Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who is the speaker of the story?
Who is the speaker of the story?
Victor Frankenstein
Under what sort of economic condition did the Frankenstein family live?
Under what sort of economic condition did the Frankenstein family live?
The family was rich and traveled the world frequently.
Where did the Frankenstein family call home?
Where did the Frankenstein family call home?
Geneva, Switzerland
Why did Victor choose to read Medieval books on alchemy over modern Enlightenment books?
Why did Victor choose to read Medieval books on alchemy over modern Enlightenment books?
Where does Victor's mother find his sister, Elizabeth?
Where does Victor's mother find his sister, Elizabeth?
How was Victor introduced to his new sister Elizabeth?
How was Victor introduced to his new sister Elizabeth?
What were Elizabeth's intellectual interests?
What were Elizabeth's intellectual interests?
What was Victor's intellectual pursuit?
What was Victor's intellectual pursuit?
What was the name of Victor's friend, and what was he forced to do?
What was the name of Victor's friend, and what was he forced to do?
What was Elizabeth's affliction?
What was Elizabeth's affliction?
Of what disease did Victor's mother die?
Of what disease did Victor's mother die?
What was Victor's mother's dying wish?
What was Victor's mother's dying wish?
Why did Victor go off to the university in Ingolstadt, Germany?
Why did Victor go off to the university in Ingolstadt, Germany?
How did Victor's first professor, Professor Krempe, treat Victor?
How did Victor's first professor, Professor Krempe, treat Victor?
How was Victor's second professor, Professor Waldman, to Victor?
How was Victor's second professor, Professor Waldman, to Victor?
Study Notes
Characters and Background
- Victor Frankenstein serves as the story's speaker.
- The Frankenstein family enjoyed wealth and frequently traveled, indicating a comfortable lifestyle.
- Geneva, Switzerland, is identified as the family's home.
Intellectual Influences
- Victor shows a preference for Medieval alchemy texts, believing modern Enlightenment literature is flawed.
- Elizabeth, Victor's sister, demonstrates interests in languages and art, contrasting with Victor's scientific explorations focused on causation.
Family Dynamics
- Elizabeth is introduced to Victor as a gift from their mother; she is an orphaned German girl raised by an Italian family.
- Victor's mother contracts scarlet fever while caring for Elizabeth and dies, which greatly impacts Victor.
- The mother's dying wish was for Victor and Elizabeth to marry, emphasizing familial bonds and expectations.
Friendships and Studies
- Henry Clerval, Victor's friend, is compelled by his father to abandon alchemy in favor of business studies.
- Victor seeks out the university in Ingolstadt, motivated to find solace after his mother's death.
Academic Challenges
- Professor Krempe, Victor's first instructor, is dismissive and critical of Victor's previous studies in alchemy.
- In contrast, Professor Waldman, Victor's second professor, is supportive and encourages him to explore all branches of natural philosophy, nurturing Victor's scientific curiosity.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the first three chapters of Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' with these flashcards. Learn about the key characters, settings, and economic backgrounds that shape the story's context. Perfect for students studying literature and preparing for exams.
