Title: Mary Shelley
1Mary ShelleysFrankenstein
2Why is it a Classic?
It speaks truths
It reveals human fears
It warns us of humans relentless search for power
3Ideas to Consider as We Read..
- Parents should not necessarily be held
responsible for their childrens actions. - Everyone is capable of having a dark side.
- Some secrets are meant to be kept.
- Technology and science can solve all of our
problems. - Companionship is as basic a need as food or
shelter. - If a person or animal is treated with cruelty,
then he will respond to others in the same way.
4Ideas to Consider as We Read..
- 7. Loneliness is the main cause of sorrow in
life. - 8. People make judgments based on physical
appearance all the time. - 9. Nature has restorative effects.
- 10. The most basic human need uniting us all is
the need to feel like we actually matter. - 11. It is more important to make a mark on the
world than to preserve the feelings of others. It
is difficult to do both simultaneously. - 12. Nature vs. nurture- which has a greater
impact on human development?
5Frankenstein An Authors Introduction,
xxiii-xxviii
- What did the publishers want her to do for
them? Why do you think was the case? - What does her childhood/personal background have
to do with what she wrote? - What happened at Lord Byrons house?
- How did her exposure to certain conversations
influence her?
6Mary Shelleys Frankenstein
- Her publishers thought it would be
useful/interesting for her to explain to her
readers how her story came about. - This is somewhat reasonable given her identity
as a female and the fact that nothing like it had
ever been written before.
7Her Familys Influence
- Her father, William Godwin,was a political
thinker and writer. - Her mother, Mary WollstonecrAft, was a
feminist.
8Mary Shelleys Frankenstein
- In the summer of 1816, 19 year old Mary
Wollstonecraft Godwin and her husband, the poet
Percy Shelley, visited the Lord Byron at his
villa beside Lake Geneva in Switzerland.
9The Motivation
- Stormy weather frequently forced them indoors,
where they and Byron's other guests sometimes
read from a volume of ghost stories. One evening,
Byron challenged his guests to each write one
themselves. Mary's story, inspired by a dream,
became Frankenstein. - Her social circles
- and her marriage to a
- well-respected Romantic
- poet would have raised
- her interest in writing
- and in science, reason, etc
10What was Science Up to at this Point?
- During Marys time, scientists and physicians
were fascinated by the elusive boundary between
life and death. - They experimented with lower organisms,
performed human anatomical studies, attempted to
resuscitate drowning victims, and even performed
experiments using electricity to restore life to
the recently dead.
11Where is this all going?.....
- Influenced by the Romantic Period, the
scientific inquiry of her time, and her own life,
Mary Shelleys Gothic novel, Frankenstein,
presents a clear message on the irony and danger
in the quest for power.
12Social Context Gothicism and Romanticism
- Setting late 18th century, across various parts
of Europe, esp Switzerland, Germany, and the far
reaches of the Arctic - Published in 1818 at the height of the Romantic
movement (1798-1832)- movement in art and
literature that stressed such concepts as
optimism, importance of the individual,
imagination, the value of nature, and the
expression of thought - Romantic heroes are often rebels, outcasts,
pariahs- a motif we will see developed throughout
this Gothic text.
13Social Context Gothicism and Romanticism
- Frankenstein- quintessential example of a gothic
novel, which was very popular btwn 1760 and 1820. - It can be considered a blend of both
- Romanticism and Gothicism.
- Gothic harsh or cruel (Gothic tribes of
- The Middle Ages) also mean
- medieval, referring to the actual
- historical period
14Elements of a Gothic novel
- Freedom of thought and expression, idealization
of nature, emphasis on heightened emotion over
sound reason - Mysterious disappearances, supernatural
occurrences, suspense, terror, decay, horrible
ruin - Protagonist- usually a solitary, egocentric
character who ultimately suffers great turmoil - Sinister settings nature used frequently to
create atmosphere, almost can function as a
character of sorts..Gothic architecture - Dark side of human nature is emphasized
- Passive female, women in great distress and
tragedy
15A Few Words on the Preface.
