he is a "romantic." What is a romantic person like?
5. What time of year is it when Walton begins his voyage?
6. Describe the strange thing that is seen by Walton and his crew.
7. Describe the man who later is brought on the ship. What does this man ask that is astonishing to Walton? Why do you suppose he asks this; what does he want to do? How does Walton feel about this man? Why?
8. How does this man react to Walton's dream or goal?
9. What story is the stranger going to tell Walton? Why is he going to share this story with Walton?
10. Who do you suppose will be the narrator of Chapter One?
Chapters 1 +2
1. What are Frankenstein's parents like? How do they feel about each other and about their child?
2. Who is Elizabeth? Describe her. How does she come to join the Frankenstein family?
3. How do people react to Elizabeth? How does Victor feel about Elizabeth?
4. How are Victor and Elizabeth different? What kind of person is Victor?
5. Who is Henry Clerval? What is he like? How is he different from Victor?
6. How does Elizabeth affect Victor and Henry?
7. At age eighteen what does Victor say is his passion, and what is the eventual result of his passion?
8. What does Victor want to accomplish in life?
9. Why does Victor turn to the study of mathematics? What prevents him from continuing his study?
Chapters 3 +4
1. Identify the misfortune which he views as an "omen of his future misery" before he leaves for the university.
2. What does Victor's mother say she wants for Victor and Elizabeth?
3. Why can't Henry accompany Victor to the university?
4. How does this action of Henry's father relate to the themes of power and friendship?
5. Why does Victor not want to study the contemporary scientists suggested by M. Krempe?
6. After hearing M. Waldman's lectures, what does Victor plan to do?
7. After two years of study, why does Victor consider going home?
8. During Victor's study of anatomy, what is it that keeps him from going home? What does he discover?
9. Why does Victor refuse to explain to Walton what he has discovered?
10. What task does Victor begin? Describe Victor's feelings as he goes about his task.
11. What kind of studies does Victor say people should avoid?
12. What happens to Victor near the completion of his task?
Chapters 5 +6
1. Describe the appearance of the creature that Frankenstein creates.
2. How does Dr. Frankenstein feel about his creation? What does he do after the creature comes to life?
3. Describe Victor Frankenstein's disturbed dream.
4. What does Frankenstein do when the creature reaches out to him? What do you think is the creature's reason for reaching out for Dr. Frankenstein?
5. How does Victor feel when he realizes his creation has left the apartment? How does he behave right after this realization?
6. What does Victor find very tormenting?
7. What does Victor study now?
8. According to Victor, why is Henry a good friend to him?
9. Describe Henry's mood at the end of this chapter.
Chapters 7 +8
1. What tragedy happens in Victor's family?
2. How does Victor feel as he nears his home?
3. What does Victor see in the midst of a violent thunderstorm?
4. For what reason does Victor decide to remain silent about his monster?
5. Who has been accused of the murder and for what reason?
6. Why doesn't Victor tell about his creation to clear Justine's name?
7. Why does Victor think the tortures of the accused Justine do not equal his own tortures?
8. In what way does Elizabeth's speech in court hurt Justine?
9. How does Justine show her goodness?
10. Do you think Victor is as guilty as he feels he is? Of what do you think he is guilty, if anything?
Chapters 9 +10
1. What happens to Victor after Justine is put to death? What is Alphonse's opinion of Victor's 'immoderate grief'?
2. What keeps Victor from killing himself?
3. What effect have these events had on Elizabeth?
4. What makes Victor go to Charmounix?
5. Explain: "I was a wreck, but naught had changed in those savage and enduring scenes."
6. As Victor climbs the mountains, what effect do the mountains have on him?
7. Why does Victor climb Montanvent in spite of the rain?
8. What are Victor's feelings as his creation approaches him? What is the first thing he says to his creature?
9. Describe the expression on the creature's face.
10. How does the creature respond to Victor?
11. With what does the creature threaten Victor?
12. What does the creature say about his present position?
13. For what reason does Victor follow the creature and listen to his story?
Chapters 11 +12
1. How does the creature describe his first days of life?
2. Why does the creature decide to travel, and why is this a difficult decision for him?
3. What happens when the creature enters a village? Where does he end up?
4. How does the creature feel about the cottagers? At first, how does he react to the expression of emotions he observes them displaying?
