Setting
Where is Victor Frankenstein from?
Geneva, Switzerland
What is the frame narrative?
Victor is telling Walton his story; Walton writes about this in his letters to his sister.
What is the relationship between Victor and Elizabeth?
His more than sister; referred to as cousin; adopted sister; meant to get married one day
"Unhappy man! Do you share my madness? Have you drunk also of the intoxicating draught? Hear me; let me reveal my tale, and you will dash the cup from your lips!" (13)
The dangers of unchecked ambition.
What is galvanism?
A branch of science where dead tissue is reanimated using electricity
Where does Victor go to school and study science?
Ingolstadt, Germany
Why does Victor run away from the creature?
It's ugly; not what he thought it would be; he thinks he is in danger; he does not want to accept the consequences of his own actions.
How did Victor's mom die?
Fever
When I look back, it seems to me as if this almost miraculous change of inclination and will was the immediate suggestion of the guardian angel of my life-the las effor made by the spirit of preservation to avert the storm that was even then hanging in the stars and ready to envelop me. (27)
In this moment, Victor turns away from studying the old natural philosophers/alchemists, and starts studying modern science. This moment shows he could have gone in another direction. Rather than holding himself accountable for his actions he blames angels and Destiny.
How old was Mary Shelley when she wrote Frankenstein?
18
Where does Walton's sister live?
England
What was Victor's process for creating the creature?
He studied all the branches of natural philosophy and science available; studied various stages of decay; gathered body parts from churchyards and charnel houses
What is the difference between M.Waldman and M. Krempe?
Krempe: modern science is best; grounded in fact/logic
Waldman: approves the work of early natural philosophers and alchemy; encourages Victor
A human being in perfection ought always to preserve a calm and peaceful mind and never to allow passion or transitory desire to disturb his tranquility.
People should focus more on keeping their peace.
When was Frankenstein published?
first in 1818 and again in 1830
Where is Walton traveling to?
North Pole, north of Russia
Who does Walton see first: Frankenstein or the creature?
The creature
What is Walton's sister's name?
Mrs. Margaret Saville
I had desired with an ardour that fare exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart. (43)
Victor recognizes he had obsessed over his work to an unhealthy degree, and now what he thought he wanted was not what he imagined, and he is horrified at the outcome of his work.
What event inspired Mary Shelley to write the book?
The volcano eruption which caused the year without summer; Shelley traveling with literary friends and Byron challenged them all to write the most terrifying story
Where did the Frankenstein family adopt Elizabeth?
Italy
Why did Shelley include M. Waldman as a character in the novel?
He provides Victor with encouragement; books; resources; he inspires Victor to continue studying the old natural philosophers and alchemy
Cornelius Agrippa; Albertus Magnus; Paracelsus
If the study to which you apply has a tendency to weaken your affections and to destroy your taste for those simple pleasures in which no alloy can possibly mix, then that study is certainly unlawful, that is to say, not befitting the human mind.
. . .
What is the second part of the title of the book and where does it come from?
The Modern Prometheus; comes from Greek and Roman mythology: the titan Prometheus stole fire and gives it to humans. He is then punished for eternity.