Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein The Modern Prometheus

Mary Shelley’sMary Shelley’s

FrankensteinFrankensteinThe Modern The Modern PrometheusPrometheus

Why is it a Classic?Why is it a Classic?

It It speaks speaks truthstruths

It It revealreveal

s s humahuma

n n fearsfears

It warns us of It warns us of human’s relentless human’s relentless search for powersearch for power

Frankenstein: An Author’s Introduction, xxiii-xxviii

1.What did “the publishers” want her to do for them? Why do you think was the case?

2.What does her childhood/personal background have to do with what she wrote?

3.What happened at Lord Byron’s house? 4.How did her exposure to certain

“conversations” influence her? 5.What might Shelley be suggesting about

man’s attempt to interfere with creation? 6.What would you say are some elements

common to Gothic literature?

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

Her “publishers” thought it would be useful/interesting for her to explain to her readers how her story came about. This is somewhat reasonable given her identity as a female and the fact that nothing like it had ever been written before….

Her Family’s Influence Her father, William

Godwin,was a political thinker and writer.

Her mother, Mary WollstonecrAft, was a feminist.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

In the summer of 1816, 19 year old Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin and her husband, the poet Percy Shelley, visited the Lord Byron at his villa beside Lake Geneva in Switzerland.

The Motivation• Stormy weather frequently forced

them indoors, where they and Byron's other guests sometimes read from a volume of ghost stories. One evening, Byron challenged his guests to each write one themselves. Mary's story, inspired by a dream, became Frankenstein.

• Her social circles and her marriage to a well-respected Romantic poet would have raised her interest in writing and in science, reason, etc

What was Science Up to at this Point? During Mary’s time, scientists and

physicians were fascinated by the elusive boundary between life and death.They experimented with lower organisms, performed human anatomical studies, attempted to resuscitate drowning victims, and even performed experiments using electricity to restore life to the recently dead.

Ideas to Consider as We Read…..1.Parents should not necessarily be held responsible for their children’s actions.

2.Everyone is capable of having a dark side. 3.Some secrets are meant to be kept. 4.Technology and science can solve all of our

problems. 5.Companionship is as basic a need as food or

shelter.6.If a person or animal is treated with cruelty,

then he will respond to others in the same way.

Ideas to Consider as We Read…..

7. Loneliness is the main cause of sorrow in life. 8. People make judgments based on physical

appearance all the time.9. Nature has restorative effects. 10. The most basic human need uniting us all is

the need to feel like we actually matter. 11. It is more important to make a mark on the

world than to preserve the feelings of others. It is difficult to do both simultaneously.

12. Nature vs. nurture- which has a greater impact on human development?

Where is this all Where is this all going?.....going?.....

Influenced by the Romantic Influenced by the Romantic Period, the scientific inquiry of Period, the scientific inquiry of her time, and her own life, her time, and her own life, Mary Shelley’s Gothic novel, Mary Shelley’s Gothic novel, FrankensteinFrankenstein, presents a clear , presents a clear message on the irony and message on the irony and danger in the quest for power.danger in the quest for power.

Social Context: Gothicism and Social Context: Gothicism and RomanticismRomanticism

SettingSetting: late 18: late 18thth century, across various parts of century, across various parts of Europe, esp Switzerland, Germany, and the far Europe, esp Switzerland, Germany, and the far reaches of the Arcticreaches of the ArcticPublished in 1818 at the height of the Romantic Published in 1818 at the height of the Romantic movement (1798-1832)- movement in art and movement (1798-1832)- movement in art and literature that stressed such concepts as literature that stressed such concepts as optimism, importance of the individual, optimism, importance of the individual, imagination, the value of nature, and the imagination, the value of nature, and the expression of thoughtexpression of thoughtRomantic heroes are often rebels, outcasts, pariahs- Romantic heroes are often rebels, outcasts, pariahs- a motif we will see developed throughout this Gothic a motif we will see developed throughout this Gothic text….text….

Social Context: Gothicism and RomanticismSocial Context: Gothicism and RomanticismFrankenstein- Frankenstein- quintessential example of a quintessential example of a gothic novelgothic novel, , which was very popular btwn 1760 and 1820.It can be considered a blend of bothRomanticism and Gothicism.Gothic: harsh or cruel (Gothic tribes ofThe Middle Ages); also mean medieval, referring to the actual historical period

Freedom of thought and expression, Freedom of thought and expression, idealization of nature, emphasis on idealization of nature, emphasis on heightened emotion over sound reasonheightened emotion over sound reason

Mysterious disappearances, supernatural Mysterious disappearances, supernatural occurrences, suspense, terror, decay, occurrences, suspense, terror, decay, horrible ruinhorrible ruin

Protagonist- usually a solitary, egocentric Protagonist- usually a solitary, egocentric character who ultimately suffers great character who ultimately suffers great turmoilturmoil

Sinister settings: nature used frequently to Sinister settings: nature used frequently to create atmosphere, almost can function as create atmosphere, almost can function as a character of sorts…..Gothic architecture a character of sorts…..Gothic architecture

Dark side of human nature is emphasizedDark side of human nature is emphasized Passive female, women in great distress Passive female, women in great distress

and tragedyand tragedy

Elements of a Gothic Elements of a Gothic novelnovel

Mary’s husband Percy Shelley, a celebrated Mary’s husband Percy Shelley, a celebrated Romantic poet wrote it. It explains the Romantic poet wrote it. It explains the origins of the book.origins of the book.

