Summary MASTERING "Frankenstein": COMPREHENSIVE STUDY NOTES FOR SUCCESS (14 MINUTES JOURNEY)
1 view 0 purchase
Course
ENGLISH LITERATURE: STUDY NOTES_ MCQs & As, ESSAY
Institution
ENGLISH LITERATURE: STUDY NOTES_ MCQs & As, ESSAY
These study notes on "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley will be helpful to students who are studying for exams, as well as students who are reading the book for the first time. These notes provide a comprehensive overview of important themes, motifs, characters, and events in the novel, helping student...
these study notes are also valuable for lecturers and scholars lecturers can use these notes as a teaching aid to supplement their lectures
providing additional insights and perspectives on the nove
Written for
ENGLISH LITERATURE: STUDY NOTES_ MCQs & As, ESSAY
All documents for this subject (17)
Seller
Follow
masisiandrew
Content preview
MASTERING "Frankenstein": COMPREHENSIVE STUDY
NOTES FOR SUCCESS
(14 MINUTES JOURNEY)
Prepared by: Andy Masis & Professional RM Global Net Team
INTRODUCTION
These study notes on "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley will be helpful to students who are
studying for exams, as well as students who are reading the book for the first time. These notes
provide a comprehensive overview of important themes, motifs, characters, and events in the
novel, helping students to better understand the text and prepare for exams.
For students studying for exams, these study notes provide a concise summary of key aspects of
the novel, which can serve as a valuable review tool. The multiple-choice questions and essay
questions offer practice opportunities for students to test their knowledge and understanding
of the novel, helping them to prepare effectively for exams. Additionally, the quotes provided
can be used as evidence in essay responses, aiding in the development of well-supported
arguments.
For students reading the book for the first time, these study notes serve as a useful guide to
navigate the complex themes and literary elements of "Frankenstein." The notes provide a clear
overview of important aspects of the novel, helping students to grasp the main ideas and motifs.
The essay questions also offer prompts for deeper analysis and critical thinking, guiding
students to explore the novel in a more nuanced way.
Furthermore, these study notes are also valuable for lecturers and scholars. Lecturers can use
these notes as a teaching aid to supplement their lectures, providing additional insights and
perspectives on the novel. Scholars can benefit from the comprehensive overview of key
themes, motifs, and literary elements, which can serve as a reference for academic research
and analysis. Let's get started!!!
OVERVIEW
Page ① Prepared by: Andy Masis & Professional RM Global Net Team
,"Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus" is a novel written by Mary Shelley, first published
in 1818. It is considered one of the greatest works of Gothic fiction and has had a significant
influence on popular culture. The novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young Swiss
scientist who creates a sapient creature in his laboratory, only to abandon it, setting off a chain
of tragic events.
The novel is structured as a frame narrative, with Captain Robert Walton serving as the primary
narrator. Walton is a seafarer who writes letters to his sister, Margaret Saville, recounting his
journey to the North Pole and his encounter with Victor Frankenstein. Victor then takes over as
the narrator and tells his own story to Walton, recounting his early life, education, and passion
for science that led him to create the creature.
Victor Frankenstein grows up in Geneva, Switzerland, in a loving family. He becomes fascinated
with natural philosophy and alchemy and develops a desire to create life. He attends the
University of Ingolstadt in Germany, where he becomes consumed with his experiments and
eventually succeeds in bringing the creature to life. However, Victor is horrified by the
creature's monstrous appearance and flees from it in fear and disgust, leaving the creature to
fend for itself.
The creature, left to navigate the world alone, experiences rejection and mistreatment from
society due to its grotesque appearance. Despite its inherent kindness and intelligence, the
creature is shunned by humans, which fuels its feelings of anger and revenge. The creature
seeks out Victor and pleads with him to create a companion for him, promising to disappear
forever if his request is granted. Victor initially agrees but ultimately changes his mind, fearing
the consequences of creating another creature. This sets off a series of tragic events as the
creature seeks revenge on Victor, causing devastation in his life and the lives of those around
him.
As the story unfolds, Shelley explores themes such as the pursuit of knowledge, the dangers of
playing god, the consequences of isolation, the nature of humanity, and the role of society in
shaping individuals. Victor struggles with the moral and ethical implications of his actions and
grapples with guilt and remorse for creating the creature. The creature, despite its violent acts,
also exhibits a desire for companionship and understanding, and questions its own existence
and purpose.
"Frankenstein" is also notable for its depiction of female characters. Victor's love interest,
Elizabeth Lavenza, and other female characters in the novel are portrayed as gentle and
virtuous, but their roles are largely passive, serving as victims or pawns in the larger narrative.
Shelley's portrayal of female characters has been interpreted as a commentary on gender roles
and the limitations placed on women in the early 19th century.