- Marys husband Percy Shelley, a celebrated
Romantic poet wrote it. It explains the origins
of the book. - Marlow refers to a place near London from where
Percy was writing. - Frankenstein was first published anonymously,
most likely b/c she was female. (Anonymous
authorship- not uncommon for many female writers
through the 19th century). In fact, the
reviewers of her day simply assumed a male wrote
the book. - Later, republished editions included Marys
Authors Introduction.
16Letters 1-4
- Exposition begins with these letters and contains
all events up through (roughly) the end of
Chapter 3.. - R.W., or Robert Walton- writing to his sister
Margaret Saville, who is back in London. - R.W.- dreamy explorer, interested in making
some sort of mark on the world, in the magnetic
forces near the Arctic Poles, in discovering new
travel routes - His quest for knowledge echoes that of the
stranger and foreshadows the development of
this theme.
17Letters 1-4
- Walton expresses great need for a very specific
type of companionship- motif developed throughout
the text. (What might this foreshadow?) I have
no friend Margaret - Note the Romantic allusion- Rime of the Ancient
Mariner- famous Romantic poem about a mournful
sailor who ends up wretched.RW, though, believes
success shall crown my endeavors. - Letter 4 RW and his comrades come upon 2
figures on the ice- 1st manof gigantic
stature - Later, RW pulls the stranger on board.
18Letters 1-4
- Mysterious wretched stranger- travelling to
seek one who has fled me..- the aforementioned
manof gigantic stature.. - Notice how badly this stranger wants to find
the demon he is seeking. - RW begins to love him as a brother. They have a
great affinity for each other, can relate to each
others ambitious nature. You seek for
knowledge and wisdom as I once did - The stranger tells RW his story as a cautionary
tale of sorts.
19Letters 1-4
- Significance of the end of Letter 4 RW tells his
sister that he plans to record the tale of the
stranger, as nearly as possible in his own
words - Frankensteins narrative structure- frame
story/narrative. - Chapter 1 begins the first person narration of
the stranger as told directly to and filtered
through RW.
20Narrative Structure in Frankenstein
- Interesting fusion of 2 literary genres
- 1. Epistolary novel- work containing series of
documents, namely letters, journal entries, etc).
It is traditionally considered a more female
genre. - Intended purpose reveals inner psychological
struggles - Shelley subverts this genre through the use of a
male narrator. How? - Subvert- to undermine the power and authority of
(typically in a clever or even insidious manner) - Male narrator/s here experience/s little to no
growth!
21Narrative Structure in Frankenstein
- 2. Explorers journal- traditionally a more
masculine genre. - Shelley also subverts the traditional purposes of
this genre. How? - The male narrator experiences little growth which
was not typical of this genre. Victor ultimately
collapses mentally Waltons quest for knowledge
is largely a failure.
22Chapter 1
- Stranger- Genevese- (Swiss), from a very
distinguished family his father is a renowned
businessman of sorts. - This stranger speaks highly of his fathers
character, providing the example of how he stands
by his merchant friend, Beaufort, when he falls
into great bankruptcy and subsequent depression. - Caroline is the daughter of Beaufort. She goes
on to marry the elder Mr. Frankenstein, becoming
Victors mother.
23Chapter 1
- Caroline , too, is portrayed as being of
exceptional character- great tendernessa mind
of uncommon mold. - Passive female is all over this chapter Caroline
is left an orphan and a beggar when Beaufort
dies. Also, notice the description of her as much
younger than her husband soft and benevolent
mind. - Elizabeth Lavenza, too- adoptive Italian sister
of the stranger. His parents took pity on her
during an excursion.He speaks of her as his
cousin,sister and what else? She is in
Victors possession. - Finally, the strangers name is revealed to be
Victor!
24Chapter 1- closing thoughts
- Notice the revelation of the strangers name as
Victor.Why might Shelley have presented in this
way? And why is he constantly referred to as the
stranger? - This builds suspense and consistently emphasizes
Victor as a man apart, a pariah- all in keeping
with conventions of the gothic novel
25Chapter 2
- Harmony was the soul of our companionship..-
Victor and Elizabeth have a wonderful
relationship! - They are wonderful foils, or complements, for one
another. An opposites attract type situation. - We get a preview of Victors thirst for
knowledge.. - Victor had a wonderful childhood. No one could
have had a more wonderful childhood than myself. - Notice the way male friendships play a role in
the novel.(RW Victor, Beaufort Mr.