5. Although the creature wants to join these people, why does he decide not to?
6. How does the creature show understanding and kindness to this family?
7. What does the creature spend the winter doing, and what does this reveal about him?
8. What does the creature say he discovers about himself? What feelings does this discovery engender?
9. In regard to the family, what does the creature plan to do? How is he feeling at that point?
Chapters 13 +14
1. Explain the sentence in this chapter: "I shall relate events that impressed me with feelings which...have made me what I am."
2. How does the creature feel about Spring?
3. What does the creature learn that changes Felix's feelings of sorrow to feelings of joy?
4. What is the creature going to be able to learn now, and what kind of progress does he make?
5. How has Felix come to know Safie?
6. Explain why Safie wants to marry Felix. How does her father feel about this?
7. Why does Felix have to leave Safie for what he hopes is a short time?
8. What happens to Felix, his father and sister?
9. What does Safie's father do? How does Safie manage to escape?
Chapters 15 +16
1. Overall, what is the creature's reaction to the cottagers?
2. What is the creature's reaction to Milton's poem Paradise Lost? According to the creature, how is he like but also unlike Adam?
3. What does the creature learn from papers found in Victor's pocket?
4. For what does the creature hope, and what does he make to achieve this hope?
5. How does the old man react to the creature?
6. What happens when the others return?
7. How does the creature feel after this response? What does he wish he had done? What is the next plan?
8. What happens to the cottagers? What is the creature's reaction to this?
9. Why does the creature decide to go to Geneva? How have these horrible circumstances changed the creature?
10. What happens that makes the creature feel even more bitter?
11. Why does the creature kill William? How does the creature feel afterward?
12. What does the creature do with the portrait he takes from William?
13. What does the creature say Frankenstein must do?
Chapters 17 +18
1. Why does the creature say he is malicious? Do you think his feelings are justified/understandable?
2. Why does the creature think he will be happy with a female creature like himself? Do you agree with him? Explain.
3. Describe Victor's reaction to the monster's request. What does he decide? Do you agree with his decision? Explain.
4. What are Dr. Frankenstein's feelings when he returns home?
5. Why doesn't Victor want to marry Elizabeth right away?
6. Why does Victor decide to go to England? How does he feel about Henry's going with him?
7. Explain the following statement Victor makes: "But through the whole period during which I was a slave of my creature, I allowed myself to be governed by the impulse of the moment." Give examples of how this is true.
8. Contrast Henry and Victor.
9. Describe Henry and Victor's journey. What is Henry's opinion of the area around the Rhine?
10. How is Henry a Romantic?
11. In what fashion does Victor talk about Henry toward the end of this chapter?
Chapters 19 +20
1. Describe Victor's feelings as he journeys through England.
2. Why does Victor decide to go to Scotland?
3. Describe the place that Victor picks to work. How does he feel about his labors?
4. Give four reasons why Victor changes his mind. Do you agree with his reasoning? Do you see anything wrong with his decision?
5. What opinion does Victor have of his creation? Do you agree with this assessment of the creature?
6. What does Victor do at this point and who observes him?
7. What is your reaction to the creature's speech? Do you agree with him at all? Do you think Victor has treated him fairly?
8. When does the creature say he will get his revenge?
9. Why does Victor leave Scotland?
10. What does Victor have to do before he leaves? Why does he feel this is an odious but necessary task?
11. What is the next fearful thing that happens to Victor?
12. What happens to Victor after he survives the storm and makes it to land?
Chapters 21 +22
1. Who has been murdered, and why is Victor accused of the murder?
2. How does Victor feel when he regains consciousness?
3. What finally brings about his release?
4. Why does Victor want to return home? How has his mental condition gotten worse?
5. Why does Victor feel he can't be with people? What opinion does Victor express about his creation?
6. Why doesn't Victor tell of the creature's existence and its crime? Do you think he is right or wrong?
7. What is Alphonse's opinion of Victor?
8. What has Victor assumed that monster's threat "to be with him on his wedding night" meant? Could it have some other meaning?
