Frankenstein An Interactive Guide to Mary Shelley’s Novel

Table of Contents Historical Context – Romantic Period Romantic Period – Enlightenment Enlightenment Characters – Map Map Themes – Responsibility, Alienation, Justice ResponsibilityAlienationJustice Book vs. Movie – Video Video

Historical Context Important Events Back

Romantic Period Late 18 th to Mid 19 th Century Characteristics: Innovation Spontaneity Freedom of Expression Glorification of Nature Back

Enlightenment Largely concerned with reason and progress of society. Disdain for tradition and authority. Preoccupation with science, analysis, and observation. Basis of many revolutions to come. Back

Characters Victor Frankenstein – created the monster, spends large portion of his life trying to destroy it. The Monster – created from human parts. Spends most of the novel trying to befriend humans, only to find he is unable. Kills several members of Frankenstein family. Henry Clerval – Frankenstein’s close friend. Elizabeth Lavenza – Frankenstein’s love. Justine Moritz – Frankenstein family’s housekeeper. She is accused of William’s murder and executed. Back

Character Map Each character connects in a meaningful way to the other characters in the novel. Back

Who is responsible for the monster’s actions? The monster killed Frankenstein’s loved ones because he has been shunned by his creator and his “family” the De Laceys. Back

Alienation from Society or Self Robert Walton is alienated from people while at sea. Frankenstein feels alienated at school because of his chosen field. – He also feels alone because no one knows about the monster. The monster feels alienated because everyone is afraid of him. – He has no “people” of his own. Back

Justice Who is treated justly in the novel? Unjustly? What does that tell you about Shelley’s society? About ours? Back

Frankenstein (1931)

Book vs. Movie Frankenstein keeps the monster’s creation a secret. The monster is literate and intelligent. The monster murders Frankenstein’s family out of anger. Frankenstein shares his discovery with others. The monster communicates with grunts and moans. The villagers attack the monster. Frankenstein is portrayed as a “mad scientist.” What are some other differences that you see? Back

Resources “Background to Frankenstein.” Heckmondwike Grammar School, Web. 20 June BN Studio. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. The Book Files. YouTube, Web. 20 June Coghill, Jeff. “Frankenstein: Study Guide and Homework Help - CliffsNotes.” Cliffnotes on Frankenstein, Web. 20 June “Major Themes in Frankenstein.” University of Pennsylvania. Web. 20 June pzmyers. “It's Alive!” YouTube, Web. 20 June 2010.