Group Questions Frankenstein Chapter 4)

Group Questions--Frankenstein (Author's Introduction ? Chapter 4)

1. Author's Introduction ? How does Shelley describe her own inspiration for and writing of the book? ? The introduction expresses Mary Shelley's ambivalence about the novel (See, for instance, p. v: she's averse to bringing herself forward in print; vi: she is now "infinitely indifferent to literary reputation). Why do you think she's so ambivalent? ? Why does Shelley call the book her "hideous progeny" (ix)? What comparison is she making here?

2. Framing Device ? Why do you think Shelley chooses to frame Victor's narrative with the letters from Walton? How is Walton's story relevant to that of Victor? ? What is Walton's particular pursuit? What does he hope to accomplish? What do you think motivates him? Does he want to improve and benefit mankind (2)? Or do you think he's more fully motivated by the desire to achieve personal glory (2-3)? ? What's the purpose of the story about the aged master of the ship (p. 5)? What does this story say about what the book seems to value in an individual? ? Look at the bottom of p. 11, top of p. 12. Why does Victor tell his story to Walton?

3. Chapter 1: Victor's Childhood ? What is Victor Frankenstein's family background (14-16)? ? What is his childlhood like (16)? Look especially at the passage in the middle of the middle paragraph on p. 16 that starts with the phrase, "I was their plaything and their idol..." Why do you think this passage is important? How does it relate to larger themes or events that occur elsewhere in the book? ? Finally, discuss how Elizabeth comes into Victor's life (17-18). What do you think about the language describing Elizabeth and Victor's relationship in the last paragraph of this chapter? Is there something particularly Gothic about it, for instance?

4. Chapters 2-3: Growing Up ? What do Victor and each of his friends study? Why is this important? Does each seem to represent a particular quality or pursuit (18-19)? ? What does Victor's attitude toward science seem to be? What does he want to accomplish with science (19; 21, etc.)? ? How does Victor's mother die? How do you think her death is significant to the story? ? Can you name other missing/absent mothers in the book? Why do you think this trope recurs so often? Connections to larger themes?

5. Chapter 4: Creating Life ? How does Victor learn how to make life? What must he first study (30)? Why is this important? ? Look at the top of p. 31: "until from the midst of this darkness a sudden light broke in upon me..." How does Victor characterize his breakthrough in this passage? ? What do you think Victor's motives are in creating life? Does he want to do good in the world? Or is he more after personal glory? (Perhaps look at the paragraph on p. 32 that begins "No one can conceive the variety of feelings..."). How does his purpose compare with Walton's? ? Look at the top of p. 34 (first paragraph): how does Victor characterize the "moral" of his story?

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