Frankenstein WB 56

Making Meanings: Chapters XVII-XXIV

Frankenstein

Writing Opportunity

Expand your response to this question into a para­graph explaining two or three other ironies about the relationship between the Creature and his creator.

1. Do you believe that the Creature is reallyremorseful about Victor's death, or doyou think, as Walton does, that he is ahypocritical fiend?
Shaping Interpretations
2. The characters of Victor and Henry arecontrasted with each other in the novel.On the journey to England, how aretheir moods and goals different?
3. In Geneva, when he was fifteen, Victorsaw a tree destroyed by a bolt of light­ning. He now sees himself as a "blasted tree" whose soul has been invaded by"the bolt." What is he saying about himself in this allusion?
4. In his final discussion with Walton, Victor says that he has examined his past con­duct and finds nothing for which to blame himself. He considers his scientificendeavors as an illustrious achievement and feels justified in desiring the death ofthe Creature. What does his unrepentant stance suggest about his character?
5. In what ways do the characters of Victor and the Creature begin to resembleeach other? Why is their growing similarity ironic?
Connecting with the Text
6. Victor must decide whether or not to create a partner for the Creature after hehears the Creature's story. If you were in Victor's position, what decision wouldyou make and why?
Extending the Text
7. The Creature says, "I am malicious because I am miserable," and he is miserablebecause he is "shunned and hated by all mankind." Do you think most people iftreated in a similar fashion would eventually grow to hate society and want to geteven with those who have caused their suffering? Can you think of any examplesfrom the media to support your answer?

Challenging the Text

8. Which of the following do you think is Victor's most irresponsible act: his creationof such an ugly being, his abandonment of the Creature and neglect of his edu­cation, his refusal to create a partner for the Creature, or his refusal to tell anyone(until Walton) what he had done? Explain your choice.

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Frankenstein