““Marlow” refers to a place near London Marlow” refers to a place near London from where Percy was writing.from where Percy was writing.

Frankenstein Frankenstein was first published was first published anonymously, most likely b/c she was anonymously, most likely b/c she was female. (Anonymous authorship- not female. (Anonymous authorship- not uncommon for many female writers uncommon for many female writers through the 19through the 19thth century). In fact, the century). In fact, the reviewers of her day simply assumed a reviewers of her day simply assumed a male wrote the book. male wrote the book.

Later, republished editions included Mary’s Later, republished editions included Mary’s Author’s Introduction. Author’s Introduction.

A Few Words on the A Few Words on the Preface….Preface….

ExpositionExposition begins with these letters begins with these letters and contains all events up through and contains all events up through (roughly) the end of Chapter 3…..(roughly) the end of Chapter 3…..

““R.W.”, or Robert Walton- writing to his R.W.”, or Robert Walton- writing to his sister Margaret Saville, who is back in sister Margaret Saville, who is back in London.London.

R.W.- dreamy explorer, interested in R.W.- dreamy explorer, interested in making some sort of mark on the world, making some sort of mark on the world, in the magnetic forces near the Arctic in the magnetic forces near the Arctic Poles, in discovering new travel routesPoles, in discovering new travel routes

His His quest for knowledge quest for knowledge echoes that echoes that of the “stranger…” and of the “stranger…” and foreshadowsforeshadows the development of this the development of this themetheme..

Letters 1-4Letters 1-4

Walton expresses great need for a very Walton expresses great need for a very specific type of specific type of companionship- motif companionship- motif developed throughout the text. (What developed throughout the text. (What might this foreshadow?) “I have no friend might this foreshadow?) “I have no friend Margaret…”Margaret…”

Note the Note the Romantic allusionRomantic allusion- - Rime of the Rime of the Ancient Mariner- Ancient Mariner- famous Romantic poem famous Romantic poem about a mournful sailor who ends up about a mournful sailor who ends up wretched….RW, though, believes wretched….RW, though, believes “success shall crown my endeavors.”“success shall crown my endeavors.”

Letter 4: RW and his “comrades” come Letter 4: RW and his “comrades” come upon 2 figures on the ice- 1upon 2 figures on the ice- 1stst: “man…of : “man…of gigantic stature…”gigantic stature…”

Later, RW pulls “the stranger” on board….Later, RW pulls “the stranger” on board….


Mysterious “wretched” stranger- Mysterious “wretched” stranger- travelling “to seek one who has fled travelling “to seek one who has fled me..”- the aforementioned “man…of me..”- the aforementioned “man…of gigantic stature..”gigantic stature..”

Notice how badly this “stranger” wants Notice how badly this “stranger” wants to find the “demon” he is seeking….to find the “demon” he is seeking….

RW begins to love him as a “brother.” RW begins to love him as a “brother.” They have a great affinity for each They have a great affinity for each other, can relate to each other’s other, can relate to each other’s ambitious nature. “You seek for ambitious nature. “You seek for knowledge and wisdom as I once did…”knowledge and wisdom as I once did…”

The “stranger” tells RW his story as a The “stranger” tells RW his story as a cautionary tale of sorts….cautionary tale of sorts….


Significance of the end of Letter 4Significance of the end of Letter 4: : RW tells his sister that he plans to RW tells his sister that he plans to record the tale of the stranger, “as record the tale of the stranger, “as nearly as possible in his own words…”nearly as possible in his own words…”

FrankensteinFrankenstein’s narrative structure- ’s narrative structure- frame story/narrativeframe story/narrative. .

Chapter 1 begins the first person Chapter 1 begins the first person narration of the “stranger” as told narration of the “stranger” as told directly to and directly to and filteredfiltered through RW. through RW.


Interesting fusion of 2 literary genres: Interesting fusion of 2 literary genres: - 1. Epistolary novel-1. Epistolary novel- work containing work containing

series of documents, namely letters, series of documents, namely letters, journal entries, etc). It is traditionally journal entries, etc). It is traditionally considered a more ‘female’ genre.considered a more ‘female’ genre.

- Intended purpose: reveals inner Intended purpose: reveals inner psychological strugglespsychological strugglesShelley Shelley subvertssubverts this genre through this genre through the use of a male narrator. How? the use of a male narrator. How?

Male narrator/s here experience/s little to Male narrator/s here experience/s little to no growth! no growth!

Narrative Structure in Narrative Structure in FrankensteinFrankenstein

- 2. Explorers’ journal- 2. Explorers’ journal- traditionally a traditionally a more ‘masculine’ genre.more ‘masculine’ genre.

- Shelley also Shelley also subvertssubverts the traditional the traditional purposes of this genre. How? purposes of this genre. How?

- The male narrator experiences little The male narrator experiences little growth which was not typical of this growth which was not typical of this genre. Victor ultimately collapses genre. Victor ultimately collapses mentally; Walton’s quest for knowledge mentally; Walton’s quest for knowledge is largely a failure. is largely a failure.

Narrative Structure in Narrative Structure in FrankensteinFrankenstein

““Stranger”- “Genevese”- (Swiss), from a Stranger”- “Genevese”- (Swiss), from a very distinguished family; his father is a very distinguished family; his father is a renowned businessman of sorts. renowned businessman of sorts.

