Frankenstein Setting Quiz and Flashcards

Study Notes

Introduction

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a cornerstone of Gothic literature, weaving themes of ambition, nature, and isolation.
Setting plays a crucial role by enhancing emotional depth and narrative tension throughout the story.
Thesis: The setting in Frankenstein acts as an additional character, profoundly affecting events and emotions.

The Setting as an Evocative Character: The Swiss Alps

Detailed imagery of the Swiss Alps creates awe and beauty, mirroring Victor's initial admiration for nature.
The setting serves as a stark contrast to the later chaos, underscoring the narrative's emotional shifts.

Quote Analysis for Swiss Alps

Victor’s feeling of being "deprived of all sensation" reflects his awe amidst the beauty of Geneva and the mountains.
The treacherous ascent of the Alps symbolizes Victor's perilous quest for knowledge and the ethical dilemmas it entails.
Thunderstorms in the region foreshadow impending chaos, highlighting the destructive consequences of Victor’s actions.

The Setting as a Foreboding Character: Ingolstadt University

The isolated atmosphere of Ingolstadt embodies Victor's obsessive pursuit of knowledge and alienation from society.
The university becomes a setting that catalyzes Victor's madness, emphasizing the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition.

Quote Analysis for Ingolstadt University

Victor’s obsession with the "philosopher's stone" reflects his detachment and growing obsession, creating a sense of foreboding.
The decay described at the university symbolizes the moral degradation that accompanies Victor's experiments.
Victor’s "filthy creation" workshop serves as a physical manifestation of the darkness surrounding his experiments.

The Setting as a Desolate Character: The Arctic

The harsh Arctic landscape reflects the emotional desolation and despair of both Victor and the creature, illustrating their isolation.
The setting becomes increasingly hostile, mirroring the escalating danger as the creature seeks vengeance.

Quote Analysis for the Arctic

Victor's experience of the Arctic cold contrasts his psychological torment, highlighting the link between setting and character emotions.
Expressions of wanting to die reveal Victor's ultimate despair, aligning the unforgiving Arctic with his internal conflict.
The imagery of the funeral pile in the bleak Arctic illustrates the tragic end, emphasizing the destructive consequences of their actions.

Conclusion

The setting in Frankenstein serves as an essential narrative device, influencing character actions and emotional arcs.
As the monster escalates in threat, the environment becomes correspondingly dangerous, reinforcing the narrative’s tension.
Shelley's masterful construction of setting contributes significantly to the story’s depth and complexity, leaving a lasting impact on readers.

Description

Explore the significance of setting in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein with this analysis. This quiz examines how the setting enhances the narrative and influences the characters, acting almost as an additional character within the story. Dive into key quotes and their implications for a deeper understanding of the text.