Frankenstein Quote Analysis Flashcards
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Questions and Answers

What links did Mary Shelley's mother have with the theme of caring for the poor?

Mary's own mother was a champion of the poor.

How does the description of Elizabeth in the quote reflect her perceived status?

  • She is recognized for her striking beauty. (correct)
  • She is viewed as a common girl.
  • She is considered as belonging to a distinct species. (correct)
  • She is seen as a mere orphan.

    • The phrase 'more than a sister' in Victor's context implies a romantic love.

    True

    Describe Victor's childhood as depicted in Chapter 1.

    <p>Victor's childhood is described as innocent and perfect, characterized by perfect domestic bliss.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Victor attributes his violent temper to his ___ and ___ passions.

    <p>violent, vehement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What themes are prominent in Chapter 1?

    <p>Family, society, lost innocence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Elizabeth's mother died at childbirth, similar to Mary Shelley's mother.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Shelley characterize the nature of women in the early chapters?

    <p>Women are portrayed as loving, sacrificial figures, universally passive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Victor felt entirely responsible for his own misfortunes.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Victor's desire for knowledge foreshadow?

    <p>It foreshadows his destruction and the tragic consequences of his obsessive ambition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way does Victor's father undermine his passion?

    <p>By dismissively referring to his interest in Cornelius Agrippa as 'sad trash'.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Victor's study of science is depicted as guided by a desire for truth.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Victor describe his childhood memories?

    <p>He dwells on them with nostalgia before they were marred by misfortune.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of foreshadowing in Victor's narrative?

    <p>It drains away suspense.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does Elizabeth take on after Victor's mother's death?

    <p>Elizabeth assumes the maternal role for Victor's younger siblings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Victor's quest for knowledge often leads him to study the ___ and ___ secrets of the world.

    <p>physical, metaphysical</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Victor views philosophy and science in opposition to each other.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is Mrs. Saville?

    <p>Margaret Saville is the sister of Robert Walton. Her initials are M.S, which are also Shelley's own initials.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'enterprise which you have regarded with such evil forebodings' implies what?

    <p>It implies a hostile tone and the strength of their bond despite arguments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'my first task is to assure my dear sister of my welfare and increasing confidence in the success of my undertaking' implies what?

    <p>It suggests that he might be in danger and characterizes women as over-emotional.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Walton feel when he says, 'I feel a cold northern breeze play upon my cheeks'?

    <p>He feels delight from the cold breeze that seems to invigorate him.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'Inspirited by this wind of promise, my daydreams become more fervent and vivid' conveys what about Walton?

    <p>It shows him to be ambitious, someone who seeks to fulfill dreams.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Walton view the North Pole?

    <p>He sees it as a region of beauty and delight despite its connotations of frost and desolation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'the sun is for ever visible, its broad disk just skirting the horizon' suggests what?

    <p>It indicates that nature's beauty is a central theme in the novel.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'wondrous power which attracts the needle' refers to what?

    <p>It refers to the power given to nature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'I shall satiate my ardent curiosity with the sight of a part of the world never before visited' imply?

    <p>It implies that remote locations are popular in romantic writing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'tread a land never before imprinted by the foot of man' suggests what about Walton's character?

    <p>It suggests that ambition drives Walton, stemming from a sense of entitlement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'you cannot contest the inestimable benefit which I shall confer on all mankind' shows what?

    <p>It shows that Walton feels he deserves to make his mark on history.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'I feel my heart glow with an enthusiasm which elevates me to heaven' suggests what about Walton's state of mind?

    <p>It suggests that the poles are an alternate reality for him, soothing the drudgery of his life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'My education was neglected, yet I was passionately fond of reading' conveys what about Walton?

    <p>It implies parallels to many romantic poets and critiques their tendencies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'I imagined that I also might obtain a niche in the temple where the names of Homer and Shakespeare are consecrated' reflects what?

    <p>It reflects his desire for greatness despite lacking linguistic talent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'I voluntarily endured cold, famine, thirst, and want of sleep' suggests what?

    <p>It suggests determination to succeed and a refusal to give up.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'I must own I felt a little proud when my captain offered me the second dignity in the vessel' highlights what?

    <p>It highlights pride extending to dangerous ambition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'And now, dear Margaret, do I not deserve to accomplish some great purpose?' shows what about Walton?

