Frankenstein Chapters 1-6

Letters Sets the framework for the telling of the tale Narrator: unknown stranger Audience: Walton

Who is Walton? Sea captain / explorer has an intense desire for discovery and the unknown (willing to risk his life) Epic hero (“glorious” “magnificent” misson) • Consumed by the need to be immortal • suffers from “hubris” • believes he is invincible • his values are questionable (refuses to let his dream go) • highly motivated • younger version of Dr. Frankenstein

Themes The quest for new knowledge can lead to self-destruction Human need for companionship

Chapter 1 Theme of family and kinship: the necessity of human contact and emotional ties Ie. Frankenstein visits his friend Beaufort Ie. Caroline is concerned with the needs of her family, poor, her father Ie. Beaufort’s ruin is connected to his decision to live in isolation

First Person Narrator Victor is part of a traditional family structure Ideal childhood (utopian) – expect Victor to reflect the love and beauty he was surrounded with as a child

Relationships Caretaker / cared for Ie. Caroline and her father Ie. Victor’s father and Caroline Ie. The Frankenstein’s and Elizabeth Ie. Victor and Elizabeth Love is dependent upon one’s willingness to care for another person – particularly if that person is defenseless or innocent

Theme One must care for one’s children, since one is responsible for bringing them into the world

Chapter 2 Characteristics that lead to Victor’s downfall Thirst for knowledge (need for survival) Compulsive (madness?) Reads for secrets – forbidden knowledge

Elizabeth • a “saint” – her gentle, feminine influence saves Victor from his obsession • influence of women as offering hope of salvation (inspires one to temperance and kindness)

Character foil: Henry Clerval Passionate, creative character Very open Writes songs/plays

Role of Fate Chances upon the volume of Cornelius Agrippa Destiny brought Victor back to the study of Natural Philosophy Victor tries to absolve himself of responsibility

Creation First time we see this word in the novel “creative abortion”

Chapter 3 Caroline nurses Elizabeth – self-sacrifice Dies peacefully – eternal reward Vows Victor and Elizabeth should marry in the future

University Coming of age Foreshadowing of things to come (mother’s death, long and tiring journey, knows nobody) Pursuit of knowledge takes the place of friends and family – substitute for human connection Waldman makes the scientist a god (seduces Victor back to the world of natural science – hopes to be a god) – wants to be omnipotent and omniscient

Frankenstein Narrator is now called by last name – depersonalizes him Distances him from the reader Frankenstein is almost a separate persona (the god/scientist)

Chapter 4 Two years have passed – no family contact Capacity for altruism and benevolence has been destroyed by his obsession (flawed character) Selfish Self aggrandizement: he wants to be worshipped by his creation

Role of Fate Going to return home, but is stopped by a chance occurance Plot device: dashed expectation We long for F. to save himself – but his ruin is inevitable (destiny)

Creation Hesitates before beginning his research Calls this cowardice Contemptuous of prudence and caution (limitations) Man should attempt to reverse death (to alter divine handiwork) Disrespects natural and heavenly boundaries (hubris)

Dehumanizing of Frankenstein Becomes less human and more monstrous as he attempts to create a human being Ie. Tortures living creatures Neglects his family Haunts cemeteries and charnel houses • as his morality suffers so does his health (pale, emaciated) • Frankenstein’s work is sickening Victor

Chapter 5 Victor’s obsession becomes a dream – ends with creature’s birth F.’s eyes open with the creatures – he realizes what he has done – makes him sick Sentences become short Dreams of his mother (death of virtue)

Birth of the creature Benevolent Affectionately reaches for Frankenstein Innocent (like a new-born child)

Victor’s rejection Renounces his child Contrasts his parent’s devotion and Clerval’s selfless care Shows F. as unethical

Chapter 6 Elizabeth’s letter: tells of home events Victor’s brothers Justine (Caroline’s relationship is similar to Elizabeth’s relationship to Caroline)

Justine Theme: the inevitability of atoning for one’s sins – entails suffering One must always pay for cruelty – with the thing one holds most dear

Victor abandons Science Denial of events Impervious to harm (doesn’t attempt to find creature) Carelessness (continues as if nothing occurred) Takes up languages and poetry Refuses to acknowledge mistakes (creates alternate reality) Weak character (prolonged illness)

Springtime Wish to be reborn