This “stranger” speaks highly of his This “stranger” speaks highly of his father’s character, providing the father’s character, providing the example of how he stands by his example of how he stands by his merchant friend, Beaufort, when he falls merchant friend, Beaufort, when he falls into great bankruptcy and subsequent into great bankruptcy and subsequent depression.depression.

Caroline is the daughter of Caroline is the daughter of Beaufort.Beaufort. She goes on to marry the She goes on to marry the elder Mr. Frankenstein, becoming elder Mr. Frankenstein, becoming Victor’s mother….Victor’s mother….

Chapter 1Chapter 1

Caroline Caroline , too, is portrayed as being of , too, is portrayed as being of exceptional character- “great tenderness…exceptional character- “great tenderness…a mind of uncommon mold.” a mind of uncommon mold.”

Passive female is all over this chapterPassive female is all over this chapter: : Caroline is left an orphan and a beggar Caroline is left an orphan and a beggar when Beaufort dies. Also, notice the when Beaufort dies. Also, notice the description of her as much younger than description of her as much younger than her husband: “soft and benevolent mind.” her husband: “soft and benevolent mind.”

Elizabeth Lavenza, tooElizabeth Lavenza, too- - adoptive Italian adoptive Italian sister of the “stranger.” His parents took sister of the “stranger.” His parents took pity on her during an excursion….He pity on her during an excursion….He speaks of her as his “cousin,…sister” and speaks of her as his “cousin,…sister” and what else? She is in Victor’s “possession.”what else? She is in Victor’s “possession.”

Finally, the stranger’s name is revealed to Finally, the stranger’s name is revealed to be Victor! be Victor!

Chapter 1Chapter 1

Notice the revelation of the Notice the revelation of the stranger’s name as Victor….Why stranger’s name as Victor….Why might Shelley have presented in might Shelley have presented in this way? And why is he constantly this way? And why is he constantly referred to as “the stranger”? referred to as “the stranger”?

This builds suspense and This builds suspense and consistently emphasizes Victor as consistently emphasizes Victor as ‘a man apart’, a pariah- all in ‘a man apart’, a pariah- all in keeping with conventions of the keeping with conventions of the gothic novelgothic novel

Chapter 1- Chapter 1- closing closing thoughts…thoughts…

““Harmony was the soul of our Harmony was the soul of our companionship..”- Victor and Elizabeth companionship..”- Victor and Elizabeth have a wonderful relationship!have a wonderful relationship!

They are wonderful foils, or complements, They are wonderful foils, or complements, for one another. An ‘opposites attract’ for one another. An ‘opposites attract’ type situation….type situation….

We get a preview of Victor’s “thirst for We get a preview of Victor’s “thirst for knowledge..”knowledge..”

Victor had a wonderful childhood. “No one Victor had a wonderful childhood. “No one could have had a more wonderful could have had a more wonderful childhood than myself.”childhood than myself.”

Notice the way male friendships play a role Notice the way male friendships play a role in the novel….(RW &Victor, Beaufort & Mr. in the novel….(RW &Victor, Beaufort & Mr. Frankenstein, and Victor and his beloved Frankenstein, and Victor and his beloved Henry Clerval).Henry Clerval).

Chapter 2Chapter 2

Victor has wonderful relationships; still, he Victor has wonderful relationships; still, he recognizes he is different from those he is recognizes he is different from those he is closest to in life. He is “self-taught”, has closest to in life. He is “self-taught”, has different interests from Elizabeth & Henry.different interests from Elizabeth & Henry.

Victor is a reader and a scholar who Victor is a reader and a scholar who embarks on a search for “the elixir of life.” embarks on a search for “the elixir of life.” (Does his father foster Victor’s interest in (Does his father foster Victor’s interest in learning? How does this impact Victor? What learning? How does this impact Victor? What is suggested about the nature of parents? )is suggested about the nature of parents? )

Gothic elements abound- the thunderstorm Gothic elements abound- the thunderstorm sparks some sort of fire in Victor, an even sparks some sort of fire in Victor, an even increased interest in the reaches of increased interest in the reaches of science….science….

Why might the term destruction be used at Why might the term destruction be used at the end of this chapter?...the end of this chapter?...

Chapter 2Chapter 2

Caroline dies as a result of having Caroline dies as a result of having nursed Elizabeth back to health from nursed Elizabeth back to health from her bout w/ scarlet fever- Victor’s first her bout w/ scarlet fever- Victor’s first massive emotional setback. massive emotional setback.

What should we be noticing about the What should we be noticing about the portrayal of the female characters? portrayal of the female characters?

Is Elizabeth a strong or weak character? Is Elizabeth a strong or weak character? How so? How so?

Victor-off to university at 17- Ingolstadt Victor-off to university at 17- Ingolstadt in Bavaria, a region of modern-day in Bavaria, a region of modern-day Germany (sort of like a modern-day MIT)Germany (sort of like a modern-day MIT)

What similarities are there between What similarities are there between Henry and Victor? Henry and Victor?

Chapter 3Chapter 3

Victor- certainly conflicted about leaving home…Victor- certainly conflicted about leaving home… Note the Note the personification and kenningpersonification and kenning in

““Chance… evil influence, Angel of Chance… evil influence, Angel of Destruction- Destruction- surrounding Victor’s meeting w/ surrounding Victor’s meeting w/ one of his new professors, Krempe.one of his new professors, Krempe.

