Frankenstein Reading Logs
After reading each chapter, answer the questions in bulleted form. Please type and print and bring to class on the day of the test.
Letters 1-4: Write the name of the current narrator in your book
1. What elements of Robert's character are in keeping with the Romantic ideology?
2. Explain how Walton and Victor are alike.
Chapter 1: Write the name of the new narrator in your book.
1. Describe Victor's childhood and education.
2. Characterize Elizabeth and Henry Clerval in relation to Victor.
Chapter 2 &3:
1. How do Victor's professors influence him in his studies?
2. How does Victor predict his creation will react to him as its creator? (support with a quote)
Chapter 4:
1. Describe the creature and Victor's reaction to it.
2. What is the creature's first act toward Frankenstein; what is significant about it?
Chapter 5:
1. What function does Elizabeth's letter serve at this point in the novel?
2. How has Victor changed from his "lab" days?
Chapter 6:
1. Using quotes, describe Victor's reaction to seeing the creature.
2. Who is believed to be the killer? What evidence is found to substantiate this belief?
Chapter 7:
1. How is Justine portrayed? Consider her name.
2. How does Victor now view the results of his creation?
Volume II Chapter 1:
1. What action does Victor contemplate? Why does he change his mind?
Chapter 2:
1. Explain the Biblical allusion the creature invokes regarding his relationship with Victor. Support with quotes.
Chapter 3: Label the name of the new narrator in your book
1. What human qualities does the creature exhibit?
2. How does Shelley evoke sympathy for the creature at this point?
Chapter 4:
1. List examples of the creature's innate goodness.
2. How does the creature plan to become involved with the cottagers' lives?
Chapter 5 & 6:
1. How does the creature acquire language?
2. How are the creature's thoughts about society and mankind a reflection of Romantic ideology?
Chapter 7:
1. What effect has the increase of knowledge of his condition had on the creature?
2. How are Victor and the creature being developed as parallel characters?
Chapter 8:
1. Explain the symbolic meaning of the fire the creature sets and the change in the weather at this point in the story.
2. What is foreshadowed by the creature's words to William?
Chapter 9: Write name of new narrator as of Chapter 17
1. Evaluate how convincing the creature's arguments to Victor are regarding his request.
2. What is Victor's plan at this point?
Volume III Chapter 1:
1. Contrast Victor and Alphonse as father figures.
Chapter 2:
1. Compare Victor and Henry's moods as they travel toScotland.
2. Using quotes, contrast Victor's attitude toward his second creation and compare it to the attitude he had to the first one.
Chapter 3:
1. Using quotes for support, explain how Victor and the creature have reversed roles.
2. What does the creature vow? (support with quote)
Chapter 4:
1. Describe Victor's emotional state throughout this chapter.
2. "Duty" becomes an important theme at this point in the novel. What does Victor say is his one remaining duty?
Chapter 5 & 6:
1. What does Victor reveal in his letter to Elizabeth?
2. How has Victor misinterpreted the creature's threats to "be with him on his wedding night"?
Conclusion:
Provide quotes/examples for each of the following themes in this chapter. Just one for each please:
- knowledge vs. ignorance
- role of the parent
- power of nature
- noble savage corrupted by the world
- revenge
Label the new narrator at the appropriate point in the novel.