Frankenstien Chapters 1-8
What is Walton's first impression of Victor Frankenstein?
-A wreck of a man, melancholy (sad)
Why does Frankenstein ultimately decided to tell Walton his story?
-As a warning based own his own life experiences
How does the narrative structure demonstrate a frame narrative? (How is this a story within a story?)
-Because different characters tell the story; the book starts with letters and ends with letters
Who is Cornelius Agrippa? What field of study was Agrippa involved with?
-Cornelius Agrippa is the writer of de occult philosphia -he says magic can explain nature
Who is Elizabeth Lavenza?
-Elizabeth Lavenza is adopted into the Frankenstein family. -She becomes Victor's "more than sister" -She is Victors "beautiful and adored companion"
How did she come to live with the stranger's family?
-Elizabeth was the child of Italian nobility who was orphaned and living with a poor family -Frankenstien's mom adopts her
Walton says he is a "Romantic". What is a Romantic person like? How is Walton romantic?
-Emotional -He wants a friend -Individualism -Appreciates nature -Tries to write poetry/artist -Single-minded -Passion
Describe the strangers (Frankenstein's) relationship with Elizabeth?
-Frankenstien calls Elizabeth Victor's "more than sister" -Frankenstien's mom tells Frankenstein that Elizabeth is "a present" for him.
How do Elizabeth's interests complement Victors?
-Frankenstien is passionate, Elizabeth is calm -Frankentien studies science, Elizabeth loves poetry and nature
How did the stranger's father meet his mother? Describe their relationship.
-Frankenstiens dad married Caroline Beaufort who is the daughter of his best friend
Where is the stranger originally from?
-Genera, Switzerland
How does Frankenstein react when Walton shares his dream/goal?
-He becomes worried and sad - bursts into tears & cries -Asks if Walton shares his madness
Who is Henry Clerval and what is his relationship with Victor? How does he differ from Victor?
-Henry Clerval is Victor's best friend -Henry reads tales of knighthood and adventure
How do Walton's letters show that he is caught between eighteenth-century Rationalism and nineteenth-century Romanticism?
-Values science -relies on intellect -plans trip
Who narrates the story?
-Victor Frankenstien -He is from Geneva, Switzerland
What subject is Victor most interested in learning about?
-Victor is most interested in learning about science.
How did the stranger's parents treat him? Give a quote for support.
-Victors parents spoil her
The novel begins with a series of Letters in which the narrator of the first frame, Robert Walton, is writing about his thoughts and plans to his sisters. -Where is Walton going? -Why has he chosen to make this voyage? -What does Walton dream of? -What are his goals?
-Walton seeks the North Pole -He wants to advance science and wants to know why the compass points north? -He wants personal glory; he wants to be the first man on the Pole
From letters 3 and 4, why might the stranger choose to tell Walton his story?
-Wants to warn Robert Walton not to make the same mistake as he did
Aside from personal glory, what two benefits to mankind does Walton hope to achieve on his voyage?
-Why the compass points north? -Wants to find the northwest passage
