Frankenstein

Making Meanings: Chapters V-X
Frankenstein

First Thoughts

1. With whom do you sympathize more—Victor or his creation? Why?
Shaping Interpretations
2. Victor had been totally engrossed in theproject until he actually brought theCreature to life. Why do you thinkVictor's feelings changed?
3. What do you think is the significanceof Frankenstein's dream aboutElizabeth? What future events might itforeshadow?


Writing Opportunity

Expand your response in a para­graph that explains the effects of the novel's multiple set­tings. How does each setting reinforce a particular mood?
4. Victor's personality is repeatedly contrasted with that of his friend Henry. What aresome of the differences between the two characters?
5. Nature is an important part of the setting of the novel. At times, it soothesVictor's troubled mind; at other times, it mirrors his agitation. Choose a scene thattakes place out of doors and analyze the role that nature plays.
6. What do Elizabeth's reactions to the horrible events unfolding about her revealabout her personality? Support your answer with specific details from the story.
7. Victor travels into the mountains to gain relief from his feelings of despair andguilt. The Alps are symbols, that is, they stand for something beyond themselves.What do you think the snowy peaks symbolize?
8. In Chapter X, the Creature speaks for the first time. How does his voice and man­ner differ from Victor's voice and manner?
Connecting with the Text
9. Victor's immediate response is to run away from the Creature rather than face upto his mistake. Furthermore, when Victor returns to his apartment and finds thatthe Creature is not there, he does not attempt to find out what happened to it.Describe a situation in another story or in a movie or TV show in which a charac­ter ran away from a problem instead of facing it.
Extending the Text
10. Parental responsibility is a big issue in today's society. What obligations do you think parents have toward their children? Do you think parents should be held accountable for their children's behavior? Why or why not?


48 Frankenstein