Frankenstein Chapters 1-9 Study Guide

Questions and Answers

What are 3 major plot events in Chapter 7?

Receives letter from father, William has been murdered!!! 2. Sees creature once again in hometown, claims that it was the murderer of William. 3. Reunited with family, shocked to find out Justine is going on trial, feels it is his doing since he won't tell the truth.

What are 3 major plot events in Chapter 8?

Justine's trial, family believes guilty except for Elizabeth and Victor. 2. Justine lies and confesses though Elizabeth stood up for her, is committed and dies shortly after. 3. Victor exclaims his feelings: sad, distressed, full of anxiety, feels it is his fault for Justine/William's deaths.

Why did Caroline make Justine a servant when she took her in rather than a daughter/cousin like Elizabeth?

Eugenics (form of racism), made Elizabeth daughter/Victor's to be wife because she was white, blonde and had blue eyes. Justine, on the other hand, had dark skin, eyes, and hair.

What does Alphonse Frankenstein write in the letter in Chapter 7?

Writes Victor a letter about growing ill, worried for Victor, and wishes him to come home soon. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Elizabeth Lavenza in Chapters 6-8.

Grown more beautiful in age, is calm, shows sensibility and intellect, worries for her family. Signup and view all the answers

What was the problem Victor contemplates before he makes the creature?

How should he make it look (decides to make it a perfect specimen). Signup and view all the answers

Justine Mortiz was blamed and convicted (death) of _____ murder.

William's Signup and view all the answers

How did everyone feel in Chapter 3 when Caroline died?

They were upset yet they moved on because they had responsibilities. Signup and view all the answers

Victor is distraught about Justine's death in Chapter 8.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does the Feminine touch mean in this book?

Women needed to be saved, yet men can't live without them; stronger emotionally than physically. Signup and view all the answers

What are 3 major events in Chapter 9?

<ol> <li>Victor loses sleep and falls ill due to deciding whether or not to tell the truth; thinks of suicide. 2. Goes into the wilderness to reflect on his emotions. 3. Once again meets the creature in the wilderness.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

From what city is Robert Walton writing from in letter 1?

St. Petersburg, Russia Signup and view all the answers

What does Walton allude to at the end of the 2nd Letter?

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Coleridge. Signup and view all the answers

What 'strange accident' happened to the sailors in Letter 4?

They neglected their duties because they were so curious about what the stranger's story was. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance: 'Unhappy man! Do you share my madness? Have you drunk also of the intoxicating draught?'

Frankenstein sees that Walton's ambitions will hurt him like his did. He decides to tell his story to discourage him. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following characters with their roles or descriptions:

Victor Frankenstein = Seeks to create life and feels guilty for his creation's actions Elizabeth Lavenza = Cares deeply for her family and is distraught over Justine's trial Justine Mortiz = Wrongly accused of William's murder Henry Clerval = Offers sympathy and support to Victor during his distress Signup and view all the answers

What is a motif?

Repeated images that create a bigger symbol or meaning. Signup and view all the answers

What is theme?

An overall message or meaning of an entire text. Signup and view all the answers

What do Romantics idealize?

Settings and create symbolic characters Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the subtitle of Frankenstein, 'The Modern Prometheus'?

It shows that what was eventually good can become bad despite being beneficial. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mary Shelley's obsession with Greek mythology and the classics?

They used the Ancient world to create a better understanding of the setting and characters. Signup and view all the answers

When and where was Frankenstein written?

1831, during a freak storm while visiting Lord Byron. Signup and view all the answers

How old was Mary Shelley when she wrote Frankenstein?

19 Signup and view all the answers

How did Shelley become a skilled writer?

She was self-taught and educated herself through facing personal tragedies. Signup and view all the answers

Who were some of Shelley's inspirations?

Percy Shelley and the guilt from the deaths of her mother and sister-in-law. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Frankenstein written?

In response to a challenge by Lord Byron. Signup and view all the answers

What were Mary's inspirations for the book?

A nightmare, Prometheus, encouragement from her husband, and personal tragedies. Signup and view all the answers

What is galvanism?

Electricity produced by chemical action that makes muscles move. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mary Shelley express through the quote 'I have found it! What terrified me will terrify others;'?

