Frankenstein Study Guide Chapter 21-22

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Questions and Answers

What is familiar about the method of the murder discovered in this chapter?

The method of the murder discovered is that he was strangled just like William.

Who has been murdered, and why is Victor accused of the murder?

Henry Clerval; Victor was accused because the night of the murder the townspeople saw a similar looking boat to Victor's.

Why does Victor think he survived all that he has been through? How is the fact that he lives ironic?

Victor believes that he is being forced to watch his loved ones suffer. It's ironic because he's watching his loved ones being killed slowly, which is worse than him just dying.

What does Victor believe his destiny to be?

Victor believes his destiny is to be killed by the creature. Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'torpor' mean in the following context?: 'But my general state of being was a torpor, in which a prison was as welcome a residence as the divinest scene in nature'?

Torpor refers to mental inactivity, unable to think; it can also mean lack of interest or concern. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Victor feel he can't be with people? What opinion does Victor express about his creation?

The company of people is abhorrent to him; he feels unworthy due to having created a being who delights in bloodshed. Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about the desires of Victor and the creature?

Victor isolates himself from his family and friends, while the creature would do anything for company. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Victor decide to marry Elizabeth immediately?

Victor decides to marry Elizabeth immediately because he knows he can't avoid his destiny with the creature. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Elizabeth restore the Romantic Victor?

Elizabeth restores the Romantic Victor by helping him reconnect his feelings. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think will happen on Victor and Elizabeth's wedding night?

Victor thought the creature would kill him, but the creature actually wants to kill Elizabeth. Signup and view all the answers

How does Shelley build suspense in these chapters?

Shelley begins building suspense for Elizabeth's death with a letter from her to Victor and Victor's memories of the creature's threat. Signup and view all the answers

What evidence is there to suggest what the creature really means by his threat to be with Frankenstein on his wedding night?

Shelley gives evidence because the creature is going to kill Victor's love as an act of revenge. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Murder Method and Accusation

The murder of Henry Clerval mirrors the earlier murder of William, as both were strangled.
Victor is accused of the murder due to the resemblance of a boat seen by townspeople on the night of the crime.

Victor's Survival and Ironic Existence

Victor feels he survives his tragedies to witness the suffering of his loved ones, which he views as a punishment.
This survival is ironic, as watching their slow demise is more torturous than his own death would be.

Victor's Perception of Destiny

Victor contemplates his destiny, believing it culminates in his own death at the hands of the creature he created.

Emotional State and "Torpor"

Victor describes his mental state as "torpor," indicating a deep mental inactivity and disinterest in life.
"Torpor" reflects his lack of engagement and concern for anything around him.

Isolation from Humanity

Victor feels repulsed by companionship, believing he is unworthy of human interaction due to his creation.
Despite claiming a love for humanity, he perceives himself as deserving of disdain because of the creature’s violent nature.

Ironic Desires

There is an irony in the desires of Victor and the creature; while Victor isolates from others, the creature longs for companionship.

Urgency to Marry Elizabeth

Victor hastens to marry Elizabeth, aware that he cannot escape his fated confrontation with the creature.

Elizabeth's Role in Victor's Emotional Restoration

Elizabeth helps Victor reconnect with his emotions, reviving the Romantic aspects of his character.

Foreboding Wedding Night

Victor speculates that the creature will attempt to kill him on his wedding night, unaware that the creature's true intention is to harm Elizabeth.

Building Suspense

Shelley intensifies suspense regarding Elizabeth’s impending death through ominous foreshadowing, particularly from a letter where Victor recalls the creature’s threat.
Victor's decision to marry, despite the danger, highlights his tragic flaw and escalates the tension leading to their wedding.

Creature's Threat Context

The creature’s intention to confront Victor on his wedding night is interpreted as revenge, planning to kill Elizabeth similarly to how Victor's actions resulted in earlier deaths.

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Description

Explore the critical events and character developments in Chapters 21-22 of Frankenstein. This study guide focuses on key plot points, such as the murder of Henry Clerval and Victor's accusations. Use these flashcards to deepen your understanding of the themes and intricacies within this section of the novel.