Krempe dismisses Victor’s interest in alchemy. Krempe dismisses Victor’s interest in alchemy. This reflects the scientific trends of Shelley’s This reflects the scientific trends of Shelley’s day. day.

Alchemy- medieval science whose principal aim Alchemy- medieval science whose principal aim was attempting to change base metals into gold. was attempting to change base metals into gold. However, alchemists also had interests in trying However, alchemists also had interests in trying to cure disease and prolong human life….to cure disease and prolong human life….

Victor- intimidated by Krempe, finds his Victor- intimidated by Krempe, finds his personality abrasive….personality abrasive….

Chapter 3Chapter 3

Waldman- almost the antithesis of KrempeWaldman- almost the antithesis of Krempe Victor’s interaction w/ Waldman has a Victor’s interaction w/ Waldman has a

profound impact upon him; it is the impetus profound impact upon him; it is the impetus that propels Victor toward exploring the far that propels Victor toward exploring the far reaches and possibilities of science….reaches and possibilities of science….

(Refers to him as a “true friend” in next (Refers to him as a “true friend” in next chapter)chapter)

““Thus ended a memorable day for me; it Thus ended a memorable day for me; it decided my future destiny.”- Groundwork is decided my future destiny.”- Groundwork is laid here for the laid here for the exciting force/inciting exciting force/inciting incident:incident:

Victor’s decision to attempt to push the Victor’s decision to attempt to push the boundaries of science and create life. boundaries of science and create life.

Chapter 3Chapter 3

Rising action/complication begins.Rising action/complication begins. Narrative structure in compromised when Narrative structure in compromised when

Victor’s narration is interrupted- reminds RW Victor’s narration is interrupted- reminds RW of the dangers of the pursuit of knowledge….of the dangers of the pursuit of knowledge….

Victor: “Whence, I often asked myself, did Victor: “Whence, I often asked myself, did the nature of life proceed?” – increasingly the nature of life proceed?” – increasingly obsessed, hasn’t been home in approx. 2 yrs.obsessed, hasn’t been home in approx. 2 yrs.

Gothic elements v strong in his description of Gothic elements v strong in his description of his experiences with corpses and in various his experiences with corpses and in various “vaults”, etc…..“vaults”, etc…..

His father was rather dismissive of Victor’s His father was rather dismissive of Victor’s interests, never seemed to be too supportive interests, never seemed to be too supportive of them- perhaps for good reason. of them- perhaps for good reason.

Chapter 4Chapter 4

Characterize Mr. Frankenstein’s views on Characterize Mr. Frankenstein’s views on Victor’s education. Why do you think Mr. Victor’s education. Why do you think Mr. Frankenstein feel this way? Frankenstein feel this way?

Last class, we briefly discussed the Last class, we briefly discussed the juxtapositionjuxtaposition of of bothboth gothic and gothic and Romantic elements in the text. What does Romantic elements in the text. What does juxtaposition actually mean? juxtaposition actually mean?

In what way/s is Victor similar to Macbeth? In what way/s is Victor similar to Macbeth? Why did Victor tell no one about his efforts? Why did Victor tell no one about his efforts? What seems to be the predominate literary What seems to be the predominate literary

device thus far? How so? device thus far? How so? What predictions can you make about any What predictions can you make about any

character? Why do you feel this way? character? Why do you feel this way?

Mini Review…Mini Review…

Victor- uncovers the secret to creating lifeVictor- uncovers the secret to creating life Juxtaposition: Juxtaposition: the placement of two the placement of two

disparate (contrasting) elements, disparate (contrasting) elements, ideas, people, etc alongside one ideas, people, etc alongside one another for dramatic effect and another for dramatic effect and heightened tension. heightened tension.

JuxtapositionJuxtaposition of gothic and Romantic of gothic and Romantic elements- 1. The gothic: Victor uses elements- 1. The gothic: Victor uses pieces of discarded corpses to make his own pieces of discarded corpses to make his own creature, etc…. creature, etc…. 2. The Romantic- Victor is so 2. The Romantic- Victor is so caught up in his pursuits he doesn’t notice caught up in his pursuits he doesn’t notice the beauty of the passing seasons….the beauty of the passing seasons….

““But I forget….”- reminder to the reader of But I forget….”- reminder to the reader of the narrative structure, reinforces RW’s the narrative structure, reinforces RW’s role….role….

Chapter 4Chapter 4

Dark, dreary setting Dark, dreary setting opens up the chapter- opens up the chapter- establishes a sense of foreboding as the establishes a sense of foreboding as the monster, Victor’s “creation” is about to be monster, Victor’s “creation” is about to be revealed…revealed…

He reacts with horror and absolute disgust at He reacts with horror and absolute disgust at what he had created due to his unchecked what he had created due to his unchecked ambition.ambition.

What might this monster now symbolize?.....What might this monster now symbolize?..... Romantic allusion to previous poem- Romantic allusion to previous poem-

reinforces Victor’s internal dread and reinforces Victor’s internal dread and turmoil…turmoil…

Clerval rescues Henry, nurses him back to Clerval rescues Henry, nurses him back to health. (What prior plot point is this health. (What prior plot point is this reminiscent of?)reminiscent of?)

