Questions and Answers
What does the preface of Frankenstein mention?
What is Walton's ambition mentioned in Letter 1?
To achieve some great purpose
What does Walton express in Letters 2-3?
His feelings of loneliness and belief in the marvellous
What significant event happens in Letter 4?
Signup and view all the answers
Where does Victor grow up?
Signup and view all the answers
What sparked Victor's interest in science in Chapter 2?
Signup and view all the answers
What tragic event occurs when Victor turns 17?
Signup and view all the answers
What happens in Chapter 5 when the creature is brought to life?
Signup and view all the answers
What does Justine confess in Chapter 8?
Signup and view all the answers
What request does the Creature make in Chapter 16?
Signup and view all the answers
What does Victor plan to do in Chapter 18?
Signup and view all the answers
How is Henry Clerval related to Victor in Chapter 21?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the Creature realize after Victor's death?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Preface
- Written by Mary Shelley, sets the context related to the Alps and ghost stories.
Letters
- Walton updates his sister on his ambitious journey to the North Pole, expressing a desire for great achievements.
- Feelings of loneliness plague Walton, marking the start of his voyage with a crew that offers little comfort.
- The ship becomes stuck in ice; Walton and the crew encounter a mysterious figure in a sledge.
Victor Frankenstein's Early Life
- Victor describes his childhood in Geneva, highlighting his relationship with Elizabeth, destined to be a source of love and protection.
- Victor's happiness is rooted in friendships with Elizabeth and Clerval.
- Inspired by the destruction of an oak tree due to lightning, Victor develops an interest in science and alchemy.
University Life and Isolation
- Victor's mother dies from a fever, prompting his immediate departure for university in Ingolstadt after her dying wish for him to marry Elizabeth.
- At university, Victor becomes increasingly isolated due to his intense studies on anatomy, death, and decay.
The Creation of the Creature
- Victor successfully animates the Creature but is horrified by its appearance and flees, struggling with guilt and illness, leading to a reunion with Clerval.
- A letter from Elizabeth and their return to Geneva offers a brief respite for Victor.
Tragedy and Guilt
- Victor rushes home upon learning of his brother William's death; he encounters the Creature and realizes its role in the tragedy.
- Justine, wrongly accused of William's murder, confesses her innocence but is executed, deepening Victor's despair.
Recovery and Reflection
- Alphonse and Elizabeth attempt to support Victor as they retreat to the family estate at Belrive, helping lift his spirits.
- Victor attempts to confront the Creature on Montavert, where the Creature begins recounting his own story.
The Creature's Perspective
- The Creature describes his initial confusion, experiences of light, dark, and his exclusion from society.
- Observing the DeLacey family, the Creature learns about human emotions and relationships but remains isolated due to his appearance.
Literature and Rejection
- The Creature's scavenging leads to his reading of classic works, fueling his understanding and sorrow over his social rejection.
- A turning point arises when the Creature saves a drowning girl but is shot for his efforts, deepening his resentment toward humanity.
Requests for Companionship
- The Creature pleads with Victor to create a female counterpart to alleviate his loneliness, suggesting they escape to South America.
- Victor, despite his doubts, agrees to the Creature's request but harbors more complex motivations.
The Creation Dilemma
- Traveling in England and Scotland, Victor struggles with the moral implications of creating a female creature.
- In a moment of fear over the consequences, Victor destroys the female he was crafting, inciting the Creature's wrath.
Consequences of Creation
- Victor is blamed for the murder of his friend Henry Clerval, further pushing him into despair while imprisoned.
- Upon release, Victor returns to Geneva, where he must confront the fallout of his actions while planning to marry Elizabeth.
Tragedy Strikes Again
- On their wedding night, Victor's fears come true as the Creature kills Elizabeth.
- The shock leads to Victor's father’s death from grief, prompting Victor’s vow of vengeance against the Creature.
The Final Pursuit
- Consumed by loss, Victor tracks the Creature northward to the polar regions, seeking revenge.
- Walton's expedition intersects with Victor's quest, underscoring themes of ambition and obsession.
Walton's Decision
- Despite Victor's encouragement to pursue glory, the crew advocates returning to England, eventually leading to Walton's decision to abandon his mission.
- Victor dies shortly after, leaving the Creature to lament his actions and regret his path of destruction, leading him to seek his own death in darkness.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz explores the key themes and events from the early chapters of Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein'. It covers Walton's letters, Victor Frankenstein's childhood, and his experiences at university, highlighting the emotional and scientific developments that shape the narrative. Test your knowledge of these foundational elements of this classic novel.
