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1. Compare the treatment of the figure of the Promethean overreacher in Byron's "Prometheus" and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Do these two texts portray these figures (Prometheus and Victor Frankenstein) in the same way? Is the author's expressed (implicit or explicit) attitude toward these figure the same or different? How so? Explain by using very specific references to the poem and novel, quoting specific passages to support your claims.
2. Develop a comparison involving three (3) of the characters in Shelley's novel in terms of their relationship to Nature. How do their views of or interaction with Nature influence what these characters do in the novel and what eventually happens to them? Explain by using very specific references to the novel, quoting specific passages to support your claims.
3. The word "doppelgänger" was used
repeatedly in our discussion. Explain the degree to which
both Clerval and the Creature can be seen as doppelgängers
for Victor, discussing such issues as relationship to Nature,
relationship to Women, and view of Self in your
discussion. Be sure to include quotes from Victor that
describe his view of the similarities between himself and each
of the other two figures. (Helpful Link)
4. Describe the criminal justice system presented in
this novel, using the three examples of William's murder,
Clerval's murder, and Elizabeth's murder, as well as the
official responses to these acts, in your discussion. Is
it a fair system? Do all crimes get investigated in the same
way? Do some people receive preferential treatment? If so,
who? What characteristics determine the treatment the different
suspects receive? Incorporate your responses to these
questions into a smooth discussion. Do NOT just answer the
questions in order. Make sure to include quotes describing
each of these situations. (Potentially Useful Essays, )
5. An important concept that we discussed was the
relationship between appearance and reality. Describe what this
relationship is, using the examples of three different
characters, including Victor, the Creature, and one other
figure. Are these figures always "what they seem"? What
factors contribute to the distinction between appearance and
reality? Incorporate your responses to these questions
into a smooth discussion, using quotes to describe each of the
three characters. (Potentially Useful Essay)
6. Explain the significance of the dream Victor has the
night that he succeeds in bringing life to his creation. Explain
the symbolism of the images involved in terms of the
themes presented in the work as a whole. You should
incorporate discussion of Victor's view of and relationship to
Family, Women, and Sexuality in your discussion, using quotes
from other parts of the novel to support your discussion.
(Helpful Link)
7. In what ways is Frankenstein a gothic novel? Describe at least three different characteristics of gothic literature that are exemplified by the novel, being sure to provide extensive examples from the novel to support your claims.
8. Explain the similarities and differences with regards to the relationship between Victor and Elizabeth and Safie and Felix. How does each man view his "partner"?
9. Compare the relationships between Victor and his father and that between Victor and his creature. What are the similarities and differences? You may wish to consider Victor's question to Clerval--"How could you suppose that my first thoughts would not fly towards those dear, dear friends whom I love, and who are so deserving of my love?" (65)--in light of the fact that his first thoughts do not "fly" there.
10. What are the similarities and differences involved in the comparison between the relationships involving Victor & Elizabeth and the Creature and his potential female mate? How do Victor and the Creature view their "partners" and their future "married" lives? Look specifically at the discussion between Victor and the Creature at the end of the second section.
11. Why does the Creature frame Justine for the murder of William? What does this say about the way he has learned to view women? What does this say about the criminal justice system and society in general?
12. What is the function of solitude in Frankenstein?
Look
specifically
at Victor and the Creature. Do they have the same view of
solitude? Does it have the same effect on them? Explain.