Notice the pattern/functioning of male Notice the pattern/functioning of male friendships in the text- friendships in the text- motif. motif.

Chapter 5Chapter 5

Narration opens w/ letter from Elizabeth- Narration opens w/ letter from Elizabeth- Shelley’s subversion of the epistolary form Shelley’s subversion of the epistolary form gives the narration a more layered feel….gives the narration a more layered feel….

She writes of She writes of Ernest and William Ernest and William FrankensteinFrankenstein, their ‘brothers’, their ‘brothers’

Justine MoritzJustine Moritz, a poor servant girl with a , a poor servant girl with a strange and highly changeable mother, is strange and highly changeable mother, is introduced. Caroline has chosen that she introduced. Caroline has chosen that she join the Frankenstein family as a servant. join the Frankenstein family as a servant. Justine is treated well, but she hasn’t had Justine is treated well, but she hasn’t had an easy life….an easy life….

Why is Justine’s mother so tormented? Why is Justine’s mother so tormented? How would you explain her?.....How would you explain her?.....

Chapter 6Chapter 6

Romantic influence- Romantic influence- notice the notice the rejuvenating effect of nature on Victor rejuvenating effect of nature on Victor as he recovers from his nervous as he recovers from his nervous breakdown….breakdown….

Victor’s happiness and heightened Victor’s happiness and heightened emotions function to dramatize, to emotions function to dramatize, to complicate, the events that will soon complicate, the events that will soon unfold…..unfold…..

Chapter 6Chapter 6

Who is really the only unsympathetic Who is really the only unsympathetic female character we have encountered female character we have encountered thus far? thus far?

Describe Mrs. Moritz.Describe Mrs. Moritz. Where have we seen the influence of Where have we seen the influence of

the Catholic Church? the Catholic Church? How does the monster develop into How does the monster develop into

something of a sympathetic character? something of a sympathetic character? (textual examples)(textual examples)

What is revealed about the nature of What is revealed about the nature of knowledge, learning, and parenting in knowledge, learning, and parenting in the text? (Think in terms of the the text? (Think in terms of the monster’s experience). monster’s experience).

How are Safie and the monster similar? How are Safie and the monster similar?

Questions for ReviewQuestions for Review

Victor’s father conveys the “woeful news” Victor’s father conveys the “woeful news” that William is dead, presumably having that William is dead, presumably having been strangled in the woods.been strangled in the woods.

Henry Clerval accompanies Victor back to Henry Clerval accompanies Victor back to Geneva.Geneva.

Victor sees the monster in the woods and is Victor sees the monster in the woods and is resolute that he killed his brother William.resolute that he killed his brother William.

Two years have gone by since he created Two years have gone by since he created the monster.the monster.

Justine is charged with William’s murder. Justine is charged with William’s murder. She was found with a picture of Caroline She was found with a picture of Caroline that William possessed….that William possessed….

Victor knows she is innocent. The rest of Victor knows she is innocent. The rest of his family seems to believe strongly in her his family seems to believe strongly in her innocence, too. innocence, too.

Chapter 7Chapter 7

On the surface, Justine appears guilty; much of On the surface, Justine appears guilty; much of the evidence does implicate her as William’s the evidence does implicate her as William’s murderer. She had been out wandering, she murderer. She had been out wandering, she appears frightful and nervous…appears frightful and nervous…

Victor: “I believed in her innocence; I knew it.”Victor: “I believed in her innocence; I knew it.” Elizabeth offers powerful character testimony Elizabeth offers powerful character testimony

in court in defense of Justine.in court in defense of Justine. Justine confesses but only because she was Justine confesses but only because she was

under great duress, threatened with under great duress, threatened with excommunication.excommunication.

She is executed for her supposed role in the She is executed for her supposed role in the murder of young William. murder of young William.

Victor- torn by “remorse, horror, and despair”- Victor- torn by “remorse, horror, and despair”- refers to William and Justine as “victims” of his refers to William and Justine as “victims” of his “unhallowed arts”“unhallowed arts”

Chapter 8Chapter 8

Victor lives in a self-described “a hell of Victor lives in a self-described “a hell of intense tortures…” His acceptance of intense tortures…” His acceptance of responsibility- and his feelings regarding responsibility- and his feelings regarding the monster- are warped. He refers to the monster- are warped. He refers to himself as “the true murderer.” Still, Victor himself as “the true murderer.” Still, Victor hates and fears the monster. Revenge is hates and fears the monster. Revenge is foremost in his thoughts….foremost in his thoughts….

Elizabeth- the quintessence of virtue Elizabeth- the quintessence of virtue and goodnessand goodness- maintains Justine’s - maintains Justine’s innocence….innocence….

What does Victor fear will happen? What does Victor fear will happen? The chapter ends w/ Victor seeking retreat The chapter ends w/ Victor seeking retreat

in the valley for some relief from his turmoil in the valley for some relief from his turmoil (Romanticism…)(Romanticism…)

““I was a wreck but nothing had changed in I was a wreck but nothing had changed in those savage and enduring scenes…”those savage and enduring scenes…”

Chapter 9Chapter 9

How and where are biblical allusions How and where are biblical allusions present? present?

How is Safie’s portrayal in keeping How is Safie’s portrayal in keeping with the other females we have with the other females we have encountered thus far? encountered thus far?