    <p>It shows Walton's self-centeredness as he focuses on his ambitions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'Oh, that some encouraging voice would answer in the affirmative!' expresses what?

    <p>It expresses Walton's yearning for validation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'If I fail, you will see me again soon, or never' implies what about Walton's perspective?

    <p>It implies the uncertainty and danger of his situation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'Heaven shower down blessings on you, and save me, that I may again and again testify my gratitude for all your love and kindness' indicates what?

    <p>It indicates Walton's capacity for deep emotions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'How slowly the time passes here, encompassed as I am by frost and snow!' communicates what theme?

    <p>It suggests the theme of nature versus science.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'the absence of the object of which I now feel as a most severe evil, I have no friend' portrays what feeling?

    <p>It portrays Walton's experience of loneliness as a severe horror.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'when I am glowing with the enthusiasm of success, there will be none to participate my joy' signifies what?

    <p>It signifies the ideas of loss and loneliness introduced in Walton's quest.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'You may deem me romantic, my dear sister, but I bitterly feel the want of a friend' shows what about Walton's character?

    <p>It shows feelings that are beyond what is socially acceptable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'I love you very tenderly. Remember me with affection, should you never hear from me again' illustrates what?

    <p>It illustrates that Walton has something to lose, showing his willingness to sacrifice.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What parallel exists between Frankenstein and Walton that is foreshadowed in Letters 1-2?

    <p>Both emerge from a childhood dream that combines ambition and innocence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which poets or literary movements might have influenced Letter 2?

    <p>Romanticism and poets such as Coleridge.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the implications of referencing 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' by Coleridge?

    <p>It establishes Walton's view of the sea as based on books, highlighting his innocence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Shelley use the character of Walton in Letter 1?

    <p>Walton's encounter with Frankenstein adds validity to the story.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the framing effect of the letters?

    <p>It sets up the major premise of the novel and adds rich texture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'the very stars themselves being witnesses and testimonies of my triumph' conveys what?

    <p>It conveys personification of nature witnessing Walton's ambitions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'Why not still proceed over the untamed yet obedient element?' suggest?

    <p>It suggests Walton views nature as obedient to him.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can stop the determined heart and resolved will of man?

    <p>It's a rhetorical question that reflects Walton's belief in his ambition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Walton's confidence reveal about his views on man and nature?

    <p>It reveals his faith in man but recognizes nature as a significant threat.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain how Letter 4 combines Gothic and Romantic elements?

    <p>It contrasts the eerie feeling of the Arctic with Walton's warmth from meeting Victor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'a being which had the shape of a man, but apparently of gigantic stature' describes what?

    <p>It describes the initial impression of the monster as human-like yet imposing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do weather descriptions like 'thick fog' and 'mist' suggest?

    <p>They suggest a sense of doom and mystery.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'stranger [who] addressed me in English, although with a foreign accent' refers to whom?

    <p>It refers to Victor Frankenstein.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'His limbs were nearly frozen, and his body dreadfully emaciated' implies what about Victor?

    <p>It implies Victor's weakened state foreshadowing his struggles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'So strange an accident has happened to us that I cannot forbear recording it' shows what?

    <p>It shows Walton's sense of ambition failing him yet again.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'as soon as he had quitted the fresh air he fainted' suggests what about Victor's character?

    <p>It suggests he is weak and fragile, contrasting later portrayals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'He must have been a noble creature in his better days' signifies what about Walton's view of Victor?

    <p>It signifies Walton's admiration and need for connection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'My affection for my guest increases every day' indicates what about their relationship?

    <p>It indicates a natural growth of friendship.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'He excites at once my admiration and my pity to an astonishing degree' shows what?

    <p>It shows Walton's emotional depth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'Unhappy man! Do you share my madness?' introduces what element?

    <p>It introduces the build-up to Victor's tale and creates tension.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'I have lost everything and cannot begin life anew' speaks to what theme?

    <p>It speaks to themes of guilt and the burden of experience.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Outline a Freudian reading of Walton, Victor, and the monster.

    <p>Walton is the superego, Victor the id, and the monster the ego.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'He was not, as the other traveller seemed to be, a savage inhabitant of some undiscovered island, but a European' reflects what attitude?

