Frankenstein novel:
Analyze the creature’s personality. In your written analysis, discuss the different aspects of his character by addressing questions such as these:
Support your analysis by citing events from the story as well as quoting statements made by
the creature.
Please be specific when relating back to novel.
Answers
Answer:
Discussion Questions for Each Chapter
Letters I through IV
1. Frankenstein begins and ends with letters written by Robert Walton. Why do you think
that Mary Shelley chose to have him frame the novel? How would your opinions of
Victor Frankenstein and his creation differ if their story was told directly by Victor
Frankenstein himself? What if the story was told solely by the creation?
2. Walton yearns for a friend, much like Victor Frankenstein’s creature does. What does this
tell you about human nature? Is it in our nature to want companionship, someone to
confide in, and someone to care for?
3. In Letter IV, Walton writes, “Yesterday the stranger said to me, “You may easily
perceive, Captain Walton, that I have suffered great and unparalleled misfortunes. I had
determined at one time that the memory of these evils should die with me, but you have
won me to alter my determination. You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did;
and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you,
as mine has been. I do not know that the relation of my disasters will be useful to you;
yet, when I reflect that you are pursuing the same course, exposing yourself to the same
dangers which have rendered me what I am, I imagine that you may deduce an apt moral
from my tale, one that may direct you if you succeed in your undertaking and console
you in case of failure. Prepare to hear of occurrences which are usually deemed
marvelous.”
A. In the excerpt above, Victor is foreshadowing the creation of his monster and how
it went quickly awry. Are there any other instances of foreshadowing in these
letters?
B. In the excerpt above, the themes of knowledge and wisdom are introduced. Often,
knowledge and wisdom are seen as interchangeable, or as going hand-in-hand, but
are they necessarily the same. Pay attention to how knowledge and wisdom are
portrayed in the book.
4. Walton and Frankenstein are both men of science but in vastly different fields. What does
having two main characters in this field tell you about 1800s Europe? What does it tell
you about the gender roles of this time?