Frankenstein Quote Analysis Flashcards

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.

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

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

violent, vehement Signup and view all the answers

What themes are prominent in Chapter 1?

Family, society, lost innocence. Signup and view all the answers

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

True Signup and view all the answers

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

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

Victor felt entirely responsible for his own misfortunes.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does Victor's desire for knowledge foreshadow?

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

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

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

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

False Signup and view all the answers

How does Victor describe his childhood memories?

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

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

It drains away suspense. Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

physical, metaphysical Signup and view all the answers

Victor views philosophy and science in opposition to each other.

False Signup and view all the answers

Who is Mrs. Saville?

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

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

It implies a hostile tone and the strength of their bond despite arguments. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

How does Walton view the North Pole?

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

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

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

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

It refers to the power given to nature. 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?

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

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

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

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

It shows that Walton feels he deserves to make his mark on history. 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?

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

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

It implies parallels to many romantic poets and critiques their tendencies. 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?

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

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

It suggests determination to succeed and a refusal to give up. 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?

It highlights pride extending to dangerous ambition. Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

It expresses Walton's yearning for validation. Signup and view all the answers

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

It implies the uncertainty and danger of his situation. 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?

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

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

It suggests the theme of nature versus science. 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?

It portrays Walton's experience of loneliness as a severe horror. 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?

It signifies the ideas of loss and loneliness introduced in Walton's quest. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

Which poets or literary movements might have influenced Letter 2?

Romanticism and poets such as Coleridge. Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

What is the framing effect of the letters?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Explain how Letter 4 combines Gothic and Romantic elements?

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

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

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

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

They suggest a sense of doom and mystery. Signup and view all the answers

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

It refers to Victor Frankenstein. Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

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

It suggests he is weak and fragile, contrasting later portrayals. 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?

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

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

It indicates a natural growth of friendship. Signup and view all the answers

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

It shows Walton's emotional depth. Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

It speaks to themes of guilt and the burden of experience. Signup and view all the answers

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

Walton is the superego, Victor the id, and the monster the ego. 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?

It reflects a prejudiced attitude towards 'the other'. Signup and view all the answers

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

It suggests Walton sees himself reflected in Victor. Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

It establishes Victor as an experienced man instructing the innocent. 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?

It associates traditional family life with decline. Signup and view all the answers

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

It indicates his displacement and lack of belonging. Signup and view all the answers

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

It suggests he was spoiled and this may have led to his narcissism. 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?

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

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

It signifies his condescension towards them. Signup and view all the answers

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

It describes Elizabeth, presenting her as holy. 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?

It suggests a feeling of possession and entitlement towards Elizabeth. 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?

It indicates his narcissistic view of relationships. Signup and view all the answers

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

Shelley's own experiences can be seen in the writing of Victor's background. 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.

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.

Frankenstein Quote Analysis Flashcards

Questions and Answers

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

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

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

Describe Victor's childhood as depicted in Chapter 1.

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

What themes are prominent in Chapter 1?

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

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

Victor felt entirely responsible for his own misfortunes.

What does Victor's desire for knowledge foreshadow?

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

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

How does Victor describe his childhood memories?

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

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

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

Victor views philosophy and science in opposition to each other.

Who is Mrs. Saville?

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

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

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

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

How does Walton view the North Pole?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which poets or literary movements might have influenced Letter 2?

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

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

What is the framing effect of the letters?

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

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

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

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

Explain how Letter 4 combines Gothic and Romantic elements?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Study Notes

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

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