Podcast
Questions and Answers
What do Victor and Henry receive at Ingolstadt, and from whom?
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?
When was the boy found dead?
The following morning.
What did Elizabeth allow the boy to wear on the day of the murder?
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?
What did Elizabeth find when she examined the corpse?
What does Victor's father implore him to do?
What does Victor's father implore him to do?
Who expressed sympathies for Victor's brother and who helps him with the horses?
Who expressed sympathies for Victor's brother and who helps him with the horses?
What irrational fear seizes Victor on his way to Geneva?
What irrational fear seizes Victor on his way to Geneva?
What happens to Victor at the sight of his native city?
What happens to Victor at the sight of his native city?
What emotion returns to Victor despite his joy at being reunited with Geneva?
What emotion returns to Victor despite his joy at being reunited with Geneva?
What does Victor see upon arriving at night in a severe thunderstorm?
What does Victor see upon arriving at night in a severe thunderstorm?
What fears take over Victor after seeing the creature?
What fears take over Victor after seeing the creature?
What shocking news does Ernest bring upon Victor's return?
What shocking news does Ernest bring upon Victor's return?
Where was the missing locket found?
Where was the missing locket found?
Who believes in Justine's innocence?
Who believes in Justine's innocence?
Why is the account of William's death written in highly disjointed language?
Why is the account of William's death written in highly disjointed language?
Why does Shelley use letters in the novel?
Why does Shelley use letters in the novel?
What does Victor's reaction to the letter reveal about his character?
What does Victor's reaction to the letter reveal about his character?
What does Victor's uneasiness about returning home foreshadow?
What does Victor's uneasiness about returning home foreshadow?
Compare the day of Victor's brother's murder with what greeted Victor upon arrival at night.
Compare the day of Victor's brother's murder with what greeted Victor upon arrival at night.
What conclusion does the reader jump to upon seeing the creature through Victor's eyes?
What conclusion does the reader jump to upon seeing the creature through Victor's eyes?
What does Victor's decision to keep the monster a secret reveal him as?
What does Victor's decision to keep the monster a secret reveal him as?
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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
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.