Frankenstein, and Victor and his beloved Henry
Clerval).
26Chapter 2
- Victor has wonderful relationships still, he
recognizes he is different from those he is
closest to in life. He is self-taught, has
different interests from Elizabeth Henry. - Victor is a reader and a scholar who embarks on a
search for the elixir of life. (Does his father
foster Victors interest in learning? How does
this impact Victor? What is suggested about the
nature of parents? ) - Gothic elements abound- the thunderstorm sparks
some sort of fire in Victor, an even increased
interest in the reaches of science. - Why might the term destruction be used at the end
of this chapter?...
27Chapter 3
- Caroline dies as a result of having nursed
Elizabeth back to health from her bout w/ scarlet
fever- Victors first massive emotional setback.
- What should we be noticing about the portrayal of
the female characters? - Is Elizabeth a strong or weak character? How so?
- Victor-off to university at 17- Ingolstadt in
Bavaria, a region of modern-day Germany (sort of
like a modern-day MIT) - What similarities are there between Henry and
Victor?
28Chapter 3
- Victor- certainly conflicted about leaving home
- Note the personification and kenning in Chance
evil influence, Angel of Destruction-
surrounding Victors meeting w/ one of his new
professors, Krempe. - Krempe dismisses Victors interest in alchemy.
This reflects the scientific trends of Shelleys
day. - Alchemy- medieval science whose principal aim was
attempting to change base metals into gold.
However, alchemists also had interests in trying
to cure disease and prolong human life. - Victor- intimidated by Krempe, finds his
personality abrasive. -
29The Real Frankenstein Experiment
- 1. What exactly does Markram hope to achieve?
- 2. How do you feel about his project?
- 3. What sentences reveal just how ambitious he
Markram really is? - 4. What sentence best addresses the potential
problems associated with this Blue Brain
project? - 5. How does the author, Michael Hanlon, feel
about Prf. Markrams project? How do you know?
What makes you feel this way? (Provide textual
evidence). - 6. Find 5 elevated vocabulary words in the text
and define.
30Chapter 3
- Victor- certainly conflicted about leaving home
- Note the personification and kenning in Chance
evil influence, Angel of Destruction-
surrounding Victors meeting w/ one of his new
professors, Krempe. - Krempe dismisses Victors interest in alchemy.
This reflects the scientific trends of Shelleys
day. - Alchemy- medieval science whose principal aim was
attempting to change base metals into gold.
However, alchemists also had interests in trying
to cure disease and prolong human life. - Victor- intimidated by Krempe, finds his
personality abrasive. -
31Chapter 3
- Waldman- almost the antithesis of Krempe
- Victors interaction w/ Waldman has a profound
impact upon him it is the impetus that propels
Victor toward exploring the far reaches and
possibilities of science. - (Refers to him as a true friend in next
chapter) - Thus ended a memorable day for me it decided my
future destiny.- Groundwork is laid here for the
exciting force/inciting incident - Victors decision to attempt to push the
boundaries of science and create life.
32Chapter 4
- Rising action/complication begins.
- Narrative structure in compromised when Victors
narration is interrupted- reminds RW of the
dangers of the pursuit of knowledge. - Victor Whence, I often asked myself, did the
nature of life proceed? increasingly obsessed,
hasnt been home in approx. 2 yrs. - Gothic elements v strong in his description of
his experiences with corpses and in various
vaults, etc.. - His father was rather dismissive of Victors
interests, never seemed to be too supportive of
them- perhaps for good reason.
33Chapter 4
- Victor- uncovers the secret to creating life
- Juxtaposition the placement of two disparate
(contrasting) elements, ideas, people, etc
alongside one another for dramatic effect and
heightened tension. - Juxtaposition of gothic and Romantic elements-
1. The gothic Victor uses pieces of
discarded corpses to make his own creature, etc.
2. The Romantic- Victor is so caught
up in his pursuits he doesnt notice the beauty
of the passing seasons. - But I forget.- reminder to the reader of the
narrative structure, reinforces RWs role.
34Mini Review
- Characterize Mr. Frankensteins views on Victors
education. Why do you think Mr. Frankenstein feel
this way? - Last class, we briefly discussed the
juxtaposition of both gothic and Romantic
elements in the text. What does juxtaposition
actually mean? - In what way/s is Victor similar to Macbeth?
