Frankenstein Chapter Overview

Questions and Answers

What do Victor and Henry receive at Ingolstadt, and from whom?

They receive a letter from Victor's father, William, that Victor's youngest brother was murdered.

When was the boy found dead?

The following morning.

What did Elizabeth allow the boy to wear on the day of the murder?

Elizabeth had allowed the boy to wear an antique locket bearing Caroline's picture.

What did Elizabeth find when she examined the corpse?

Elizabeth finds the locket gone; she swoons at the thought that William was murdered for the bauble. Signup and view all the answers

What does Victor's father implore him to do?

Victor's father implores him to come home immediately, saying that his presence will help to soothe the ravaged household. Signup and view all the answers

Who expressed sympathies for Victor's brother and who helps him with the horses?

Clerval. Signup and view all the answers

What irrational fear seizes Victor on his way to Geneva?

Certain that further disaster awaits him at home, he lingers for a few days at Lausanne. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Victor at the sight of his native city?

Victor is moved to tears at the sight of his native city, since his estrangement from it has been so prolonged. Signup and view all the answers

What emotion returns to Victor despite his joy at being reunited with Geneva?

His fear. Signup and view all the answers

What does Victor see upon arriving at night in a severe thunderstorm?

A flash of lightning illuminates a figure lurking among the skeletal trees; its gigantic stature betrays it as Frankenstein's prodigal creature. Signup and view all the answers

What fears take over Victor after seeing the creature?

He fears that he will be taken for a madman if he tells his fantastic story, and thus resolves to keep silent. Signup and view all the answers

What shocking news does Ernest bring upon Victor's return?

Justine, the family's trusted maidservant, has been accused of William's murder. Signup and view all the answers

Where was the missing locket found?

The missing locket was found on her person on the night of the murder. Signup and view all the answers

Who believes in Justine's innocence?

The family, particularly Elizabeth, passionately believes in her innocence. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the account of William's death written in highly disjointed language?

This indicates the magnitude of the distress felt by the narrator's father as he writes. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Shelley use letters in the novel?

They enable Shelley to allow the voices of other characters to interrupt and alter Victor's highly subjective account. Signup and view all the answers

What does Victor's reaction to the letter reveal about his character?

Though he is wracked with grief, his thoughts soon turn to his own anxiety at returning home. Signup and view all the answers

What does Victor's uneasiness about returning home foreshadow?

Victor's uneasiness also foreshadows the moment of horror that greets him at Geneva. Signup and view all the answers

Compare the day of Victor's brother's murder with what greeted Victor upon arrival at night.

The idyllic day contrasts with the chill and stormy night Victor arrives to, reflecting chaos. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion does the reader jump to upon seeing the creature through Victor's eyes?

Victor's hatred of the creature leads the reader to wish to blame it for William's murder. Signup and view all the answers

What does Victor's decision to keep the monster a secret reveal him as?

As both selfish and foolhardy, putting his reputation above the tragedy. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Victor's Tragic News

Victor and Henry receive a letter from Victor's father about the murder of his youngest brother, William.
William was reported missing during an evening walk and was found dead the next morning.

The Circumstances of the Murder

Elizabeth had allowed William to wear a locket with his mother's picture on the day he was murdered.
Upon examining the body, Elizabeth discovers the locket is missing and fears William was killed for it.

Family Dynamics and Responses

Victor's father urges him to return home, believing his presence will provide comfort to their grieving family.
Clerval expresses sympathy for the loss and assists Victor in preparing for his journey back to Geneva.

Victor's Internal Struggles

On his way to Geneva, Victor feels an irrational fear of further disaster and delays his journey in Lausanne.
Overwhelmed by emotion at the sight of his hometown, Victor is initially filled with joy, though his fears resurface quickly.

Encounter with the Creature

Arriving during a thunderstorm, Victor sees a figure in the trees—a sight that confirms his suspicion that the creature is responsible for William’s murder.
He is paralyzed by the fear of being perceived as mad if he reveals the truth, leading him to remain silent about the creature's existence.

Family Accusations and Justine

Upon reaching home, Victor is informed by his brother Ernest that Justine, their maidservant, has been accused of murdering William.
The missing locket was found on Justine, intensifying the family's anguish and desperation for her innocence.

Themes of Guilt and Distress

The father’s distressed writing style reflects the heavy emotions surrounding William’s death.
The use of letters throughout the novel allows for diverse perspectives, illuminating the central characters' experiences.

Character Revelation and Foreshadowing

Victor’s focus on his own anxiety about returning home highlights his self-absorption amidst family tragedy.
His lingering unease foreshadows the horror he will encounter, demonstrating the chaos that has engulfed his family.

Contrast in Settings

The idyllic spring day during William’s murder contrasts sharply with the stormy night of Victor’s arrival, symbolizing emotional turmoil and chaos.

Reader's Engagement with the Creature

Victor’s intense hatred towards the creature prompts readers to share in his blame, despite lacking solid justification for their judgment.

Victor’s Moral Conflict

By concealing the monster's existence to protect his reputation, Victor displays both selfishness and foolishness in the wake of his brother’s death, prioritizing his status over moral responsibility.

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Description

This quiz explores key events surrounding the tragic news received by Victor in Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein'. It highlights the murder of his brother William and the emotional turmoil faced by Victor as he returns home. Understand the family dynamics and Victor's internal struggles in the face of a devastating loss.