What kind of person is her father? What kind of person is her father? Why? How so? Why? How so?

What motivates the monster to frame What motivates the monster to frame Justine? Justine?

Where is the concept of the sublime Where is the concept of the sublime apparent in the text? apparent in the text?

Where do we see light and fire in the Where do we see light and fire in the text? What could each symbolize? text? What could each symbolize?


One thing that can soothe, console Victor now. One thing that can soothe, console Victor now. “ “ The sight of the awful and majestic in nature The sight of the awful and majestic in nature

had indeed always the effect of solemnizing had indeed always the effect of solemnizing my mind….”my mind….”

Victor’s experience of the Victor’s experience of the sublimesublime- - literary/philosophical concept that literary/philosophical concept that nature has a dramatic restorative effect nature has a dramatic restorative effect (Romantic) (Romantic)

Note the Note the allusionallusion to Percy Shelley’s poem, to Percy Shelley’s poem, Mutability, Mutability, to capture Victor’s turmoil. to capture Victor’s turmoil.

Sadness of the theme: The only guarantee in Sadness of the theme: The only guarantee in life is that nothing stays the same. life is that nothing stays the same.

Victor and his monster finally confront one Victor and his monster finally confront one another. The monster pursues Victor in the another. The monster pursues Victor in the hopes that he will fulfill his ‘duties’ as his hopes that he will fulfill his ‘duties’ as his creator. creator.

Chapter 10Chapter 10

Monster’s lack of a name symbolizes Victor’s Monster’s lack of a name symbolizes Victor’s total disregard of the monster’s apparent- total disregard of the monster’s apparent- and clear- need for nurturing and social and clear- need for nurturing and social development. development.

Monster: “How dare you thus sport with Monster: “How dare you thus sport with life?”- recognition of Victor’s life?”- recognition of Victor’s hubrishubris (excessive pride and arrogance in venturing (excessive pride and arrogance in venturing to create life so carelessly)to create life so carelessly)

In his mind, he has done nothing to deserve In his mind, he has done nothing to deserve such rejection…..such rejection…..

Biblical allusions to GenesisBiblical allusions to Genesis: Monster : Monster describes himself as the rightful Adam, yet describes himself as the rightful Adam, yet he is scorned as “the fallen angel” or like he is scorned as “the fallen angel” or like Lucifer. He refers to Victor as his creator, Lucifer. He refers to Victor as his creator, longs for a “companion.” (reminiscent of longs for a “companion.” (reminiscent of Adam and Eve) Adam and Eve)


Monster’s requestMonster’s request: Listen to my story : Listen to my story and then judge me as you would….and then judge me as you would….

SignificanceSignificance: Reader is exposed to a : Reader is exposed to a more human, merciful side of the more human, merciful side of the monster AND Victor finally seems to monster AND Victor finally seems to realize- albeit very begrudgingly- that realize- albeit very begrudgingly- that he may have some responsibility toward he may have some responsibility toward his creation…. his creation….


Narration changes to include- verbatim- the Narration changes to include- verbatim- the monster’s first person account of his life thus monster’s first person account of his life thus far. Reader is able to relate to the monster far. Reader is able to relate to the monster and hear a fresh perspective. and hear a fresh perspective.

Walton----Victor-----Monster…..Walton----Victor-----Monster….. Notice the monster’s fondness for the Notice the monster’s fondness for the

villagers and his great yearning for villagers and his great yearning for companionship. (Where had we seen this companionship. (Where had we seen this need echoed before? What does this signify?)need echoed before? What does this signify?)

The monster is articulate. Why is this The monster is articulate. Why is this noteworthy? noteworthy?

He is self-educated, which shows his need for He is self-educated, which shows his need for nurturing.nurturing.

He has taught himself language and learned He has taught himself language and learned as much as he is able the gift of empathy. as much as he is able the gift of empathy.

Chapter 11, 12Chapter 11, 12

Monster takes refuge in the woods and Monster takes refuge in the woods and is enamored of the family. He is able to is enamored of the family. He is able to glean they are sad due to poverty. glean they are sad due to poverty.

The cottagers: the father, or “old man”, The cottagers: the father, or “old man”, girl Agatha, boy Felix. girl Agatha, boy Felix.

He helps them out at a distance: He He helps them out at a distance: He wants to be welcomed by them; he wants to be welcomed by them; he anonymously helps them with their anonymously helps them with their chores….He called them his chores….He called them his “protectors”…“protectors”…

The monster wants to learn to speak: The monster wants to learn to speak: Why? Why?

Also, is his general reaction to nature Also, is his general reaction to nature similar or dissimilar to that of Victor? similar or dissimilar to that of Victor?


““Arabian” Safie- introduced under mysterious Arabian” Safie- introduced under mysterious circumstances.circumstances.

Felix appears to be in love with her; his family is Felix appears to be in love with her; his family is very kind to her. Felix does eventually marry very kind to her. Felix does eventually marry her. her.

As they educate her, the monster, too, becomes As they educate her, the monster, too, becomes more educated andmore educated and disillusioned disillusioned with humanity. with humanity. Notice his reaction to the lessons of history: Notice his reaction to the lessons of history:

““Was man, indeed, at once so powerful, so Was man, indeed, at once so powerful, so virtuous and magnificent, yet so vicious and virtuous and magnificent, yet so vicious and

base?...Oh what a strange nature is base?...Oh what a strange nature is knowledge!”knowledge!”