Page ② Prepared by: Andy Masis & Professional RM Global Net Team
,Shelley's writing style in "Frankenstein" is rich in vivid descriptions of nature and landscapes,
which serve to create a sense of gothic atmosphere and a contrast with the dark events of the
story. The novel also contains elements of epistolary writing, with the use of letters and journal
entries to convey the perspectives of different characters.
"Frankenstein" has been interpreted in various ways since its publication, including as a
cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked scientific progress, a critique of societal norms
and prejudices, and an exploration of the human condition. It has been adapted into numerous
plays, films, and other forms of media, and remains a significant and enduring work of literature
that continues to captivate readers with its themes, characters, and gripping storytelling.
In the final chapters of "Frankenstein," the novel reaches its climax as Victor and the creature
engage in a dramatic pursuit across Europe. Victor becomes consumed by his desire for revenge
against the creature, while the creature continues to seek validation and companionship. The
novel ultimately ends with the death of Victor and the creature's disappearance into the
wilderness, leaving readers with a sense of unresolved conflict and tragedy.
The epilogue is narrated by Walton, who reflects on the events he has witnessed and the
cautionary tale that Victor's story has imparted to him. He expresses regret for his own
ambitious pursuit of glory and acknowledges the dangers of unchecked ambition and the
consequences of meddling with nature. The novel ends with a poignant message about the
perils of human ambition and the complexities of creation and responsibility.
"Frankenstein" is a deeply thought-provoking novel that explores timeless themes of humanity,
morality, and the consequences of scientific advancement. Mary Shelley's eloquent prose and
vivid imagery create a haunting and atmospheric tale that continues to captivate readers over
two centuries after its initial publication. The novel raises profound questions about the nature
of humanity, the limits of scientific progress, and the moral responsibilities that come with
creation. It challenges readers to consider the ethical implications of scientific discovery, the
consequences of societal rejection and isolation, and the power dynamics between creator and
creation.
In addition to its literary significance, "Frankenstein" has also been interpreted as a reflection of
Mary Shelley's own life experiences and societal context. The novel was written during a time
of great social and technological change, and it has been interpreted as a critique of the
Industrial Revolution and the potential dangers of unchecked progress. The novel's portrayal of
Victor's ambition, his isolation from society, and the tragic consequences of his actions can also
be seen as an allegory for Shelley's own struggles as a female writer in a male-dominated
society.
Page ③ Prepared by: Andy Masis & Professional RM Global Net Team
, In conclusion, "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley is a seminal work of Gothic fiction that continues
to be studied, debated, and appreciated for its complex themes, rich imagery, and enduring
relevance. It is a cautionary tale that raises profound questions about the ethical implications of
scientific advancement, the consequences of isolation and rejection, and the moral
responsibilities that come with creation. Shelley's masterpiece has left an indelible mark on
literature and popular culture, and it remains a compelling and thought-provoking read for
audiences today.
CHARACTER ANALYSES OF "FRANKENSTEIN" BY MARY SHELLEY
"Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley features a cast of memorable characters, each with their own
unique traits and motivations. Here are character analyses of some of the key characters in the
novel:
Victor Frankenstein: Victor is the protagonist of the story, a brilliant and ambitious young
scientist who becomes obsessed with the idea of creating life. He is portrayed as a complex
character with both admirable qualities and deep flaws. Initially driven by curiosity and a desire
for scientific discovery, Victor's ambition and unchecked pursuit of knowledge lead him down a
dark path. He is portrayed as reckless, impulsive, and consumed by his own creation, often
acting without considering the consequences of his actions. Victor is also plagued by guilt and
remorse for his creation, which ultimately leads to his downfall.
The Creature: The creature, often referred to as "Frankenstein's monster," is the result of
Victor's experiment to create life. The creature is initially portrayed as innocent and childlike,
but he quickly realizes that he is rejected by society due to his grotesque appearance. This
rejection leads the creature to experience profound loneliness, isolation, and anger. Despite his
monstrous appearance, the creature is capable of deep emotions, including love, kindness, and
longing for companionship. However, he also displays a darker side, committing acts of violence
out of frustration and seeking revenge against Victor for his abandonment.
Elizabeth Lavenza: Elizabeth is Victor's adopted sister and eventual love interest. She is
portrayed as a gentle and selfless character, who is devoted to Victor and his family. Elizabeth
serves as a symbol of purity and goodness, and her character provides a stark contrast to the
darker and more flawed characters in the novel. However, her innocence and vulnerability also
make her a tragic figure in the story, as she becomes entangled in the destructive
consequences of Victor's actions.
Robert Walton: Robert Walton serves as the framing narrator of the novel, as he recounts the
story of Victor and the creature through a series of letters. Walton is a sea captain who is on a
voyage of discovery in the Arctic. He is portrayed as ambitious and driven, much like Victor, but
Page ④ Prepared by: Andy Masis & Professional RM Global Net Team
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller masisiandrew. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $9.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
