1. Frankenstein
Volume I
Analysis

2. Loneliness
The first Volume introduces the reader to a major theme in the work: loneliness.
Robert Walton first expresses his loneliness to his sister via the letters.
Next, Victor’s seclusion from society while he works on his creation could be one of the potential causes of his madness (among other factors).
The theme of loneliness and alienation from society will continue when the creature has his turn in narrating the story.

3. Symbols Definition: Symbols are objects, characters, figures, or colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.
Light and Fire
“What could not be expected in the country of eternal light?” asks Walton, displaying a faith in, and optimism about, science.
In Frankenstein, light symbolizes knowledge, discovery, and enlightenment.
The natural world is a place of dark secrets, hidden passages, and unknown mechanisms.
The goal of the scientist is then to reach light.

4. Fire The dangerous and more powerful cousin of light is fire.
The presence of fire in the text also brings to mind the full title of Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus. The Greek god Prometheus gave the knowledge of fire to humanity and was then severely punished for it.
Please note that we will delve more deeply into the fire (ah, yes, a play on words) when we discuss the Creature’s viewpoint.

5. Fire /Light
Victor, attempting to become a modern Prometheus, is certainly punished, but unlike fire, his “gift” to -humanity—knowledge of the secret of life—remains a secret.

6. Tonight for Homework
Research the Prometheus myth. Find out as much information on the myth as possible.
Answer the questions in your notebook in complete sentences.

7. What similarities do you note between Prometheus and Frankenstein?
How are the two life-creators/givers different, with respect to their values, goals for humankind, punishment received for their actions, and anything else that you can think of?
Why does each of the two characters (Frankenstein and Prometheus) try to "play with fire" in his own way? What are their motivations? How are these alike and different?
Who are the ultimate "creators" in their two stories? In other words, who's in charge at Olympus/Earth and in Frankenstein? How do you know? Defend your answer with evidence from the texts.
Who are some of the other main characters in the lives of Prometheus and Frankenstein? How do the actions of Prometheus and Frankenstein impact their loved ones?

8. Shelley’s views on Children
In writing Frankenstein, Mary Shelley drew on the philosophies of John Locke and Jean- Jacques Rousseau. Locke’s Essay Concerning Human Understanding (1690) argued that a child is a “blank slate” that is formed only through experience.
Rousseau’s’ Emile, or On Education (1762) promotes the idea that a child’s upbringing is responsible for his education.

9. Chapters 6-10 Vocabulary fetter- shackle immutable-unchanging
vacillating-fluctuating, wavering
salubrious-healthful
carnage-destruction of life
ignominious- disgraceful
timorous- fearful
obdurate-stubborn
perdition-damnation, complete ruin
inexorable-relentless, unyielding

10. Putting words into Sentences
1. He looks upon study as an odious fetter; his time is spent in the open air, climbing the hills or rowing on the lake.
2. The blue lake, the snow-clad mountains, they never change; and I think our placid home, and our contented hearts are regulated by the same immutable laws.
3. The poor woman was very vacillating in her repentance.
4. We passed a fortnight in these perambulations: my health and spirits had long been restored, and they gained additional strength from the salubrious air I breathed, the natural incidents of our progress, and the conversation of my friend.

11. 5. Alas! I had turned loose into the world a depraved wretch, whose delight was in carnage and misery; had he not murdered my bother?
6. Justine also was a girl of merit, and possessed qualities which promised to render her life happy: now all was to be obliterated in an ignominious grave; and I the cause!
7. ...but fear, and hatred of the crime of which they supposed her guilty, rendered them timorous, and unwilling to come forward.
8. He threatened excommunication and hell fire in my last moments, if I continued obdurate.

12. 9. Dear lady, I had none to support me; all looked on me as a wretch doomed to ignominy and perdition.
happy beyond his hopes, if this inexorable fate be satisfied, and if the destruction pause before the peace of the grave have succeeded to your sad torments.