Reading Guide
Frankenstein or, the Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley
Before you begin reading, look over the questions for each chapter. As you read, code the text to be able to answer the questions in class discussion. Be prepared with specific textual references. (An * before a question means it will be the focus of our discussion.)
Be sure to keep track of questions you have. No guide to reading could possibly raise all the questions and issues from such a rich novel.
In addition to the questions below, you should also keep written notes at the end of each reading segment on the development of character, conflict, theme, and metaphor.
Because we are using different texts, I have tried to indicate sections of the novel, rather than pages. Page numbers in the guide refer to the Bantam edition.
Reading #1 Title page and all letters
1. Note the title of the novel and the epigraph from Paradise Lost. What is the myth of Prometheus? What is the connection to Adam?
*2. Characterize Walton. What kind of man is he? Why has he taken on this exploration?
3. What is the significance of the setting?
Reading #2. Chaps. 1-4 begins “I am by birth a Genevese”....ends “when my creation should be complete.”
*4. Victor suggests that “No human being could have passed a happier childhood” (23) than he did. It is important to see how Victor develops as a child. How does the novel characterize him? What is he like? What elements of his childhood seem important?
5. The novel sets up a contrast between Henry Clerval and Victor. How is the contrast defined?
6. What is the effect of his mother’s death on Victor?
*7. It is important that we understand Victor’s motives. Why does he deci��de to do the experiment? Look closely at pages 36-39 for all his stated reasons. Are there other reasons that are in between the lines?
Reading #3 Chaps. 5-8 begins “It was on a dreart night” ends “..my unhallowed arts.”
8. Look closely at the end of chapter 4 and the beginning of chapter 5 for the creation of the creature. What are the details of the creation?
*9. Pay particular attention to how Victor reacts to the Creature. How do you explain his reaction?
*10. Why does Victor become convinced that William and Justine are victims of his “unhallowed” arts?
11. Victor says he is seized by remorse and the sense of guilt. Why does he do nothing to save Justine?
Reading #4 Chaps. 9-12 begins “Nothing is more painful” ends”...anticipations of joy.”
12. The Creature confronts Victor and demands that Victor do his duty towards him (84): “Remember that I am thy creature; I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel...” What makes Victor agree to listen to the Creature’s story?
*13. Look closely at pages 87-89 where the Creature tells of his first few hours. What is the pattern he describes? What is the significance of his experience?
*14. How does the novel characterize the Creature? What is he like?
*15. What do we learn about the Creature from his experience with the cottagers? What are the discoveries he makes?
16. What questions does the Creature’s experience raise for us as human beings?
Reading #5 Chaps. 13-16 begins “I now hasten to...” ends “...this being you must create.”
*17. The Creature himself asks the question: “I had never yet seen a being resembling me or who claimed any intercourse with me. What was I?” What is your answer?
18. What strikes you most about the development of the Creature?
19. What three books does the Creature read? What are the effects of this reading?
20.. Why do the cottag��ers attack the Creature?
22. Why does the Creature seek help from Victor?
22. Pay particular attention to the incident with the little girl. What is the effect on the Creature?
23. Why does the Creature attack William?
*24. What does the Creature want Victor to do? Why does he want him to do it? Look at the Creature’s speech (130-131). What are your feelings toward the Creature?
17-20
Reading #6 Chaps. 17-20 begins “The being finished...” ends “to my recollection.”
25. Why does Victor agree? Do you think his decision is right?
26. Why does Victor travel to England?
27. Look closely at the passage in the middle of 147. Victor says he is “guiltless.” Do you agree?
28. What are the differences between the work of Victor in the Orkneys and his first experiment?
29. *Why doe��.ñs Victor decide to abandon his work? How does the Creature react?
Reading #7 Chaps. 21 to end begins “I was soon introduced”
30. Read for plot. Pay particular attention to the scene in the bedroom (179-180).
31. How does the novel end?
32. How does Victor’s story affect Walton?
33. *What is the significance of the final scene?
34. How do you feel at the end of the novel?
General Questions:
35. What is the most significant statement you could make about the Creature?
36. What is your final understanding of Victor? of the Creature?
37. What do you think is the most important theme?
38. What do you think is the most important conflict in the novel?