- Why did Victor tell no one about his efforts?
- What seems to be the predominate literary device
thus far? How so? - What predictions can you make about any
character? Why do you feel this way?
35Chapter 5
- Dark, dreary setting establishes a sense of
foreboding as the monster, Victors creation is
about to be revealed - He reacts with horror and absolute disgust at
what he had created due to his unchecked
ambition. - What might this monster now symbolize?.....
- Romantic allusion to previous poem- reinforces
Victors internal dread and turmoil - Clerval rescues Henry, nurses him back to health.
(What prior plot point is this reminiscent of?) - Notice the pattern/functioning of male
friendships in the text- motif.
36Chapter 6
- Narration opens w/ letter from Elizabeth-
Shelleys subversion of the epistolary form gives
the narration a more layered feel. - She writes of Ernest and William Frankenstein,
their brothers - Justine Moritz, a poor servant girl with a
strange and highly changeable mother, is
introduced. Caroline has chosen that she join
the Frankenstein family as a servant. Justine is
treated well, but she hasnt had an easy life. - Why is Justines mother so tormented? How would
you explain her?.....
37Chapter 6
- Romantic influence- notice the rejuvenating
effect of nature on Victor as he recovers from
his nervous breakdown. - Victors happiness and heightened emotions
function to dramatize, to complicate, the events
that will soon unfold..
38Questions for Review
- Who is really the only unsympathetic female
character we have encountered thus far? - Describe Mrs. Moritz.
- Where have we seen the influence of the Catholic
Church? - How does the monster develop into something of a
sympathetic character? (textual examples) - What is revealed about the nature of knowledge,
learning, and parenting in the text? (Think in
terms of the monsters experience). - How are Safie and the monster similar?
39Chapter 7
- Victors father conveys the woeful news that
William is dead, presumably having been strangled
in the woods. - Henry Clerval accompanies Victor back to Geneva.
- Victor sees the monster in the woods and is
resolute that he killed his brother William. - Two years have gone by since he created the
monster. - Justine is charged with Williams murder. She
was found with a picture of Caroline that William
possessed. - Victor knows she is innocent. The rest of his
family seems to believe strongly in her
innocence, too.
40Chapter 8
- On the surface, Justine appears guilty much of
the evidence does implicate her as Williams
murderer. She had been out wandering, she
appears frightful and nervous - Victor I believed in her innocence I knew it.
- Elizabeth offers powerful character testimony in
court in defense of Justine. - Justine confesses but only because she was under
great duress, threatened with excommunication. - She is executed for her supposed role in the
murder of young William. - Victor- torn by remorse, horror, and despair-
refers to William and Justine as victims of his
unhallowed arts
41Chapter 9
- Victor lives in a self-described a hell of
intense tortures His acceptance of
responsibility- and his feelings regarding the
monster- are warped. He refers to himself as the
true murderer. Still, Victor hates and fears
the monster. Revenge is foremost in his
thoughts. - Elizabeth- the quintessence of virtue and
goodness- maintains Justines innocence. - What does Victor fear will happen?
- The chapter ends w/ Victor seeking retreat in the
valley for some relief from his turmoil
(Romanticism) - I was a wreck but nothing had changed in those
savage and enduring scenes
42Questions for Review
- How and where are biblical allusions present?
- How is Safies portrayal in keeping with the
other females we have encountered thus far? - What kind of person is her father? Why? How so?
- What motivates the monster to frame Justine?
- Where is the concept of the sublime apparent in
the text? - Where do we see light and fire in the text? What
could each symbolize?
43Chapter 10
- One thing that can soothe, console Victor now.
- The sight of the awful and majestic in nature
had indeed always the effect of solemnizing my
mind. - Victors experience of the sublime-
literary/philosophical concept that nature has a
dramatic restorative effect (Romantic) - Note the allusion to Percy Shelleys poem,
Mutability, to capture Victors turmoil. - Sadness of the theme The only guarantee in life
is that nothing stays the same. - Victor and his monster finally confront one
another. The monster pursues Victor in the hopes
that he will fulfill his duties as his creator.
44Chapter 10
- Monsters lack of a name symbolizes Victors
total disregard of the monsters apparent- and
clear- need for nurturing and social development.