9. Why does Victor decide to marry Elizabeth immediately?
10. What will Victor tell Elizabeth after they are married? Give your opinion of this plan.
11. What precautions has Victor taken?
12. How does Elizabeth feel about her wedding? Why is she anxious?
13. What do you think will happen on Victor's wedding night?
Chapters 23 +24
1. What is Victor's plan for dealing with the creature?
2. Why does Victor ask Elizabeth "to retire" but does not accompany her? What sends him running into the bedroom?
3. What happens as a result and how does Victor's father react to this bad news?
4. What action does Victor take? What is the result of this?
5. Victor in his anger says to the magistrate, "How ignorant art thou in thy pride of wisdom." What is the irony in this?
6. Where does Victor meet the creature again, and why does the creature say he is satisfied?
7. How does the creature further torture Victor? Where is he leading Victor, and for what purpose?
8. What does Victor ask of Walton?
9. In his great despair, what is the only consolation Victor gets?
10. Explain Victor's statement: "When I reflected on the work I had completed, no less a one than the creation of a sensitive and rational animal, I could not rank myself with the herd of common projectors...All my speculations and hopes are as nothing; and, like the archangel who aspired to omnipotence, I am chained to eternal hell."
11. Why does Walton dread a mutiny by his crew? What opinion does Victor express to the men concerning the continuation of the journey?
12. What advice does Victor give Walton?
13. What is your opinion of the justification the creature offers for his actions? What is his plan now?
Questions for Essay/Discussion
1. Mary Shelley entitled her story Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus. After reviewing the story of Prometheus, who was punished by Zeus because he stole from the gods, and gave it to mankind, explain what she must have had in mind with this subtitle.
2. Comment on the author's style of writing, mentioning what you believe to be its most salient characteristics. What makes her style so different from the style of other novels you've read?
3. In your mind whose sins are the greater, Victor Frankenstein's or the creature's?
4. What elements in this novel can be pointed to as good examples of Romanticism?
5. State to what extent you think this novel is a good example of a Gothic novel.
6. In the history of the novel, this novel can be said to have appeared at its very earliest stages. What can you point to in the construction of this novel to prove this point?
7. From comments he has made, state what Victor Frankenstein believes to be his biggest sin.
8. Explain how the author presents the traditional Romantic view of nature in this novel.
9. Develop the theme of "rejection and alienation" as it is presented in this novel.
10. How are both the creature and Victor Frankenstein obsessed by revenge?
11. What argument can one make that Victor Frankenstein is the more guilty of the two sinners?
12. Relate Walton's feeling "for a need for a friend" to the theme of friendship as it is developed in this novel.
2. Comment on the author's style of writing, mentioning what you believe to be its most salient characteristics. What makes her style so different from the style of other novels you've read?
3. In your mind whose sins are the greater, Victor Frankenstein's or the creature's?
4. What elements in this novel can be pointed to as good examples of Romanticism?
5. State to what extent you think this novel is a good example of a Gothic novel.
6. In the history of the novel, this novel can be said to have appeared at its very earliest stages. What can you point to in the construction of this novel to prove this point?
7. From comments he has made, state what Victor Frankenstein believes to be his biggest sin.
8. Explain how the author presents the traditional Romantic view of nature in this novel.
9. Develop the theme of "rejection and alienation" as it is presented in this novel.
10. How are both the creature and Victor Frankenstein obsessed by revenge?
11. What argument can one make that Victor Frankenstein is the more guilty of the two sinners?
12. Relate Walton's feeling "for a need for a friend" to the theme of friendship as it is developed in this novel.
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