Characterization
What is Indirect characterization AND what are the five elements.
Indirect characterization is a literary technique that reveals a character's personality through their speech, thoughts, effects on others, actions, and looks rather than by explicitly stating traits.
What type of structure is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein?
Frame Narrative
Victor’s obsession with creating life can best be interpreted as a reflection of which broader theme?
The dangers of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of knowledge
"Natural philosophy is the genius that has regulated my fate; I desire, therefore, in this narration, to state those facts which led to my predilection for that science."
Victor to Robert Walton
What is the order of the frame narrative?
Robert- Victor- The Creature- De Lacey story
What is a Foil character?
a figure whose traits and actions sharply contrast with another character, often the protagonist. This contrast allows the author to emphasize the defining qualities of the main character.
What is the significance of Shelley framing the novel through Walton’s letters?
It mirrors Victor’s ambition and serves as a cautionary tale
What plot point most obviously highlights the theme: the innocent are often harmed by the ignorant.
The story of Justine
"I can hardly describe to you the effect of these books. They produced in me an infinity of new images and feelings that sometimes raised me to ecstasy, but more frequently sunk me into the lowest dejection."
The Creature to Victor
What does Victor do the first two times he encounters the creature?
Who would be an example of a Foil character to Victor? Why?
- Robert Walton
- Henry
- Elizabeth (female characters)
- The Creature
Your evidence and defense are everything :)
Why would Shelley incorporate The Creature's narrative?
To create an empathetic reader, and for the reader to have the fullest understanding of character purpose due to the 1st person narration.
How does physical illness connect symbolically to Victor's mental state?
Victor's mental state and physical state directly correlate. His physical state is at it's worst when he is at the height of his ambition and the depths of his loss.
“I commit my cause to the justice of my judges, yet I see no room for hope. I beg permission to have a few witnesses examined concerning my character, and if their testimony shall not overweigh my supposed guilt, I must be condemned, although I would pledge my salvation on my innocence.”
Justine to the crowd/ magistrates
Notably, what two instances cause Victor to become ill?
Following the creation of his creature and following the death of Henry. Also following the death of his father.
How does Victor change from the beginning of the novel to the end of the novel? Primarily regarding his ambition to pursue knowledge without any regard of the consequences.
Victor begins without any moral acknowledgement in his quest; however, by the end, he faces his problems, thinks through his actions, and acknowledges morality.
You could also argue that he does not change due to his ambition never going away, just shifts.
Are robert and victor alike or different? Use evidence from the text.
Your evidence and defense are everything :)
How is the theme of nature vs. nurture exhibited throughout the novel
- nurture: in Victor's absence, the creature turns to outside sources as guidance for morality.
- He is shaped by his experiences and has a lack of a foundation.
- nature: he is naturally "good" and reverts back to this at the end
"Ten thousand thanks to Henry for his kindness, his and his many letters: we are sincerely grateful. Adieu! my cousin, take care of yourself; and, I intreat you, write!"
Elizabeth to Victor in a letter
What 3 things does the creature learn through the reading of the 3 key books we discussed?
Sorrows of Werter- Emotional awareness, Lives- governments and societal structure, and Paradise Lost- religion
Do you think any of the narrators are unreliable? Who and Why?
Your evidence and defense are everything :)
Are the creature and victor alike or different? Use evidence from the text.
Your evidence and defense are everything :)
What truly causes the birth of a "monster" as according to the text?
Isolation
"Come dearest Victor; you alone can console Elizabeth. She weeps continually and accuses herself unjustly as the cause of his death; her words pierce my heart."
Alphonse to Victor in a letter
How does the creature change throughout the novel?
- begins innocent and good natured
- becomes desperate
- changes to vengeful
-compromises all values "evil became my good"
-feels remorse and desires consequences for his actions