The monster’s epiphanyThe monster’s epiphany: He sees that his : He sees that his education is both a blessing and a curse. He education is both a blessing and a curse. He wants a family; he recognizes that he is a wants a family; he recognizes that he is a pariah, an outcast with no love…p. 108pariah, an outcast with no love…p. 108


Monster provides reader w/ details about Monster provides reader w/ details about DeLacey family: Mr. DeLacey, Felix, and DeLacey family: Mr. DeLacey, Felix, and Agatha are French and were once very Agatha are French and were once very wealthy. wealthy.

Felix, in love with Safie, once tried to save Felix, in love with Safie, once tried to save Safie’s father- a social agitator?- from Safie’s father- a social agitator?- from ‘unjust’ imprisonment by the French gov’t. ‘unjust’ imprisonment by the French gov’t. Her father betrays Felix and his family. He Her father betrays Felix and his family. He never cared they were all thrown into never cared they were all thrown into prison, became penniless trying to save prison, became penniless trying to save him. him.

Safie- yet another example of a passive, Safie- yet another example of a passive, persecuted female. She strives to be free of persecuted female. She strives to be free of her oppressive father. She finds her Muslim her oppressive father. She finds her Muslim world confining as did her Christian mother, world confining as did her Christian mother, who was made a slave by the Turks. who was made a slave by the Turks.


Safie- powerful testament to the tensions Safie- powerful testament to the tensions between the Christian and Arab worlds….between the Christian and Arab worlds….

Like the monster, she hopes to find her Like the monster, she hopes to find her place in the world by acquiring knowledge place in the world by acquiring knowledge (language) and escaping oppression.(language) and escaping oppression.

The monster finds Victor’s journals and The monster finds Victor’s journals and vows to find him. Notice his anger at vows to find him. Notice his anger at Victor.Victor.

Also, he is desperate for companionship, Also, he is desperate for companionship, so he works up the nerve to present so he works up the nerve to present himself to the Delaceys. himself to the Delaceys.

Felix and Agatha are horrified and throw Felix and Agatha are horrified and throw him out. Mr. Delacey is blind him out. Mr. Delacey is blind

Chapter 14,15Chapter 14,15

The DeLaceys abandon their cottage out of The DeLaceys abandon their cottage out of fear of the monster, which enrages him. He fear of the monster, which enrages him. He burns the cottage to the ground. burns the cottage to the ground.

SymbolismSymbolism of light of light (knowledge/discovery) and fire (dark (knowledge/discovery) and fire (dark force/destruction)- Notice that lightness force/destruction)- Notice that lightness and darkness are the first sensations the and darkness are the first sensations the monster experiences….(Genesis)monster experiences….(Genesis)

The monster encounters William,is delighted The monster encounters William,is delighted at the thought of a potential companion. Why at the thought of a potential companion. Why did he really murder him, though?- He is filled did he really murder him, though?- He is filled w/ w/ wrathwrath once he begins to understand he is once he begins to understand he is related to Victor. related to Victor.

Why does he want to frame Justine by placing Why does he want to frame Justine by placing the locket on her person? Why has the the locket on her person? Why has the monster become so twisted? monster become so twisted?


The monster increasingly views himself as The monster increasingly views himself as a victim: his creator and all those who a victim: his creator and all those who encounter him shape his evil motivations encounter him shape his evil motivations and acts. “and acts. “I am malicious because I am I am malicious because I am miserable…Am I not shunned and hated by miserable…Am I not shunned and hated by all mankind?” all mankind?”

Narration shifts back to Victor…. P. 135,6:Victor shows some shred of

sympathy for the monster, especially as the monster requests the companion just like himself. Yet he vacillates …..

Victor’s mixed reaction to nature and family is reflective of his inner turmoil.

Personification of nature: “Stars…yet all are about to mock me…” (p. 138)


Whose death is foreshadowed most strongly Whose death is foreshadowed most strongly in the text?in the text?

Elizabeth’s:”my more than sister, since till death she was to be mine only.”

Identify literary devices in the following: “Destiny was too potent, and her immutable laws had decreed my utter and total destruction.”

How does RW feel about Victor? Are the monster and Victor two sides of the

same coin? How is exile, esp, self-imposed exile is a

motif? How does Victor feel about his own

ambition?


Victor delays his efforts to create a Victor delays his efforts to create a female companion.female companion.

He wants to marry Elizabeth, as Alphonse suggests, but he fears that the monster may do more harm. (foreshadowing). He is reluctant to become engaged w/out first finishing his creation.

Clerval’s reaction to the beauties of nature is the antithesis of Victor’s.

Yet anthr allusion to Romantic poetry… (nature)


Victor: “Victor: “In Clerval I saw the former image of In Clerval I saw the former image of myself…” myself…” Victor sees he was once innocently Victor sees he was once innocently inquisitive and joyful as Clerval now is on inquisitive and joyful as Clerval now is on their travels. He refers to himself as Victor’s their travels. He refers to himself as Victor’s “shadow.” “shadow.”

Doppelganger- Doppelganger- (German)- a character (German)- a character double; a character that reflects the double; a character that reflects the dark, or opposing, side of a character. dark, or opposing, side of a character. Think of a character being divided into Think of a character being divided into two living psychological forces. (alter two living psychological forces. (alter ego)- how is this different from a foil? ego)- how is this different from a foil?

