Frankenstein Study Guide Chapters 19-20

Questions and Answers

Describe Victor's feelings as he journeys through England.

Depressed and stressed; he is worried about the monster wanting a companion, yet he enjoys the scenery.

What does Victor say about his childhood in chapter XIX?

He used to get enjoyment and peace from nature; discontent never entered his mind.

What is Victor's big fear in delaying his trip?

The creature will get angry, kill people, and go after his family.

Why would the Romantic Mary Shelley call the English Civil War 'the most animating epoch of English history'?

There are heightened emotions during the war. Signup and view all the answers

What style of literature describes the place where Victor begins to work in Scotland? Why?

Gothicism; he was isolating himself again and everything is dark and gloomy. Signup and view all the answers

How is his creation of this monster different from the first?

The first was passionate and exciting; now it is unbearable, anxious, and forced upon him. Signup and view all the answers

Give four reasons why Victor changes his mind about making the second creature.

<ol> <li>The monster might not get along. 2. They might reproduce. 3. The female may not want to live isolated. 4. He is terrified the female will be more evil.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What opinion does Victor have of his creation?

It's a wicked demon. Signup and view all the answers

What is your reaction to the creature's speech?

I feel sympathy towards the creature because Victor promised him a companion. Signup and view all the answers

What does the creature threaten when Victor destroys the mate?

Kill Elizabeth. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'calmness' Victor finds after the monster storms away?

He gives up. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Victor's Journey and Feelings

Victor feels depressed and stressed during his journey through England, torn between enjoying the scenery and worrying about the monster's desire for a companion.
He reflects on past years when nature provided him peace, contrasting with his current turmoil where discontent looms.

Childhood Reflections

Victor reminisces about his childhood, highlighting the joy and tranquility he found in nature, a stark deviation from his present mindset.

Fears of Delay

A significant concern is that delaying his trip could provoke the creature's wrath, leading to potential violence against his loved ones or others.

Romantic Views on Historical Events

The English Civil War is referred to as "the most animating epoch of English history" due to the heightened emotions and intense experiences that defined the period.

Gothic Elements in Scotland

Victor's work setting in Scotland epitomizes Gothic literature, marked by his isolation and the prevailing dark and gloomy atmosphere.

Creation of the Monster

The difference in Victor's second creation attempt lies in his feelings; the initial excitement is gone, replaced by dread and anxiety as he feels forced into the task by the creature's demands.

Reasons for Hesitation

Victor lists four reasons for refraining from creating a second creature: fear of rejection by the monster, the potential for reproduction, possible unwillingness of the female creature to live in isolation, and concern that she could be more malevolent than the monster.
Each reason is countered by the monster’s simple desire for companionship, illustrating Victor's internal conflict and moral dilemmas.

Victor's View on His Creation

Victor labels his creation as a "wicked demon," a viewpoint that aligns with the tragic sequence of events, although it's acknowledged that the monster's nature is influenced by Victor's actions.

Sympathy for the Creature

The creature's speech elicits sympathy; Victor's failure to fulfill his promise of companionship intensifies perceptions of injustice in their relationship, further emphasizing Victor's irresponsibility.

Threats and Consequences

After Victor destroys the creature's potential mate, the creature retaliates with a threat to kill Elizabeth, leaving Victor fearing for both their lives and hinting at future confrontations during Victor's wedding.

Victor's Submission

The "calmness" that Victor finds post-conflict symbolizes his resignation and surrender to the chaos instigated by his creation and choices, indicating a pivotal emotional shift.

Description

Explore the complex emotions of Victor Frankenstein in chapters 19 and 20 of Mary Shelley's masterpiece. This quiz focuses on his reflections during his journey through England and his thoughts on childhood. Test your understanding of key themes and character developments.