The Role of Men
Who is the protagonist?
Victor Frankenstein
Frankenstine's initially is reluctant to share his creation with his father and sister/lover Elizabeth, why do you think this is?
Gender Roles and Expectations: Victor's initial reluctance to share scientific knowledge with Elizabeth and his father reflects the gender roles and expectations of the early 19th century. Women were often relegated to domestic roles and are expected to be nurturing and submissive. Elizabeth and Caroline typify the women of this period.
Frankenstein's home
Geneva, Switzerland- represents the idyllic, picturesque backdrop of Victor's early life and contrasts with the darker events that follow.
What does Frankenstein's belief about scientific knowledge say about his character?
Frankenstein's desire to push the boundaries of science reveals he is arrogant and single-minded. He also exemplifes the era's curiosity about the natural world.
Frankenstein's adopted sister
Elizabeth Lavenza- Also his love interest, she represents the idealized and virtuous woman of the era, characterized by her beauty, gentleness, and selflessness.
The name of Frankenstein's father
Alphonse- He is a loving father who represents the traditional role of a protective and caring father figure.
What was used to try bring people back from death in Mary Shelley's time period?
Electricity
Where Frankenstein attends university
Ingolstadt, Germany: where he creates the monster. The university and the surrounding area serve as the setting for Victor's scientific pursuits.
What are values? List Frankenstein's values.
Values are judgments people make about what is important to them. Victor believes that human life matters, that life is precious, and that science is good for the world. Victor also values loyalty, kindness, reputation, family, and friends. Many of his values came from his family’s approach to living life. He had a kind and generous family who loved their children. Yet his obsession with controlling life moves him out of sync with these values. ”I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body. For this I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardor that far exceeded moderation” (Shelley 39).
Frankenstein's mother
Caroline Beaufort Frankenstein- A compassionate and caring maternal figure. Her early death, while caring for the sick Elizabeth, emphasizes the theme of female sacrifice for the well-being of others.
Frankenstein's childhood friend
Henry Clerval- contrasting form of masculinity characterised by kindness, empathy and has a concern for moral values.
8 feet tall and hideously ugly, the monster becomes rejected by society, causing him to murder out of anger...Victor Frankenstein's unnatural obsession with creating life and wanting to become a god-like being which leads to the death of his loved ones, Who is the monster?
A Large, ugly and frightening imaginary character.
A Monster: An extremely inhumane, wicked or cruel person.
Who has experienced isolation/ alienation in the novel Frankenstein to date?
Isolation and Alienation: The theme of isolation is pervasive in the novel. Victor, the creature, and other characters experience profound loneliness and alienation from society. This reflects the Romantic emphasis on the individual's struggle against societal constraints.
Recipient of Robert Walton's Letters
Margaret Saville- R.W's sister, plays a minimal role. Her presence reminds the reader of the male-dominated world of exploration and ambition.
Who has similar scientific ambitions to Frankenstein?
Robert Walton- his role highlights the theme of the pursuit of knowledge and ambition
Role of women in the text
Roles are largely confined to supporting and highlighting the actions and dilemmas of the male characters. The novel reflects the limited societal expectations placed on women in the early 19th century.