Her trauma and emotions can resonate with her audience. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mary Shelley mean by 'this is for myself; my readers have nothing to do with these associations'?

She wrote the story for her younger self, focusing on her personal reflections. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Robert Walton?

He is the narrator and comes from a wealthy family focused on discovery. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Margaret Saville?

Robert Walton's sister and recipient of the opening letters. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the Lieutenant on Walton's ship?

A noble Englishman with courage and ambition. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the Master?

A gentle and courageous man with integrity. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the stranger encountered by Walton?

He appears in the Arctic and has a tragic past. Signup and view all the answers

What is a frame story?

A story within a story, like Walton's letters leading to Victor's tale. Signup and view all the answers

What does Letter 1 reveal about Robert Walton?

He is self-educated, fond of exploration, and values glory over wealth. Signup and view all the answers

What is Robert Walton preparing for in Letter 1?

He prepares to go North of London. Signup and view all the answers

What is happening in Robert Walton's 2nd Letter?

He is assembling his ship and crew and meets significant individuals. Signup and view all the answers

How old is Robert Walton in Letter 2, and what does he realize?

28 years old; he realizes he is lonely and lacks friends. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Robert Walton frequently refer to throughout the story?

Coleridge. Signup and view all the answers

What tone does Robert Walton present in Letter 3?

He seems in good spirits, though he anticipates conflicts. Signup and view all the answers

How does Robert Walton plan to face danger in Letter 3?

He will face it calmly and prudently. Signup and view all the answers

What does Letter 3 foreshadow?

It foreshadows a life-changing event for Walton in Letter 4. Signup and view all the answers

Who do we meet in Letter 4 and what is significant about his question?

The stranger, who asks about the ship's destination. Signup and view all the answers

What advice does the stranger give by the end of Letter 4?

He advises against seeking knowledge for glory. Signup and view all the answers

What are three major plot events in Chapter 1?

Victor describes his family background, introduces his parents, and introduces Elizabeth. Signup and view all the answers

What are three major plot events in Chapter 2?

Victor describes Elizabeth and Henry, his education, and the lightning storm. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Victor Frankenstein's childhood.

It was good, marked by love from his parents and a wealthy upbringing. Signup and view all the answers

What fascinated Victor during the lightning storm?

The sudden death of a tree struck by lightning. Signup and view all the answers

What are three major plot events in Chapter 3?

Victor prepares for college, shifts focus from alchemy to philosophy and chemistry, and disconnects from family. Signup and view all the answers

What are three major plot events in Chapter 4?

Victor becomes isolated in his work, loses contact with family, and begins creating his monster. Signup and view all the answers

What are three major plot events in Chapter 5?

Victor finishes the monster, becomes fearful, and falls ill through connection with Henry. Signup and view all the answers

What does Victor mean by saying 'by birth'?

He is originally from Geneva. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Romanticism and Greek Mythology

Romantics idealize nature, portraying settings as symbolic and emotive.
"The Modern Prometheus" reflects the dual nature of creation, showing how something initially beneficial can lead to tragic consequences, mirroring Prometheus’ story.

Mary Shelley's Background and Inspirations

"Frankenstein" written in 1831 during a freak storm while visiting Lord Byron, initiating a ghost story challenge.
Mary Shelley was self-taught, improving her writing amidst personal tragedies, including the loss of her mother and sister-in-law.
Key influences included Percy Shelley, Greek mythology, Darwin's ideas of life and electricity, and personal experiences, including nightmares and loss.

Robert Walton and the Structure of the Narrative

Robert Walton, wealthy yet lonely, embarks on an expedition to find the North Pole, seeking glory and camaraderie.
His journey is framed within letters to his sister Margaret Saville, reflecting a complex narrative structure that intertwines various stories.

Victor Frankenstein's Family and Early Life

Victor comes from a loving family in Geneva, supported by parents Alphonse and Caroline.
Victor's childhood was nurturing, marked by his connections to his adopted sister Elizabeth and childhood friend Henry Clerval.

Victor’s Education and Obsession

Victor attends college at Ingolstadt, increasingly isolated as he pursues knowledge in chemistry and the occult.
A lightning storm sparks his fascination with the power of electricity and galvanism, ultimately leading to his creation of the monster.

