Frankenstein: Victor's Family and Early Life

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of Oxford University Press?

To further the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education.

In what year was the digital edition of Frankenstein published by Oxford University Press?

2016

What is prohibited regarding the digital publication of Frankenstein?

Copying, modifying, adapting, or transmitting the content without permission.

What is the ISBN code for the print edition of Frankenstein?

9780194249775 Signup and view all the answers

What must one do to reproduce content from the digital publication of Frankenstein?

Obtain prior permission in writing from Oxford University Press. Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of the famous book written by Mary Shelley?

Frankenstein Signup and view all the answers

Who were the notable individuals present during the creation of Frankenstein?

Lord Byron, Dr John Polidori, and Claire Clairmont Signup and view all the answers

In which year was Frankenstein published?

1818 Signup and view all the answers

What relationship did Mary Shelley have with Percy Bysshe Shelley?

She was his second wife. Signup and view all the answers

What circumstance led Victor Frankenstein's father to find Caroline a place to live?

Beaufort's death left Caroline with no money. Signup and view all the answers

Where did the Shelleys spend the summer when Mary began writing Frankenstein?

Geneva Signup and view all the answers

What activity inspired Mary Shelley to write Frankenstein?

Telling ghost stories. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Victor Frankenstein's father?

Alphonse Frankenstein Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between Elizabeth Lavenza and the narrator?

Elizabeth is the narrator's cousin. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the circumstances that led to Elizabeth's living situation.

Elizabeth's father was imprisoned and died, leaving her with a poor family by Lake Como. Signup and view all the answers

What was the narrator's mother's initial reaction to the girl with yellow hair and blue eyes?

The narrator's mother felt interested and sorry for Elizabeth. Signup and view all the answers

How did the narrator describe their relationship with Elizabeth?

The narrator saw Elizabeth as more than a sister. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the Austrians have on Elizabeth's father's life?

The Austrians imprisoned Elizabeth's father, leading to his death. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the narrator's family initially meet Elizabeth?

The narrator's mother and the narrator visited Lake Como and met Elizabeth's family. Signup and view all the answers

How many children did the poor family have, and how did Elizabeth compare to them?

The poor family had five children, four of whom had dark hair and eyes, while Elizabeth had yellow hair and blue eyes. Signup and view all the answers

What feelings does the narrator express about being an only child before Elizabeth arrives?

The narrator expresses feelings of being lonely as their parents' only child. Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurred in the narrator's life around the age of thirteen?

The narrator began reading books on alchemy and became fascinated by the idea of stopping death. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the narrator's close friend during childhood?

The narrator's close friend was Henry Clerval. Signup and view all the answers

What was the narrator's dream regarding alchemy?

The narrator dreamed of becoming rich and famous by stopping death and allowing people to live for hundreds of years. Signup and view all the answers

What event occurred during a storm that impacted the narrator's perception of science?

The narrator witnessed lightning strike an old tree, which shifted his interest from alchemy to modern science. Signup and view all the answers

How did the narrator's father respond to his interest in alchemy?

The narrator's father laughed and suggested that there were better writers than Cornelius Agrippa. Signup and view all the answers

What influence did a famous science teacher have during the narrator's time in Belrive?

The science teacher taught the narrator about lightning, which made modern science more interesting to him. Signup and view all the answers

What was the setting of the narrator's childhood?

The narrator's childhood was set in Geneva and Belrive, Switzerland. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the narrator's family dynamics from the text?

The narrator's family appears supportive, as evidenced by their interest in his education and engaging visitors. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Victor's Family

Victor Frankenstein's father, Alphonse, was from Geneva.
Alphonse met Victor's mother, Caroline, after his best friend, Beaufort, died.
Beaufort left his daughter, Caroline, without any money.
Victor's father married Caroline two years after meeting her.
Victor was born in Naples.
Victor's mother wanted a daughter, and was interested in the story of Elizabeth Lavenza, a young girl from a poor family.
Elizabeth's mother died when she was born, and her father was imprisoned and died.
Victor's mother took Elizabeth in and raised her as her own daughter.
Victor had a younger brother named Ernest.

Early Life and Influences

Victor spent his childhood in Geneva, Switzerland, and Belrive.
He went to school and befriended Henry Clerval.
Victor found an old book by alchemist Cornelius Agrippa when he was thirteen.
Victor's father thought there were better writers than Agrippa.
Victor was interested in the book and started reading about alchemy.
Victor was interested in stopping death and living for hundreds of years.
Victor's youngest brother William was born when he was fifteen.
Victor witnessed a storm on the lake where lightning struck a tree, which sparked his interest in science.
Victor shifted his interest from alchemy to modern science.

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Description

Explore the early chapters of 'Frankenstein' focusing on Victor Frankenstein's family background and childhood influences. Learn about his parents, his upbringing in Geneva, and his initial fascination with alchemy. This quiz delves into the interpersonal relationships and formative experiences that shaped Victor's character.