    <p>It reflects a prejudiced attitude towards 'the other'.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'He is so gentle, yet so wise; his mind is so cultivated' suggests what about Walton's feelings?

    <p>It suggests Walton sees himself reflected in Victor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'many things will appear possible in these wild and mysterious regions' signifies what about Walton's perception?

    <p>It signifies his romantic view of nature's powers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'I imagine that you may deduce an apt moral from my tale' establishes what about Victor's character?

    <p>It establishes Victor as an experienced man instructing the innocent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'nor was it until the decline of life that [Victor's father] became a husband and the father of a family' associates what with decline?

    <p>It associates traditional family life with decline.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'I, their eldest child, was born at Naples' indicates what about Victor's identity?

    <p>It indicates his displacement and lack of belonging.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'I was their plaything and their idol' suggests what about Victor's upbringing?

    <p>It suggests he was spoiled and this may have led to his narcissism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'With this deep consciousness of what they owed towards the being to which they had given life' reflects what notion?

    <p>It reflects Victor's perception of entitlement towards others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'The peasant woman' signifies what about Victor's view of lower classes?

    <p>It signifies his condescension towards them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'Her presence had seemed a blessing to them' describes who?

    <p>It describes Elizabeth, presenting her as holy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'On the evening previous to her being brought to my home, my mother had said playfully...' suggests what about Victor's worldview?

    <p>It suggests a feeling of possession and entitlement towards Elizabeth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'All praises bestowed on her I received as made to a possession of my own' indicates what about Victor?

    <p>It indicates his narcissistic view of relationships.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is Victor's family similar to Shelley's family?

    <p>Shelley's own experiences can be seen in the writing of Victor's background.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Introduction to Characters and Themes

    • Margaret Saville, sister of Robert Walton, shares initials with the author Mary Shelley, suggesting a personal connection.
    • Walton's hostility regarding his expedition highlights the strength and complexity of his relationship with his sister.

    Ambition and Nature

    • Walton's confidence and excitement juxtaposed with hints of danger create tension.
    • Nature is often personified, reflecting a sensual connection between man and environment, as seen in Walton's delight in the northern breeze.
    • Romanticism is prominent in Walton's vision of the North Pole as a land of beauty despite being described as desolate.

    Personal Reflections

    • Walton's yearning for adventure stems from a neglected education but expresses ambition in his desire for greatness alongside literary figures.
    • His self-centeredness and narcissism manifest in constant focus on his own achievements and feelings of superiority.

    Friendship and Loneliness

    • Themes of loneliness and the need for companionship are crucial; Walton's longing for a true friend emphasizes the horror of isolation.
    • His expressions of affection towards Margaret reveal something personal at stake in his pursuit.

    The Quest for Knowledge

    • Both Walton and Victor Frankenstein are portrayed with ambitions rooted in childhood dreams, reflecting a shared pursuit of knowledge and creation.
    • Romanticism is reflected in Walton's naive view of nature; his quest signifies an innocence that foreshadows impending doom.

    Gothic Elements

    • The description of weather and landscape contributes to the novel's Gothic atmosphere, blending danger with beauty.
    • Walton's initial encounter with Victor, presented as fragile and desperate, evokes both empathy and admiration, showcasing their developing friendship.

    Critical Perspectives

    • Freudian analysis presents Victor as the id (instinctual desires), the monster as the ego (real-world consequences), and Walton as the superego (moral guidance).
    • Social commentary on class is evident, revealing Victor's disdain for the lower classes and his possessive attitude towards Elizabeth.

    Familial Relationships and Gender Dynamics

    • Victor’s childhood, characterized by family devotion and idolization, foreshadows his ambitious yet self-centered disposition.
    • Elizabeth's introduction as a "present" underscores themes of objectification and toxic relationships, hinting at future tragedy.

    Parallels and Autobiographical Elements

    • Shelley's influence is apparent in Victor's family structure and relationships, drawing parallels to her own experiences with familial loss and responsibility.
    • The narrative reflects on societal expectations of gender roles, emphasizing the possessive nature of Victorian male-female dynamics.

    Conclusion and Foreshadowing

    • The emotional tone and character dynamics set the stage for the dramatic exploration of ambition, isolation, and the consequences of transgressing natural boundaries.
    • Elizabeth's portrayal and Victor's relationship with her serve as premonitions of conflict and tragedy that resonate throughout the novel.### Chapter 1 Themes
    • Central themes include family dynamics, societal influence, and the concept of lost innocence.