- Monster How dare you thus sport with life?-
recognition of Victors hubris (excessive pride
and arrogance in venturing to create life so
carelessly) - In his mind, he has done nothing to deserve such
rejection.. - Biblical allusions to Genesis Monster describes
himself as the rightful Adam, yet he is scorned
as the fallen angel or like Lucifer. He refers
to Victor as his creator, longs for a
companion. (reminiscent of Adam and Eve)
45Chapter 10
- Monsters request Listen to my story and then
judge me as you would. - Significance Reader is exposed to a more human,
merciful side of the monster AND Victor finally
seems to realize- albeit very begrudgingly- that
he may have some responsibility toward his
creation.
46Chapter 11, 12
- Narration changes to include- verbatim- the
monsters first person account of his life thus
far. Reader is able to relate to the monster and
hear a fresh perspective. - Walton----Victor-----Monster..
- Notice the monsters fondness for the villagers
and his great yearning for companionship. (Where
had we seen this need echoed before? What does
this signify?) - The monster is articulate. Why is this
noteworthy? - He is self-educated, which shows his need for
nurturing. - He has taught himself language and learned as
much as he is able the gift of empathy.
47Chapter 12
- Monster takes refuge in the woods and is enamored
of the family. He is able to glean they are sad
due to poverty. - The cottagers the father, or old man, girl
Agatha, boy Felix. - He helps them out at a distance He wants to be
welcomed by them he anonymously helps them with
their chores.He called them his protectors - The monster wants to learn to speak Why?
- Also, is his general reaction to nature similar
or dissimilar to that of Victor?
48Chapter 13
- Arabian Safie- introduced under mysterious
circumstances. - Felix appears to be in love with her his family
is very kind to her. Felix does eventually marry
her. - As they educate her, the monster, too, becomes
more educated and disillusioned with humanity.
Notice his reaction to the lessons of history - Was man, indeed, at once so powerful, so
virtuous and magnificent, yet so vicious and
base?...Oh what a strange nature is knowledge! - The monsters epiphany He sees that his
education is both a blessing and a curse. He
wants a family he recognizes that he is a
pariah, an outcast with no lovep. 108
49Chapter 14
- Monster provides reader w/ details about DeLacey
family Mr. DeLacey, Felix, and Agatha are French
and were once very wealthy. - Felix, in love with Safie, once tried to save
Safies father- a social agitator?- from unjust
imprisonment by the French govt. Her father
betrays Felix and his family. He never cared they
were all thrown into prison, became penniless
trying to save him. - Safie- yet another example of a passive,
persecuted female. She strives to be free of her
oppressive father. She finds her Muslim world
confining as did her Christian mother, who was
made a slave by the Turks.
50Chapter 14,15
- Safie- powerful testament to the tensions between
the Christian and Arab worlds. - Like the monster, she hopes to find her place in
the world by acquiring knowledge (language) and
escaping oppression. - The monster finds Victors journals and vows to
find him. Notice his anger at Victor. - Also, he is desperate for companionship, so he
works up the nerve to present himself to the
Delaceys. - Felix and Agatha are horrified and throw him out.
Mr. Delacey is blind ?
51Chapter 16
- The DeLaceys abandon their cottage out of fear of
the monster, which enrages him. He burns the
cottage to the ground. - Symbolism of light (knowledge/discovery) and fire
(dark force/destruction)- Notice that lightness
and darkness are the first sensations the monster
experiences.(Genesis) - The monster encounters William and is delighted
at the thought of a potential companion. Why did
he really murder him, though?- He is filled w/
wrath once he begins to understand he is related
to Victor. - Why does he want to frame Justine by placing the
locket on her person? Why has the monster become
so twisted?
52Chapter 17
- The monster increasingly views himself as a
victim his creator and all those who encounter
him shape his evil motivations and acts. I am
malicious because I am miserableAm I not shunned
and hated by all mankind? - Narration shifts back to Victor.
