Frankenstein

• 'I am thy monster; I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel' (Chapter 10)


  Poignant expression of the creature's feelings towards his creator, Victor Frankenstein. It highlights his desire for a loving relationship and his resentment at being rejected and treated as an outcast. The monster's statement has biblical allusion to the Garden of Eden and to the story of Paradise Lost, of Satan's fall from grace, emphasizing the creature's position as an alienated creation.
• The metaphor, "wounded deer dragging its fainting limbs...there to gaze upon the arrow which had pierced it," powerfully conveys the theme of unchecked ambition in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (Chapter 9)

  The deer's slow suffering mirrors Victor's own gradual descent into despair and isolation, as well as emphasising the harmful impact of scientific pursuit on innocent creatures of nature. The "arrow" represents Victor's desire to transcend natural limits by creating life, portraying the idea that over-ambition can lead to self-inflicted destruction. Shelley subtly critiques the unbridled pursuit of scientific knowledge without ethical considerations and uses the character construct of Victor to warn the pre-Victorian population of the dangers of neglecting the natural world during the early stages of the Industrial Revolution.
• What are the key quotations to remember for Victor Frankenstein's character?

  1. "The secrets of heaven and earth I desired to learn."
  2. "Learn from me how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge."
  3. "A new species would bless me as its creator and source."
  4. "Who shall conceive the horrors of my secret toil?"
  5. "I had finished; the beauty of the dream had vanished."
  6. "The filthy demon to whom I had given life."
  7. "Revenge kept me alive."
  8. "Sorrow only increases with knowledge."
• How does Victor Frankenstein's character relate to the myth of Prometheus?

  • Victor embodies the modern Prometheus.
  • Both seek forbidden knowledge.
  • Both face severe consequences for their actions.
  • Victor's creation leads to his downfall, similar to Prometheus' punishment.
• Who are the two main characters explored in the video series on Frankenstein?

  Victor Frankenstein and the monster
• What is the narrator's initial impression of Victor Frankenstein?

  He finds Victor judgmental and repellent
• How does Victor react to Monsieur Kremp's appearance and manner?

  He is unable to hear him speak
• What does Victor's use of the term "pulpit" imply about his view of Monsieur Kremp?

  He sees Kremp as dogmatic and pompous
• What does Victor's judgmental attitude foreshadow about his actions towards his creation?

  It foreshadows his abandonment of the monster
• In which chapter does Victor express loathing towards a nurse in prison?

  Chapter 4 of Volume 3
• What does the word "loathing" indicate about Victor's feelings towards others?

  It shows his strong disgust and hatred
• How does Victor's reaction to the nurse reflect his character flaws?

  It highlights his self-absorption and prejudice
• What does Victor admit about his role in the deaths of William and Justine?

  He calls himself their murderer
• How does Victor describe his own suffering compared to Justine's?

  He claims his suffering exceeds hers
• What does Victor's metaphor of "fangs of remorse" suggest about his feelings?

  It suggests his regret is intense and consuming
• What does Victor's claim about being formed for happiness reveal about his character?

  It shows his sense of entitlement and arrogance
• What does Victor fail to do regarding his creation and its needs?

  He fails to ensure its happiness
• How does Victor's narrative position him in relation to his creation?

  He positions himself as a victim of circumstances
• What does Victor's decision to leave Elizabeth alone on their wedding night indicate?

  It shows his lack of foresight and responsibility
• What does Victor reflect on regarding the monster's potential disappearance?

  He imagines the monster might die in an accident
• How does Victor's perspective on his situation reflect his character flaws?

  It shows his self-pity and lack of agency
• What does Victor's failure to communicate about his creation suggest about his character?

  It suggests he is fearful and self-centered
• Why does Victor believe he would be considered mad if he revealed his creation?

  He fears others would not understand him
• What does Victor's reluctance to share his creation indicate about his relationships?

  It indicates a lack of trust and connection
• How does Victor's narrative style contribute to the reader's perception of him?

  It portrays him as self-absorbed and melodramatic
• What is the consequence of Victor's failure to take responsibility for his actions?

  It leads to tragic outcomes for others
• How does Victor's character reflect the themes of responsibility and consequence in Frankenstein?

  His arrogance leads to neglect and tragedy
• What does Victor's final reflection on his duties reveal about his moral stance?

  It shows his self-justification and avoidance of guilt
• What does Victor ultimately refuse to do regarding his creation?

  He refuses to create a companion for it
• How does Victor's reasoning for not creating a female monster reflect his character flaws?

  It shows his selfishness and lack of empathy
• What might have been avoided if Victor had taken responsibility for his creation?

  Many subsequent difficulties and tragedies
• How does Victor view his own suffering compared to that of others?

  He sees it as more significant than theirs
• What does Victor's perspective on happiness reveal about his character?

  It reveals his entitlement and egocentrism
• How does Victor's narrative ultimately portray his character arc?

  It portrays him as a tragic figure lacking growth
• What does Victor's final statement about his duties imply about his priorities?

  His priorities are skewed towards self-interest
• How does Victor's character serve as a cautionary tale in Frankenstein?

  It warns against arrogance and neglect of responsibility
• What does the fiend do to Henry in the story?

  Follows him as a shadow for protection
• What is Victor's failure regarding his loved ones?

  He fails to inform them about his creation
• What would have been the benefit of Victor telling his loved ones about his creation?

  It would have alerted them to danger
• What does Victor believe would happen if he disclosed his secret?

  He would be perceived as mad