Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
the year the novel was published
What is 1818?
Gothic stories usually take place on this kind of night
What is dark and scary, foggy, cold, mysterious...?
the book written by Mary Shelley and her most famous work
What is Frankenstein?
This comedic 1974 film by Mel Brooks parodied Frankenstein’s story and gave us the classic line, “It’s pronounced Fronkensteen!”
What is Young Frankenstein?
Far from being purely evil, the creature begins his life showing this quality, longing for connection and kindness.
What is innocence or compassion?
The novel begins with letters written by this Arctic explorer to his sister, Mrs. Saville, in England.
Who is Robert Walton?
Victor grows up in Geneva with loving parents and two younger companions: his brother Ernest and this adopted sister.
Who is Elizabeth Lavenza?
The protagonist, and creator of the monster
Who is Dr. Victor Frankenstein?
the types of characters might you find in gothic literature
What are ghosts, monsters, vampires, werewolves...?
Many consider this the first vampire novel, written by Bram Stoker
What is Dracula?
In modern culture, calling someone a “Frankenstein” often means they’ve done this.
What is created something monstrous or unnatural?
How the creature learns about human society
What is by observing a poor family in the woods?
Walton’s letters are written from this frozen, remote setting where he hopes to “confer inestimable benefit on all mankind.”
What is the Arctic (the North Pole)?
Victor’s fascination with this outdated branch of science sets him on his dangerous path toward creating life.
What is alchemy?
The character many mistakenly call "Frankenstein"
Who is the creature?
This term for a gothic element giving us clues about what is going to happen next
What is an omen?
The author of The Raven
Who is Edgar Allen Poe?
The creature’s story has inspired countless retellings about humans “playing God” — a theme also found in this modern field of science.
What is genetic engineering or AI?
Despite being called “Frankenstein,” the creature never receives this from his creator.
What is a name?
Walton’s great desire to find a friend mirrors this central theme of the novel.
What is the need for companionship or human connection?
The death of Victor’s mother from scarlet fever inspires him to pursue this forbidden goal.
What is conquering death or reanimating life?
How Frankenstein came about
What is due to Lord Byron's ghost story challenge?
Where gothic stories usually take place
Where is in a (haunted) castle?
Famous American legend about a headless horseman
What is The Legend of Sleepy Hollow?
Despite his horrifying appearance, the creature is often seen as this kind of tragic figure — a symbol of society’s rejection of difference.
What is a misunderstood outcast?
Many adaptations give the creature this physical feature, symbolizing his artificial creation — but Shelley never mentions it.
What are neck bolts?
In the letters, Walton rescues this mysterious figure drifting on the ice — a man whose tragic story becomes the main narrative.
Who is Victor Frankenstein?
At the University of Ingolstadt, Victor shifts from superstition to modern science under the influence of this inspiring professor.
Who is M. Waldman?
the feminist essay written by Mary Shelley's mother
What is A Vindication of the Rights of Women?
The typical weather in gothic literature
What is stormy, wet, cold, rainy, thunderstorms...?
In Rebecca, this imposing estate serves as both the physical setting and a symbol of the lingering power of the past
What is Manderley?
Shelley’s Victor responds to his success with horror and regret. This is the way pop culture depicts his response.
What is as a mad scientist yelling “It’s alive!”?
Despite being labeled a monster, the creature shows this deeply human trait when he recognizes the harm he has caused and longs for forgiveness, revealing his moral awareness.
What is a conscience or capacity for remorse?
Through Walton’s ambitious expedition, Shelley foreshadows this danger — a theme shared by both men in their pursuit of discovery.
What is the destructive potential of unchecked ambition?
Victor becomes consumed by his work, cutting himself off from friends and family — a reflection of this major theme in the novel.
What is isolation caused by obsessive ambition?