- P. 135,6Victor shows some shred of sympathy for
the monster, especially as the monster requests a
companion just like himself. Yet he vacillates
.. - Victors mixed reaction to nature and family is
reflective of his inner turmoil. - Personification of nature Starsyet all are
about to mock me (p. 138)
53Questions for Review
- Whose death is foreshadowed most strongly in the
text? - Elizabethsmy more than sister, since till
death she was to be mine only. - Identify literary devices in the following
Destiny was too potent, and her immutable laws
had decreed my utter and total destruction. - How does RW feel about Victor?
- Are the monster and Victor two sides of the same
coin? - How is exile, esp, self-imposed exile is a motif?
- How does Victor feel about his own ambition?
54Chapter 18
- Victor delays his efforts to create a female
companion. - He wants to marry Elizabeth, as Alphonse
suggests, but he fears that the monster may do
more harm. (foreshadowing). He is reluctant to
become engaged w/out first finishing his
creation. - Clervals reaction to the beauties of nature is
the antithesis of Victors. - Yet anthr allusion to Romantic poetry (nature)
55Chapter 19
- Victor In Clerval I saw the former image of
myself Victor sees he was once innocently
inquisitive and joyful as Clerval now is on their
travels. He refers to himself as Victors
shadow. - Doppelganger- (German)- a character double a
character that reflects the dark, or opposing,
side of a character. Think of a character being
divided into two living psychological forces.
(alter ego)- how is this different from a foil? - The monster can be interpreted as Victors
doppelganger. Each has good intentions.Also,
they are inextricably linked. Ones fate
determines the others. (Is Henry Victor also
Vs doppelganger?)
56Chapters 20 21
- Victor destroys his female creation he fears
that she will bear offspring. Also, he feels it
would be selfish to do so. - The monster in response to Victors broken
promise I will be with you on your
wedding-night. - The monster essentially has framed Victor for the
murder of Henry Clerval. - Victor, just as in the case of William and
Justine, refers to himself as Henrys murderer. - Mr. Kirwin- the magistrate- like a prosecutor
or judge - Victor is acquitted his whereabouts the night of
the murder are confirmed.
57Chapters 22 23
- If for one instant, I had thought what might be
the hellish intention of my fiendish
adversary.The monster had blinded me to his real
intentions. Victor misinterpreted the
monsters threat. - Victor had planned to tell Elizabeth his secret.
- CLIMAX the murder of Elizabeth.
- Alphonse dies of heartbreak.
- Victor tells the Genevan magistrate his tale, who
regards it with some incredulity. - Some irony in Victors words Man how ignorant
art thou in thy pride of wisdom! p. 191
58Chapter 24 to end
- Denouement/falling action Victors rage and
heartbreak following the murder of Elizabeth, his
pursuit of the monster into the Arctic, Victors
death, Waltons reclamation of the narration. - Victor Revenge kept me alive.(Wrath and despair
are strongly present, too.) - How does sleep function as a motif? ..
(Victor) - RW believes Victors story and sympathizes with
him. - Victor to RW Learn my miseries and do not seek
to increase your own. Victor does sees the
error of his ways simultaneously, he believes it
is his destiny to destroy the monster.
59Chapter 24 to end
- Henry Victor as Victor Walton
- Walton sees a true friend for himself in Victor-
a glorious spirit Victor states no one can
replace the lost Henry for him. (feelings are
not entirely reciprocated). This shows Victors
obsessive determination to destroy the monster. - Walton- somewhat of an objective reporter to
filter Victors account
60Chapter 24 to end
- Resolution Failure of RWs expedition, death of
Victor (report of), appearance of monster to RW,
monster wandering off mournfully - Situational Irony- contrast between what actually
happens and what would be expected or
appropriate - Victors encouraging RW to continue on w/ his
expedition despite the dangers presented to him-
Victor had expressed to RW his desire that RW
learn from his ambition. - Has Victor changed? How so? How not?
- Victor wants RW to destroy the monster on his
behalf.
61Chapter 24 to end
- Evidence of doppelganger apparent in monsters
viewing of Victors body - In his murder my crimes are consummated the
miserable series of my being is wound to a
close! - The fallen angel becomes a malignant devil.
(allusion to Lucifer) - The monster seems distraught at Victors death
and at his own actions. RW finds himself torn.
The monster wanders off to die he refers to
death as his only consolation from his crimes. - Self-imposed exile- a strong motif in the text-
seen in both Victor and the monster (the latter
pledges to go into exile if he gets his female
companion)