Frankenstein Chapters 1-5 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the man's background? Where is he from?

The man was born in Geneva, Switzerland.

What is the story of the man's mother, Caroline Beaufort?

Victor's father's best friend was Caroline Beaufort's father.

Who is Elizabeth Lavenza and what is her story?

Elizabeth is the daughter of an Italian nobleman and a German woman.

Who is Henry Clerval and what is his relation to Victor?

Henry Clerval is Victor's childhood friend. Signup and view all the answers

How does Victor characterize the interests and characters of Clerval, Elizabeth, and himself?

Clerval loves stories of medieval knights and chivalry; Elizabeth enjoys poetry but does not study; Victor is fascinated with science. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Cornelius Agrippa and how does Victor find out about him?

Agrippa is an ancient scientist who studied alchemy. Signup and view all the answers

What sort of science is Victor learning from Agrippa, Paracelsus, and Albertus Magnus?

Victor is learning about alchemy and the search for the fountain of youth. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Victor sees an oak tree destroyed by lightning?

Victor decides to study electricity and galvanism. Signup and view all the answers

Who or what does Victor credit for his change in direction towards studying electricity?

Victor credits Krempe for encouraging him to study this field. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Elizabeth and Victor's mother as a result of Elizabeth's scarlet fever?

Caroline catches scarlet fever and dies after nursing Elizabeth back to health. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Victor's father send him to the University of Ingolstadt?

Victor's father believes he should study in another country. Signup and view all the answers

What does Victor learn from M. Krempe?

Krempe teaches natural philosophy. Signup and view all the answers

What does Victor learn from M. Waldman?

Waldman teaches chemistry. Signup and view all the answers

How well does Victor progress during the next two years?

Victor devotes his study to natural philosophy and chemistry. Signup and view all the answers

Will Victor share the knowledge of creating life with Walton?

No, Victor keeps his experiments a secret from everyone. Signup and view all the answers

How does Victor go about creating a human being?

Victor steals body parts from charnel houses, dissection rooms, and slaughterhouses. Signup and view all the answers

How does Victor respond to the actual creation of life?

Victor is horrified by the creature's appearance. Signup and view all the answers

What does Victor dream?

He dreams he is embracing Elizabeth, who turns into the rotting corpse of his mother. Signup and view all the answers

What does the creature do when Victor sees him?

The creature reaches out his arms and smiles at Victor. Signup and view all the answers

Whom does Victor meet arriving in a coach the next morning?

Victor meets Clerval. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Character Background

Victor Frankenstein hails from Geneva, Switzerland, born to a public office holder and doted upon by his parents.
His mother, Caroline Beaufort, was rescued from poverty by Victor's father; she later marries him.

Key Relationships

Elizabeth Lavenza, an orphaned daughter of an Italian nobleman, is adopted by Victor's family and presented to him as a gift.
Henry Clerval is introduced as Victor's close childhood friend.

Interests and Influences

Clerval enjoys tales of medieval chivalry; Elizabeth appreciates emotional poetry; Victor is captivated by science and alchemy.
Victor becomes fascinated with antiquated science after reading works by Cornelius Agrippa, Paracelsus, and Albertus Magnus, inspiring a quest for knowledge despite his father's disapproval.

Academic Journey

Victor learns about galvanism and electricity after witnessing an oak tree struck by lightning.
M. Krempe, who teaches natural philosophy, is perceived by Victor as repulsive, leading him to dismiss Krempe's teachings initially.
M. Waldman, a chemistry professor, impresses Victor with his sophisticated approach, shifting Victor's perspective on modern science and its potential to unveil nature's mysteries.

Ambitious Discoveries

Victor devotes two years to studying natural philosophy, ultimately seeking to create life from parts of deceased bodies and successfully animates a corpse.
He remains secretive about his experiments, including creation of life, refusing to share this knowledge even with Walton.

Creation of the Creature

Victor scavenges body parts from various sources over a year, becoming obsessively consumed by the task to the detriment of his health.
The act of creation yields a horrifying outcome; the creature's appearance—watery eyes, tight skin, black lips—leads Victor to recoil in disgust.

Emotional Turmoil

A disturbing dream haunts Victor, where Elizabeth transforms into the corpse of his mother, reflecting his inner turmoil and guilt.
Upon seeing the creature smile at him, Victor is overwhelmed by horror and escapes, abandoning his creation.

Aftermath

The next day, Victor encounters Clerval, who unwittingly brings a sense of normalcy to Victor's chaotic state.
Victor's relief upon discovering the creature's absence is short-lived as he collapses from stress, requiring months of care from Clerval.

Themes

The tension between ambition and ethical consequences is palpable in Victor's obsessive pursuit of knowledge and the subsequent horror of its realization.
The relationship dynamics among Victor, Elizabeth, and Clerval highlight varying responses to emotion, nurturing, and intellectual curiosity.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts and character backgrounds from Chapters 1 to 5 of Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein'. It includes important details about Victor Frankenstein's family and early life experiences. Test your knowledge and understanding of these crucial elements in the story.