The monster can be interpreted as Victor’s The monster can be interpreted as Victor’s doppelganger. Each has good doppelganger. Each has good intentions….Also, they are inextricably linked. intentions….Also, they are inextricably linked. One’s fate determines the other’s. (Is Henry One’s fate determines the other’s. (Is Henry Victor also V’s doppelganger?) Victor also V’s doppelganger?)


Victor destroys his female creation; he fears Victor destroys his female creation; he fears that she will bear offspring. Also, he feels it that she will bear offspring. Also, he feels it would be selfish to do so. would be selfish to do so.

The monster in response to Victor’s broken promise: “I will be with you on your wedding-night.”

The monster essentially has framed Victor for the murder of Henry Clerval.

Victor, just as in the case of William and Justine, refers to himself as Henry’s “murderer.”

Mr. Kirwin- the “magistrate”- like a prosecutor or judge

Victor is acquitted; his whereabouts the night of the murder are confirmed.

Chapters 20 & 21Chapters 20 & 21

““If for one instant, I had thought what might If for one instant, I had thought what might be the hellish intention of my fiendish be the hellish intention of my fiendish adversaryadversary….….The monster had blinded me to The monster had blinded me to his real intentions.” – his real intentions.” – Victor misinterpreted Victor misinterpreted the monster’s threat….the monster’s threat….

Victor had planned to tell Elizabeth his secret….

CLIMAX: the murder of Elizabeth. Alphonse dies of heartbreak. Victor tells the Genevan magistrate his tale,

who regards it with some “incredulity.” Some irony in Victor’s words: “Man how

ignorant art thou in thy pride of wisdom!” p. 191

Chapters 22 & 23Chapters 22 & 23

Denouement/falling actionDenouement/falling action: : Victor’s rage Victor’s rage and heartbreak following the murder of and heartbreak following the murder of Elizabeth, his pursuit of the monster into the Elizabeth, his pursuit of the monster into the Arctic, Victor’s death, Walton’s reclamation Arctic, Victor’s death, Walton’s reclamation of the narration. of the narration.

Victor: Victor: Revenge kept me alive….(Revenge kept me alive….(WrathWrath and and despair are strongly present, too.)despair are strongly present, too.)

How does sleep function as a motif? ….. How does sleep function as a motif? ….. (Victor)(Victor)

RW believes Victor’s story and sympathizes RW believes Victor’s story and sympathizes with him. with him.

Victor to RW: Victor to RW: “Learn my miseries and do not “Learn my miseries and do not seek to increase your own.”seek to increase your own.” Victor does sees Victor does sees the error of his ways; simultaneously, he the error of his ways; simultaneously, he believes it is his destiny to destroy the believes it is his destiny to destroy the monster.monster.

Chapter 24 to endChapter 24 to end

Henry: Victor as Victor: WaltonHenry: Victor as Victor: Walton Walton sees a true friend for himself in Walton sees a true friend for himself in

Victor- “a glorious spirit”; Victor states Victor- “a glorious spirit”; Victor states no one can replace the lost Henry for no one can replace the lost Henry for him. (feelings are not entirely him. (feelings are not entirely reciprocated). This shows Victor’s reciprocated). This shows Victor’s obsessive determination to destroy the obsessive determination to destroy the monster. monster.

Walton- Walton- somewhat of an objective somewhat of an objective reporter to filter Victor’s accountreporter to filter Victor’s account


Resolution: Resolution: Failure of RW’s expedition, Failure of RW’s expedition, death of Victor (report of), appearance of death of Victor (report of), appearance of monster to RW, monster wandering off monster to RW, monster wandering off mournfullymournfully

Situational Irony- Situational Irony- contrast between what contrast between what actually happens and what would be actually happens and what would be expected or appropriate: expected or appropriate:

Victor’s encouraging RW to continue on w/ Victor’s encouraging RW to continue on w/ his expedition despite the dangers his expedition despite the dangers presented to him. Victor expressed to RW presented to him. Victor expressed to RW his desire that RW learn from his ambition .his desire that RW learn from his ambition .

Has Victor changed? How so? How not? Has Victor changed? How so? How not? Victor wants RW to destroy the monster on Victor wants RW to destroy the monster on

his behalf. his behalf.


Evidence of Evidence of doppelgangerdoppelganger apparent in apparent in monster’s viewing of Victor’s body:monster’s viewing of Victor’s body:

““In his murder my crimes are consummated; In his murder my crimes are consummated; the miserable series of my being is wound to the miserable series of my being is wound to a closea close!”!”

““The fallen angel becomes a malignant The fallen angel becomes a malignant devil.” (devil.” (allusion to Lucifer)allusion to Lucifer)

The monster seems distraught at Victor’s The monster seems distraught at Victor’s death and at his own actions. RW finds death and at his own actions. RW finds himself torn. The monster wanders off to die; himself torn. The monster wanders off to die; he refers to death as his only consolation he refers to death as his only consolation from his crimes. from his crimes.

Self-imposed exile-Self-imposed exile- a strong motif in the a strong motif in the text- seen in both Victor and the monster text- seen in both Victor and the monster (the latter pledges to go into exile if he gets (the latter pledges to go into exile if he gets his female companion) his female companion)


Documents

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein The Modern Prometheus