Characters
Who is the narrator at the start of the novel?
Robert Walton
What tragic event occurs during Victor's childhood, an event that has a profound effect on him and his future desire?
the death of his mother
In what country is the Frankenstein family home?
Switzerland
What theme might be demonstrated by Victor’s ambition and its results?
the danger of unchecked ambition
What is it called when a story has a story within it, like Victor’s story within Walton’s letters?
a frame narrative
Who is Victor’s beloved childhood friend and companion?
Henry Clerval
What ambitious project does Victor undertake while at university?
creating life/creating the creature
In what country does Victor attend university?
Germany
What does Victor’s use of scientific knowledge to create life suggest about the limits of science?
there are indeed ethical limits of scientific exploration
What literary device hints at events to come, like Victor’s dread when he sees his creation?
foreshadowing
Who is adopted into the Frankenstein family and is considered a “sister” to Victor?
Elizabeth Lavenza
What does Victor do right after he brings his creation to life?
He runs away and abandons the creature
What mountain range does Victor visit to find solace after William’s death?
the Swiss Alps
What recurring theme might be shown through Victor’s isolation from family and friends while pursuing his studies?
the danger of isolation and need for community
Isolation, darkness, horror, the supernatural, and emotional turmoil are all part of the specific literary genre of Frankenstein, which is what?
gothic literature
Who is accused of the murder of William Frankenstein?
What news prompts Victor to return to Geneva from Ingolstadt?
the murder of his brother William?
Which real-life scientific advancements inspired Victor’s interest in reanimation?
experiments with electricity, such as galvanism
Which thematic idea might be explored through Victor’s desire to play the role of creator?
the limits of human knowledge or the dangers of playing God
What literary term describes a comparison that uses the word "like" or "as," as when Victor says his heart is like a black sea of regret?
a simile
Which professor encourages Victor in his scientific pursuits at Ingolstadt?
Professor Waldman
How does Victor respond to Justine’s trial?
he feels guilty but does not confess his role
In what city does Victor witness a powerful lightning storm that inspires his fascination with electricity?
Geneva
What does the Arctic setting in Walton’s letters symbolize for Victor’s journey?
desolation or the extreme consequences of ambition
What literary device does Victor use to describe his creation, reflecting his horror and regret, when he calls it directly (i.e. doe not use "like" or "as" in the comparison) a "demoniacal corpse" and a "fiend"?
a metaphor