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2000 AP TEST PROMPT
Many works of literature not readily identified with the mystery
or detective story genre nonetheless involve the investigation of a
mystery. In these works, the solution to the mystery may be less
important than the knowledge gained in the process of its
investigation. Choose a novel or play in which one or more of the
characters confront a mystery. Then write an essay in which you
identify the mystery and explain how the investigation illuminates
the meaning of the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize
the prompt.
UNDERSTANDING THE PROMPT
Simply put, the student must identify the mystery
of the novel and explain how it affects the work as a
whole and what it means to the story.
More specifically, how does mystery in
Frankenstein pertain to and affect the plot of the
novel?
IN RELATION TO FRANKENSTEIN
The mysteries of science are explored and expanded by Victor’s
obsessive work in the field of anatomy and his attempts “to create
life”.
As the creature lives near the De Lacey’s and explores the
natural world, he is rejected by society for his abnormalities. In
his lonesome, the creature is forced to learn the mysteries of
love, affection, and family and the unfortunate truth that he
cannot experience compassion, causing him to commit malicious
acts and exact his vengeance on his creator.
VICTOR AND HIS MYSTERY
“From this day natural philosophy, and particularly chemistry, in the most
comprehensive sense of the term, became nearly my sole occupation”
(Shelley 29).
“…I beheld the corruption of death succeed to the blooming cheek of
life…” (Shelley 30)
“Although I possessed the capacity of bestowing animation, yet to
prepare a frame for the reception of it, with all its intricacies of fibers,
muscles, and veins, still remain a work of inconceivable difficulty and
labor” (Shelley 32).
Each quote is connected to Victor’s interest in the “mystery” of science.
THE CREATURE AND HIS MYSTERY
“I heard of the slothful Asiatics; of the stupendous genius and mental
activity of the Grecians; of the wars and wonderful virtue of the early
Romans--of their subsequent degenerating--of the decline of that mighty
empire; of chivalry, Christianity, and kings” (Shelley 84).
“There was none among the myriads of men that existed who would
pity or assist me; and should I feel kindness towards my enemies? No:
from that moment I declared everlasting war against the species, and,
more than all, against him who had formed me, and sent me forth to this
insupportable misery” (Shelley 97).
Each quote is connected to the creature’s exploration of the world and
the mysteries of human nature.
THESIS
In Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein, the concept
of mystery, in relation to Victor and the Creature, is
explored throughout the story as a depiction of
modern curiosity towards sciences and the reality of
human nature. This thirst for knowledge is simply an
obsession over anatomy, leading to the creation of
life. The revelation about human nature leads to self-
awareness and allows for criticism of society and its
norms.
SIGNIFICANT MOMENTS
Frankenstein’s curiosity with the mysteries of
science and his obsession to explore the possibilities
of animation. He explores deep into the mystery of
anatomy and animation of a body, resulting in his
successful creation of life.
When Frankenstein’s creature becomes self-aware
and intelligent. The creature becomes
knowledgeable and learns the mysteries of human
nature and society’s outlook and attitude towards
outcasts.
ALLUSION IN FRANKENSTEIN
"Remember, that I am thy creature; I ought to be
thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel, whom
thou drivest from joy for no misdeed” (Shelley 69).
Just like God created mankind and the universe,
Victor created the Creature. There are many
allusions, biblical or not, laced throughout the novel.
IRONY IN FRANKENSTEIN
"You are my creator, but I am your master; -obey!" (Shelley
122).
In this quote, the creature asserts dominance over the man
who gave him life. Despite this feeling of superiority, Victor
maintained some form of control over the creature as he was
the only person capable of creating a female companion for
the creature. Mary Shelley may have chosen irony to
demonstrate the effect of the world on the creature’s mindset.
FORESHADOWING IN FRANKENSTEIN
"How dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge
and how much happier that man is who believes his
native town to be the world, than he who aspires to
become greater than his nature will allow"(Shelley
31).
This quote foreshadows not only Victor’s success in
his work but it also hints at the tragic consequences
to follow.