Themes and Book
List Three Themes of the novel
open-ended
The Creature learns to speak and understand human nature by observing this family in their cottage.
Who are the De Lacey family?
Victor agrees to create a female companion for the Creature but destroys it when he fears this consequence.
What is the possibility of them reproducing? or What is the possibility of killing humanity?
The imagery of the Creature’s physical appearance includes these details about his skin and stature, which highlight his unnatural creation.
What are "yellow skin" and "gigantic stature"?
What century was Frankenstein written?
19th century, 1818
The Creature’s discovery of this, the Creature becomes obsessed with revenge on Victor.
What is Victor's journal?
Victor’s wedding night becomes a tragedy when this character is murdered.
Who is Elizabeth?
This natural setting, described with towering peaks and icy landscapes, symbolizes Victor’s inner turmoil and the power of nature over man.
What is the Alps? Or what is the Swiss Alps? Or What are the mountains?
How is Frankenstein a gothic novel?
d. The characters within are often in distress and are victims of terror and distress
The Creature experiences rejection when he tries to interact with this blind character.
Who is De Lacey (the father)?
Walton’s ship is trapped in this perilous environment, paralleling Victor’s doomed pursuit of the Creature.
What is the Arctic ice?
The night Victor animates the Creature is marked by this ominous and foreboding weather imagery, heightening the scene’s tension.
What is "a dreary night of November"? Or What is a thunderstorm?
Which event finally made Victor realize his ambition caused multiple deaths and pain?
Death of Elizabeth
The Creature’s desire for revenge peaks after Victor destroys this unfinished creation.
What is the female Creature?
Victor spends his final moments urging Walton to do this if he encounters the Creature.
What is kill it?
The storm that erupts after Victor’s brother’s murder is described with vivid lightning and thunder, mirroring this theme in the novel.
What is "nature’s reflection of human emotion"? or What is the pathetic fallacy?
How does Nature reflect the creature's state of mind?
Open-ended
The Creature’s anger is sparked after this beloved family member of Victor’s is killed.
Who is William Frankenstein?
In his final act, the Creature declares he will do this to end his suffering.
What is set himself on fire?
Shelley uses this imagery when describing the Creature’s escape across the frozen Arctic, symbolizing isolation and relentless pursuit.
What is "the vast, desolate expanse of ice"?