Questions and Answers
When did the family stop traveling?
After the birth of their 2nd son.
Where did the Frankensteins return home to?
They return home to Switzerland, to their estate at the foot of the Alps.
Who did Victor surround himself with as friends?
Henry Clerval and Elizabeth.
Victor confessed to having a violent temper as a child.
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Victor's temper was not directed at other people. Instead, it manifested itself as what?
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What fascinated Clerval in contrast to Victor's studies?
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At Geneva, what served to soothe Victor's passion for study?
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What brings Frankenstein pleasure as he recounts?
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Who is the man that Victor becomes fascinated with at age 13?
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The system of 'science' that Agrippa propounds has been proven false.
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Who were Agrippa's contemporaries?
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What three desires does Victor share with Agrippa and his contemporaries?
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Which of the three desires does Victor become obsessed with?
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Why does Victor search for the elixir of life?
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What is Victor preoccupied with regarding the dead?
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Does Victor find the answers he seeks in the works of his Roman idol?
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Study Notes
Family Background and Early Life
- The Frankenstein family ceased traveling following the birth of their second son.
- They returned to Switzerland, settling at their estate nestled at the foot of the Alps.
- Young Victor preferred intimate friendships, notably with Henry Clerval, known for his imaginative insights, and his cherished companion, Elizabeth.
Victor's Temperament
- Despite claiming to have an extraordinarily happy childhood, Victor admits to having had a violent temper.
- His anger was not directed at others, but instead transformed into a fervent quest for knowledge about the universe.
Academic Interests
- Clerval was interested in morality, heroism, and virtue, contrasting with Victor's obsession with learning the secrets of nature.
- Elizabeth played a calming role in Victor’s life, tempering his intense passion for study.
Historical Influences
- Victor expresses joy when recalling unblemished childhood memories, untouched by later misfortunes.
- At age 13, he became enamored with Cornelius Agrippa, a Roman alchemist with dreams of transforming tin into gold.
- Agrippa’s work has since been discredited, yet Victor immersed himself in it along with the writings of contemporaries Paracelsus and Albertus Magnus.
Aspirations and Obsessions
- Victor shares aspirations with Agrippa’s circle, including:
- Understanding the secrets of nature.
- Pursuing the philosopher’s stone.
- Seeking the elixir of life.
- Ultimately, he becomes obsessed with finding the elixir of life, not just for wealth but for glory.
Death and Resurrection
- Victor is intrigued by the possibilities of communicating with or resurrecting the dead.
- This quest is thwarted when he witnesses a lightning storm, which leads to disillusionment with his Roman idols.
- Frustrated by their lack of satisfactory explanations, he turns his focus to mathematics, although he will eventually return to natural philosophy.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Chapter 2 from Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' with these flashcards. Explore key details about the Frankenstein family's travels and Victor's relationships. Enhance your understanding of the characters and settings in this classic novel.
