Frankenstein's Creation
What materials did Victor Frankenstein use to create his monster?
He used body parts from various corpses.
What overarching theme does the novel explore regarding the consequences of playing God?
The theme of scientific and moral responsibility.
Who is Victor Frankenstein's best friend and confidant?
Henry Clerval.
Which literary works are mentioned in the novel as having a profound impact on Victor's education?
The works of Cornelius Agrippa, Paracelsus, and Albertus Magnus.
Who was Mary Shelley's father?
William Godwin was a reformist writer and philosopher
How does Victor bring his creature to life?
He uses a process involving electricity and a lightning storm.
How does the novel critique the Romantic fascination with nature?
Nature is often portrayed as indifferent or even hostile in the novel.
What is the relationship between Victor and Elizabeth Lavenza?
They are cousins and later become engaged.
What significant literary themes does the novel "Paradise Lost" by John Milton have on "Frankenstein"?
It provides a narrative parallel, as both stories involve the creation of life, the pursuit of knowledge, and the theme of the fall from grace. The creature compares his situation to that of Satan in "Paradise Lost."
What significant event in Mary Shelley's life inspired her to write "Frankenstein"?
The challenge to write a ghost story during a summer vacation with Percy Bysshe Shelley, Lord Byron, and John Polidori.
What physical deformity does the creature possess, causing him to be shunned by society?
The creature has yellow, watery eyes and is of gigantic stature.
What is the significance of the novel's subtitle, "The Modern Prometheus"?
It refers to Victor's act of creating life and his defiance of natural order.
What tragic event occurs on Victor's wedding night?
Elizabeth is killed by the creature.
What is the connection between the novel and the Romantic literary movement?
The novel reflects Romantic themes of nature and individualism.
What philosophical and literary influences can be traced in Mary Shelley's upbringing and education?
Mary Shelley was heavily influenced by the ideas of her parents, Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin, as well as by her readings of Romantic and Gothic literature.
How does the creature learn to speak and understand language?
He observes and listens to the De Lacey family and reads books.
What role does the motif of light and fire play in the novel?
It symbolizes knowledge, enlightenment, and the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition.
How does the creature's perception of himself influence his actions?
His self-loathing and despair drive him to seek revenge on his creator.
How does the novel engage with the Gothic literary tradition?
It includes elements such as eerie settings, supernatural occurrences, and emotional intensity.
In what character did Mary Shelley's views on societal norms and gender roles manifest in "Frankenstein"?
The novel challenges traditional gender roles and reflects Shelley's feminist views through the character of Elizabeth.
What is the creature's reaction to Victor's refusal to create a companion for him?
The creature vows to make Victor's life miserable and threatens to be with him on his wedding night.
How does the novel explore the theme of isolation and loneliness?
Both Victor and the creature experience profound isolation, highlighting the negative consequences of social rejection.
What is the significance of Justine Moritz in the novel?/What is the theme that she represents?
Justine is falsely accused and executed for the murder of William Frankenstein, highlighting the theme of injustice.
How does the novel explore the concept of hubris, and what classical literary work does it draw inspiration from?
The novel explores hubris through Victor's desire to surpass the limits of human knowledge, drawing inspiration from the myth of Prometheus.
How did Mary Shelley's experiences with loss and death influence the themes of "Frankenstein"?
The death of her own children and the influence of her mother's death are reflected in the novel's exploration of loss and mortality.