    Relationship Dynamics

    • Victor's closeness with Elizabeth mimics sibling bonds, suggesting complex emotional ties with potential incestuous undertones.

    Victor's Personality

    • Victor exhibits obsessive ambition and narcissism, traits that begin in youth and culminate in tragic outcomes.

    Social Connections

    • Victor prefers deep connections but is indifferent towards broader social relationships, similar to Walton's sentiments.

    Childhood Memories

    • Victor recalls a blissful childhood, marked by kindness and indulgence from his parents, highlighting his capacity for gratitude and appreciation.

    Flawed Character Acknowledgment

    • He recognizes his violent temper and passionate nature, admitting his relentless quest for knowledge as a core trait.

    Scientific Curiosity

    • Victor expresses a profound desire to uncover metaphysical and physical realities, illustrating his deep-rooted curiosity in natural sciences.

    Symbolism of Elizabeth

    • Elizabeth is portrayed as a source of light and hope in Victor's life, likened to a higher being, though he views her mainly as supportive.

    Self-Gratification

    • Victor's reflections on childhood showcase his narcissism, as he indulges in self-glorification amidst recollections of misfortune.

    Foreshadowing of Tragedy

    • Early indicators hint at regret and doom in Victor's life's course, traced back to formative experiences and his passionate pursuits.

    Family Dynamics

    • Victor's narration of his positive childhood foreshadows impending family tragedies, contrasting past joys with future sorrows.

    Roles of Women

    • Female characters embody passive roles: loving mothers, innocent children, and abandoned lovers, reflecting societal expectations and absence of agency.

    Narrative Structure

    • The frame narrative technique reminds of the storytelling context, with Victor's tale being shared specifically with Walton, coming into play with digressions.

    Concept of Destiny

    • Destiny is portrayed as a potent force in Victor's life, with foreshadowing evident in his reflections about the inevitability of his tragic fate.

    Effect of Foreshadowing

    • Foreshadowing creates suspense but also establishes a sense of inevitability, diminishing surprises regarding Victor's fate and indicating a denial of personal accountability.

    Victor vs. Elizabeth and Henry

    • Victor's focus on scientific knowledge contrasts with Elizabeth and Henry's pursuit of typical childhood experiences, highlighting his divergence from social norms.

    Struggles with Education

    • Victor's lack of success in traditional learning leads him to explore alternative scientific avenues, hinting at his future reckless ambition.

    Universal Flaws

    • Clerval embodies a similar ambition as Victor, suggesting that vanity and futility in ambition are common human experiences, regardless of innocence.

    Early Misfortune

    • Victor reflects on the misfortunes that precede his greater tragedies, exhibiting flaws in reasoning and evading responsibility for his life's decline.

    Incestuous Implications

    • Victor’s relationship with Elizabeth blurs boundaries of familial love and romantic attachment, entwining themes of desire and loss in a complex dynamic.

    The Void

    • Victor’s creation of the monster can be interpreted as a response to an emotional or existential void within himself.

    Feminization of Nature

    • Victor's description of nature blurs the lines between science and eroticism, indicating an unhealthy obsession and desire to dominate.

    Moral Contrast

    • Clerval's interest in morality contrasts with Victor's ambitions, suggesting a moral blindness in Victor's obsessive scientific pursuits.

    Alchemy and Science

    • Victor's fascination with alchemy intertwines spiritual and scientific desires, revealing an ambitious urge for power over natural laws rather than a pursuit of objective truth.

    Catalyst for Ruin

    • The discovery of alchemy is marked as a direct influencer on Victor's path to destruction, highlighting a misalignment of scientific ambition with moral responsibility.

    Maternal Loss

    • The death of Victor's mother marks a pivotal loss of innocence, setting the stage for his subsequent quests for knowledge and power.

    Humility of Philosophy

    • Despite recognizing the achievements of philosophers, Victor feels a greater potential in the scientific realm, showcasing a tension between humility and ambition.

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    Dive deep into Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' with these quote-by-quote flashcards. Explore key characters, themes, and the nuances of the text as you analyze various excerpts. Perfect for students and literature enthusiasts alike.

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