Podcast
Questions and Answers
What function do letters serve in this and previous chapters?
What function do letters serve in this and previous chapters?
Provides background knowledge. Also details what has happened while Victor Frankenstein has been gone.
What briefly lifts Victor's spirit on his journey home? Why is this significant?
What briefly lifts Victor's spirit on his journey home? Why is this significant?
Victor's childhood memories of Geneva and admiring the nature lift his spirits. This is significant because these are romantic ideals.
Why does Elizabeth believe that she is responsible for William's death?
Why does Elizabeth believe that she is responsible for William's death?
Elizabeth feels responsible for William's death because she gave him a valuable necklace that might have been motive to kill him.
What is Gothic about Frankenstein's encounter with the creature?
What is Gothic about Frankenstein's encounter with the creature?
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What is depicted in the picture above the Frankenstein's mantelpiece?
What is depicted in the picture above the Frankenstein's mantelpiece?
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Why does Frankenstein take the blame for Justine?
Why does Frankenstein take the blame for Justine?
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Why does Elizabeth's speech in court hurt Justine?
Why does Elizabeth's speech in court hurt Justine?
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What is revealed about Justine's character in these chapters?
What is revealed about Justine's character in these chapters?
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Do you think Frankenstein is as guilty as he feels he is? What do you think he's guilty of, if anything?
Do you think Frankenstein is as guilty as he feels he is? What do you think he's guilty of, if anything?
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How do the reactions of Victor and his family to William's murder illustrate romantic principles?
How do the reactions of Victor and his family to William's murder illustrate romantic principles?
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Study Notes
Letters as a Narrative Device
- Letters provide essential background and context, connecting past events to current circumstances.
- They reveal developments during Victor Frankenstein's absence, enhancing the unfolding narrative.
Romantic Ideals in Victor's Journey
- Victor's spirits are lifted by nostalgic memories of Geneva, reflecting romanticism's emphasis on nature's beauty.
- This emotional uplift signifies the power of nature and memory in shaping one's feelings and outlook.
Elizabeth's Guilt
- Elizabeth believes she shares responsibility for William's death due to giving him a prized necklace, which may have motivated the murder.
- Her sense of guilt highlights the theme of innocence and the tragic consequences of seemingly innocent actions.
Gothic Elements in Encounters
- The encounter between Victor and the creature embodies Gothic elements through the dramatic setting of a stormy night.
- This atmosphere underscores the themes of horror and the sublime present in the story.
Depictions of Family in Artwork
- The mantelpiece features a picture of Victor's mother in mourning at his grandfather's coffin, evoking themes of loss and familial bonds.
- This imagery deepens the emotional resonance of Victor's backstory and familial relationships.
Blame and Responsibility
- Victor refuses to take the blame for Justine’s fate due to the fear of disbelief and the repercussions of revealing the truth about his creation.
- His decision underscores themes of guilt, responsibility, and the societal implications of his actions.
Courtroom Dynamics
- Elizabeth's defense speech unintentionally harms Justine by portraying her as emotionally detached, further complicating Justine's situation.
- This illustrates the irony of good intentions leading to negative outcomes in the narrative.
Justine's Character Strength
- Justine displays resilience and strong moral character amidst her tragic circumstances, highlighting her piety and integrity.
- Her character adds depth to the themes of innocence and the injustices faced by virtuous individuals.
Victor's Guilt
- Victor feels profound guilt for the havoc wreaked by his creature, which leads to tragedy and madness in his life.
- His guilt is rooted in the moral implications of creating life and the resulting consequences, showcasing the complexity of parental responsibility.
Romanticism and Emotional Responses
- The intense emotional reactions of Victor and his family to William’s murder demonstrate the Romantic ideals of feeling over rationality.
- This response highlights the conflict between emotions and societal expectations, emphasizing the value placed on genuine emotional experiences.
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Description
Test your knowledge of key concepts and themes from Chapters 7 and 8 of Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein'. This quiz explores significant literary elements such as the role of letters and the impact of memories on Victor's journey. Perfect for those studying this classic novel or preparing for discussion.
