Frankenstein Chapters 3 and 4 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How is the story of Victor's mother's death ironic?

As the mother was trying to save Elizabeth from scarlet fever, she got ill herself and died.

What does Victor contemplate in the first hours of his departure? How do these thoughts indicate his future?

Victor reflects on his life so far and thinks about how his life has been filled with familiar faces, indicating he is unfit to meet strangers. He remembers his desire for knowledge and to become part of society.

Why does Victor not want to study the contemporary scientists suggested by M. Krempe?

Victor is interested in the goals of older scientists such as the alchemists and desires to pursue their 'grand' aspirations instead of the normal goals of contemporary scientists.

What ultimately changes Victor's mind about new chemists?

Frankenstein changes his mind when he sees that many of these new chemists' findings made sense, aided by Waldman's inspirational teaching. Signup and view all the answers

Compare the physiognomy of Krempe and Waldman.

Krempe is described as a 'little squat man, with a gruff voice and a repulsive countenance,' while Waldman is fifty years old with few grey hairs and has the sweetest voice Victor had ever heard. Signup and view all the answers

What is the literary term for M. Waldman and the effect that his lecture and guidance have on Victor?

Catalyst. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Victor favor science above all other disciplines?

Victor favors science because it is based on logic and has a step-by-step procedure, unlike understanding people which he finds more difficult. Signup and view all the answers

How is Victor's practice of science different from the modern practice of science?

Victor tried to reanimate dead tissue. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Victor hesitate to make a creature like man? Why does he go through with it?

Victor hesitates due to doubts about his success with the complexity of the human body, but he proceeds because he wants to pioneer new scientific possibilities. Signup and view all the answers

What traditional tragic flaw is Victor demonstrating?

Victor's traditional tragic flaw is allowing his passion for creating life to take over, neglecting his morals, friends, and family. Signup and view all the answers

What is the central flaw in Victor's decision what to create?

The central flaw is that the creature won't be human, made of dead matter, and its uncertainty in existence will consume Victor's life. Signup and view all the answers

What internal conflict does Victor deal with as he finishes his creation?

Victor experiences a conflict between wanting to be with his family and the demands of his work, which makes him sick and detached. Signup and view all the answers

List some gothic details from the end of Chapter IV.

The seasons pass without Victor acknowledging the 'blossom or the expanding leaves,' reflecting his detachment and gloominess. Signup and view all the answers

What is Romantic in the moral Victor shares with Walton?

The moral is their blind ambition to surpass others in discovering the world's secrets. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Victor's Mother's Death

Ironic circumstances of Victor's mother's death while caring for Elizabeth during scarlet fever highlight the theme of tragedy in the narrative.

Victor's Initial Contemplations

Reflects on a life filled with familiar faces, indicating social unfitness for new encounters.
Remembers his desire for knowledge and societal integration, foreshadowing a future inclination towards science and potential social isolation.

Victor's Attitude Towards Contemporary Scientists

Shows a preference for the ambitions of past scientists over the modern views proposed by M. Krempe.
Seeks "grand" aspirations that align with alchemical pursuits, highlighting a desire for lofty ideals.

Change of Perspective on Modern Chemistry

Victor's opinion shifts after recognizing the validity of contemporary chemists' findings, facilitated by Waldman's encouragement.
Waldman's influence reinforces Victor's deeper understanding and appreciation of modern scientific concepts.

Contrasting Krempe and Waldman

Krempe is portrayed as unattractive and gruff, while Waldman is depicted as kind and gentle, enhancing the respect Victor has for him.

Role of M. Waldman

Waldman acts as a catalyst in Victor's journey, encouraging his exploration of natural philosophy and pushing him towards his ultimate scientific ambitions.

Preference for Science

Victor prioritizes science for its logical foundations and structured approach, contrasting his difficulties in understanding human nature.

Difference in Scientific Practice

Unique in his pursuit of reanimating dead tissue, Victor's approach diverges from modern scientific ethics and methods.

Hesitation and Motivation for Creation

Doubts his ability to successfully create a man-like being due to its complexity but is driven by a desire to pioneer and unlock unknown scientific potentials.

Traditional Tragic Flaw

Victor's tragic flaw lies in his obsessive drive to create life, often neglecting relationships, morals, and personal well-being, illustrating hubris.

Central Flaw in Creation Decision

Recognizes that his creation will not be truly human and acknowledges the existential uncertainty surrounding his work, which consumes his life.

Internal Conflict During Creation

Struggles with the desire to reconnect with family but becomes increasingly isolated and ill due to his singular focus on his work.

Gothic Elements

The passage of seasons goes unnoticed by Victor, reflecting his profound detachment and mental decline, characterized by dark, gloomy imagery.

Romantic Moral with Walton

Shares an ambition to transcend boundaries of understanding, illustrating a Romantic ideal of individualism in the quest for knowledge about humanity and the universe.

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Description

Explore key concepts from chapters 3 and 4 of Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' through these flashcards. Each card focuses on significant moments and themes, helping you grasp the irony of Victor's mother's death and Victor's contemplations about his future. Perfect for studying and revising critical elements of the novel!