Frankenstein Chapter Notes on the Reading of Frankenstein

Frankenstein Chapter Notes on the Reading of Frankenstein

Letters 1 -4 • Epistolary : A piece of work that is written in the form of letters • Framework Narrative: A piece of work that incorporates a story within the primary story being told • Robert Walton begins the narrative writing to his sister Margaret Saville (MS) in St. Petersburg Russia Objective: Find a North West Passage “One man’s life or death were but a small price to pay for the acquirement of the knowledge which I sought; ” (Shelley 23). • W: Expresses a need to find a friend (tells story about 1 st Lieutenant) “Well, these are useless complaints; I shall find no friend on the wide ocean, ” (Shelley 16).

Letter 4 • W’s crew spotted a figure in the distance ‘gigantic stature’ leading dogs in the distance. • Next Morning Ice was broken up and a stranger appears on the side of the ship ‘“Before I come aboard your vessel, ” said he, “will you have the kindness to inform me whither you are bound? ’” (Shelley 21). • W: Found a Friend • The Stanger feels the need to tell his tale (Moral Tale)to save W from his own pain. ‘“Unhappy man! Do you share my madness? Have you drank also of the intoxicating draught? Hear me—let me reveal my tale, and you will dash the cup from your lips!”’ (Shelley 24).

Chapter 1 -Victor’s Childhood • Parents meet and marry following the death of Alphone’s Friend Beufort (married the friend's daughter: rescued her from poverty after father’s death) = Alphonse and Caroline Frankenstein • Frankenstein Family decide to settle in Geneva, Switzerland but totally love to travel w/ their One perfect child at this point. • During an excursion C adopts a child for the family Elizabeth Lavenza (back story given, came from prestigious family) ‘“I have a pretty present for my Victor—tomorrow he shall have it. ’”(Shelley 31). • Given as a ‘gift’ to Victor: “All praises bestowed on her, I received as made to a possession of my own…my more than sister, since till death she was to be mine only. ”(Shelley 31).

Chapter 2 -Elizabeth & Victor • Text draws a comparison between the two children Victor and Elizabeth “It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn; ”(Shelley 33). • Ernest in born (7 yrs younger than V) • Intro of BFF—Henry Clerval (represents the romantics) • On vacay w/ the family V (13 yrs old) happens upon a book by Cornelius Agrippa & this begins his study of natural philosophy (Blames father for limited explanation) “I entered with the greatest of diligence into the search of the philosopher’s stone and the elixir of life; but the latter soon obtained my undivided attention”(Shelley 35).

Chapter 2 -Elizabeth & Victor • The Tree What impact did the tree have? (15 yrs old) • On a brief Vacay with the Family (Belrive house) A thunderstorm’s strike of lightning reduces a large oak to ribbons • The thunderbolt excites Victor’s curiosity of electricity and mathematics veering away from natural philosophy. • Ends the chapter blaming his horrible FATE (Back on the boat w/ Walton) on Fate. “It was a strong effort of the good spirit; but it was ineffectual. Destiny was too potent, and her immutable laws had decreed my utter and terrible destruction. ” (Shelley 37).

Chapter 3 – Death=Obsession • Mom Dies- Elizabeth to marry Victor and raise the children • Mother at peace w/ death Victor Depressed • Victor decides to be happy -Leave for school - Clerval can’t come (lonely) “I was now alone. In the university, wither I was going, I must form my own friends, and be my own protector” (Shelley 40). Krempe Ridicules V’s studies Waldman Inspires V to continue Waldman sees Victor as a disciple

Chapter 4 - Raw Materials • M. Krempe …informative yet unsupportive • M. Waldman … “I found a true friend” (been away for 2 yrs. at this point) • Victor will devote himself to the study of Anatomy • No innate fear of the dead… ‘Fear’ is a learned behavior Victor reflects on his own behavior: “Remember, I am not recording the visions of a madman…I succeeded in discovering the cause of generation and life; nay, more, I became myself capable of bestowing animation upon lifeless matter” (Shelley 47). Speaks to Walton: Identified his Madness/Eagarness

Chapter 4 -Raw Materials Cont. • Victor describes his emotions “no father could claim the gratitude of his child so completely as I should deserve theirs” (Shelley 48) The unthinkable acts done in preparation(p. 49) • • • Dad expects letters from V Warning to Walton about obsession (p. 50) Victor is now neglecting everything Victor is alarmed at his own appearance Isolation + Obsession = Illness

Ch. 5 -A Monster is Born? • Victor Explores his emotions. Picked beautiful parts disgusted w/ it alive • Leaves the monster attempts to sleep monster approaches/V interprets as attack: (Review 1. Postpartum Depression 2. Unreliable Narrator) • Victor walks the streets, Henry shows up, provides flood of old happy memories. • • Fears re-entering the apartment. (No Monster) Feels no responsibility for finding the monster Fears his return; becomes hysterical; falls ill. Clerval nurses back to health asks V to write home!