Themes
What theme shows the consequences of big dreams?
What is the pursuit of knowledge?
Victor Frankenstein's knowledge leads to his regrets “I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body.” (Shelley, Chapter 4)
Who is the protagonist of the novel?
Who is Victor Frankenstein? (He wants to defeat death but has serious problems to deal with it).
"I ought to be thy Adam; but I am rather the fallen angel."
What does this quote reveal about the Creature's wants? (It reflects his need for acceptance in the world [Shelley, Ch. 10]).
What event initiates Victor's obsession with creating life?
What is the death of his mother? (Her death creates his want to defeat it).
What literary device is used to express the Creature's inner conflict?
What is imagery? (Shelley uses clear descriptions to bring empathy for the Creature).
Which theme shows the dangers of isolation?
What is the theme of isolation? Victor and the Creature both suffer from loneliness “I am alone and miserable; man will not associate with me.” (Shelley, Ch. 17)
Which character represents innocence and becomes a victim of Victor's creation?
Who is Elizabeth Lavenza? Her death shows the damage of Victor's knowledge: “I had lost my beloved.” (Shelley, Ch. 23).
"Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful."
What does this quote show about the Creature's transformation? (It signifies his shift from victim to revenge (Shelley, Ch. 20).
What action does Victor take on the night of his creation?
What is animating the Creature? (He succeeds in bringing the Creature to life).
Which narrative technique does Shelley use to tell the story?
What is frame narrative? (The story is told through Walton's letters and Victor’s recounting).
The theme of creation vs destruction shows how making new things can be good, but it can also lead to bad outcomes.
What is the 2 sides of creation? Victor creates a creature but he abandons the Creature: “I had worked to efface the marks of my creature’s existence.” (Shelley, Ch. 3)
Who is the Creature's first and most significant victim?
Who is William Frankenstein? His murder is the reason of Creature's revenge: “I was the cause of his death.” (Shelley, Ch. 7).
"Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change."
What does this quote suggest about Victor's feelings? (It shows how upset and confused he is after creating the Creature [Shelley, Ch. 7]).
What tragic event happens as a result of the Creature's actions?
What is the murder of Elizabeth? (Her death signifies the height of Victor's failures).
What type of conflict drives the plot between Victor and the Creature?
What is man versus monster? (Their struggle represents deep themes of man).
What theme is shown by the Creature's search for acceptance?
What is the struggle for identity? The Creature wants companionship and loving “I am what I am; I cannot change.” [Shelley, Ch. 15]
Which character is the theme of knowledge and consequences?
Who is Robert Walton? (His plan is similar to Victor’s).
"You are my creator, but I am your master."
What theme does this quote show? (It shows how the power changes between the creator and the Creature [Shelley, Ch. 20]).
What does Victor do after realizing the consequences of his creation?
What is fleeing to the Arctic? (He looks to escape both guilt and the Creature).
Which symbol represents knowledge and its danger?
What is fire? (Fire symbolizes both learning and destruction throughout the story).
How does the theme of revenge impact the characters?
What is the destructive creation of revenge? The Creature wants revenge after being left: “I will make you suffer.” (Shelley, Ch. 20).
Who does the Creature resemble in his look for companionship?
Who is Adam? (He sees himself as an abandoned child of creation).
"The world was to me a secret which I desired to divine."
What theme does this quote highlight? (It shows his endless desire to learn more [Shelley, Ch. 2]).
How does the novel end with Victor and the Creature?
What is their final confrontation? (Both meet their fates, highlights the sad cycle of revenge).
How does the weather often reflect the characters emotions?
What is weather fallacy? (Storms and darkness reflect on Victor’s trouble and pain).