Frankenstein's Creature: Society and Literature

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Questions and Answers

What effect did reading Plutarch's Lives have on the narrator?

It elevated his thoughts and inspired admiration. (correct)

It made him resentful towards humanity.

It caused him to mourn his solitude.

It filled him with despair.

How did the narrator compare himself to Adam from Paradise Lost?

Both shared feelings of isolation and wretchedness. (correct)

Both were creatures created with a purpose and connection.

Both felt empowered by their physical form.

Both had companions to support them.

What feelings did the narrator experience upon reading about his creation in the discovered journal?

Gratitude towards his creator.

Joy from learning about his origins.

Curiosity about living as a monster.

Agony and disgust towards himself. (correct)

What motivated the narrator to eventually seek an interview with the cottagers?

His hope that they would appreciate his virtues. Signup and view all the answers

How did the presence of Safie affect the cottagers according to the narrator?

It brought an air of happiness and contentment. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator yearn for most regarding the cottagers?

Friendship and acceptance Signup and view all the answers

What is the narrator's primary concern about approaching De Lacey?

The narrator fears rejection due to his appearance. Signup and view all the answers

What was the narrator's plan for entering the cottage?

To wait for an opportunity alone with the old man Signup and view all the answers

How does De Lacey respond to the narrator's request for rest?

He welcomes the narrator but expresses concern about food. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator believe affects the cottagers' perception of him?

A fatal prejudice against him Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the books have on the narrator?

They caused a mix of ecstasy and dejection. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following books did the narrator find among the articles in the leathern portmanteau?

The Sorrow of Werter Signup and view all the answers

How did the character Werter affect the narrator's perception of himself?

He filled the narrator with admiration and wonder. Signup and view all the answers

What theme is prominently discussed in the book 'The Sorrows of Werter' as perceived by the narrator?

Reflections on death and suicide. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator's admiration for the virtues of the cottagers signify about his character development?

He is recognizing and valuing positive social behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Frankenstein's Early Life

The Creature learns about human society from the interactions of his protectors, a blind old man and his family.
He is deeply impressed by their virtues and learns to admire benevolence and deprecate vice.
Through reading, the Creature develops a complex understanding of human emotions and the intricacies of human life.
He gains self-awareness and starts to question his identity, specifically his origin, purpose, and hideous appearance.

Influence of Literature

Sorrows of Werter inspires him with feelings of empathy, loneliness, and existential despair.
The Creature feels a strong connection to Werter's character, understanding his alienation and feelings of unworthiness.
Plutarch's Lives introduces the Creature to the concepts of heroism, virtue, and public life.
He develops a strong admiration for peaceful lawgivers like Numa, Solon, and Lycurgus.
Paradise Lost inspires a sense of profound awe and wonder, especially the story of Adam and Satan.
The Creature identifies with Satan, feeling alone and abandoned by his creator, much like Satan was banished from Heaven.

Creation and Self-Loathing

The Creature discovers his own creation story through his creator's journal.
He reads about his own monstrous form and the “disgusting circumstances” of his birth.
This revelation fills him with a profound sense of self-loathing and disgust.
He feels cursed by his creator for being hideous, believing his appearance is a grotesque reflection of his creator's own nature.

Desire for Acceptance

The Creature desires companionship and acceptance from the cottagers, believing that their understanding and kindness will overcome their initial horror.
He plans to approach them gradually, hoping to win the blind old man's favor and through him, gain acceptance from the entire family.

First Encounter with the Cottagers

The Creature approaches the cottage while the blind old man is alone.
He pretends to be a traveler in need of rest and warmth.
He tries to earn the blind old man's sympathy by sharing his story of loneliness and yearning for connection.
The old man expresses compassion and offers assistance.
The Creature reveals his true identity, desperately pleading for protection.
This revelation leads to a horrifying reaction from the cottagers.
The Creature flees the cottage, heartbroken and rejected.

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Description

Explore the formative experiences of Frankenstein's Creature as he learns about human society through his protectors and literature. This quiz delves into his self-discovery, emotional understanding, and the literary influences that shape his identity and worldview.