Creation and Aftermath

Victor's completion of the creature results in immediate horror and regret, plunging him into illness and isolation.
His relationship with Henry Clerval provides a counterbalance, emphasizing the contrast between friendship and Victor's obsessive pursuits.

Family Tragedies and Consequences

The death of Victor's younger brother William shocks the family; Victor suspects the creature's involvement in the murder.
Justine Moritz, a family servant, is wrongfully accused and executed for William's death, deepening Victor's guilt and despair.

Themes of Love, Guilt, and Isolation

Elizabeth embodies calm and intellect, serving as a stabilizing force in Victor's chaotic life while sharing a deep bond with him.
The narrative explores profound emotional turmoil, highlighting Victor’s growing anxiety and guilt, particularly after the deaths in his family.

Defining Gothic and Romantic Literature

Gothic literature presents a blend of horror, dark settings, and supernatural elements, while Romanticism values emotions, nature, and the human condition.
Key elements of Gothic: remote settings, supernatural occurrences, and intense emotional experiences.
Key elements of Romanticism: the significance of nature, individualism, and the emotional experience over rational thought.

Plot Developments in Chapters

Early chapters establish character relationships and Victor's background, leading to his tragic creation.
The storyline progresses through episodes of growth, guilt, and confrontation with the consequences of Victor's obsessive pursuits, culminating in tragedy for those around him.### Key Characters and Their Roles
Henry Clerval: Provides sympathy to Victor after William's death, reassures him of recovery, stays at college while Victor rushes home.
William Frankenstein: Described with tall stature, blue eyes, dark eyelashes, and curly hair. Murdered, mistakenly attributed to Justine, but actually the monster's doing.
Justine Mortiz: Orphaned during childhood, became a family servant treated with dignity. Accused and convicted of William's murder, confessing under court pressure, reflecting the societal treatment of women.

Themes and Literary Elements

Gothic vs. Romantic Elements:
- Gothic: Victor experiences fear and isolation, contemplating madness and judgment upon returning home. His realizations about his creation bring despair and horror.
- Romantic: Reflection on nature as a source of solace. Calm waters and snowy mountains symbolize a chance for renewal and introspection regarding mistakes.

Plot Developments and Character Insights

Victor's Internal Struggles:
- Struggles with guilt over the deaths caused by his creation and contemplates suicide, feeling detached from others' grief.
- Experiences insomnia and illness due to his turmoil, seeking solace in nature, and reflects on his actions’ consequences.

Motifs and Symbolism

Recurring Motifs: Loneliness, friendship, feminine characters, nature, and light/dark imagery represent deeper themes throughout the narrative.
Motif Definition: Repeated images or elements that convey broader meanings or themes within the text.

Important Plot Points and Timeline

Robert Walton's expedition began 6 months before letter 1, and by letter 3 he has been on the journey for 8 months.
A month elapsed between letters 3 and 4, during which sailors become distracted by Walton's encounter with Victor.

Reflections and Messages

Victor warns Walton against the pursuit of dangerous knowledge, recognizing the madness in ambition that led to his own suffering.
The emotional strength of feminine characters underscores their need for protection and support within the narrative.

Noteworthy Quotes and Analysis

Quotes reflecting Gothic and Romantic themes demonstrate the duality in Victor's experiences and the impact of nature on his psyche.
Key phrases highlight the consequences of ambition and the cautionary nature of Victor's saga, shaping the story's overarching message.

Major Emotional and Psychological Elements

Victor’s despair and guilt primarily stem from the realization that his creation has resulted in multiple deaths.
His journey into the wilderness signifies a need for mental clarity and an escape from the chaos of his life.

Contextual Significance

The societal dynamics represented through characters like Justine illustrate the historical treatment of women and integrate personal struggles with broader themes of injustice and isolation.
Walton's aspirations parallel Victor's, serving as a cautionary tale regarding ambition and the quest for knowledge.

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Prepare for your studies of Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' with this set of flashcards covering chapters 1-9. These flashcards include key terms and significant themes such as the Romantic ideals and the implications of the subtitle 'The Modern Prometheus'. Test your understanding and retention of the material with this helpful guide.