Gothic Themes
This Gothic theme in Frankenstein highlights the pursuit of forbidden knowledge and its catastrophic consequences
What is dangerous knowledge?
“Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.”
Who is the Creature?
Victor Frankenstein studied galvanism, which involves the reanimation of life using this element.
What is electricity?
Frankenstein is often considered the first novel in this literary genre
What is science fiction?
Victor Frankenstein failed to consider this critical aspect of creating life, which led to the Creature’s suffering.
What is the responsibility of creators?
The dark and foreboding settings of Frankenstein are examples of this Gothic element.
What are Gothic settings?
“You are my creator, but I am your master; obey!”
Who is Victor Frankenstein?
The Creature’s first murder victim is this young member of Victor’s family.
Who is William Frankenstein?
The first stage adaptation of Frankenstein was titled this.
What is “Presumption! or, the Fate of Frankenstein”?
This moral dilemma arises when Victor debates creating a companion for the Creature.
What is the fear of creating another monster or doubling the threat?
The creature’s struggle to find acceptance questions this aspect of human nature.
What is the nature of humanity?
“I am an outcast; a monster that even man spurns.”
Who is Satan from Paradise Lost?
Victor creates the Creature in this European city
What is Ingolstadt?
This 1931 film adaptation of Frankenstein became an iconic representation of the story
What is Frankenstein: The Man Who Made a Monster?
The novel critiques this ethical boundary in scientific experimentation, which Victor crosses.
What is the boundary between science and morality?
A key Romantic Gothic element, this involves characters experiencing awe in the face of nature’s power.
What is the Romantic sublime?
Walton writes to his sister from this remote Gothic location at the beginning and end of the novel.
What is the Arctic?
This tragic event occurs on Victor’s wedding night
What is the murder of Elizabeth Lavenza?
In this 1994 film adaptation, Kenneth Branagh directed and starred as Victor Frankenstein.
What is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein?
The Creature questions Victor’s role as a creator by asking this fundamental question: “Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay / To mould me Man?”
What is “Why did you create me?”
This Gothic theme explores the profound solitude of characters like Victor and the Creature.
What is isolation and loneliness?
“Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge.”
What is dangerous knowledge?
The Creature begs Victor to create this for him, but Victor later destroys it
What is a female companion?
Critics view Frankenstein through various lenses, including feminist, Marxist, and this ecological approach.
What is ecocriticism?
Shelley’s Frankenstein addresses this larger theme about scientific exploration, symbolized by Victor’s downfall.
What is the danger of overreaching or playing God?