frankenstein Flashcards
Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through.
- Ambition
- chapter 4
- victor
-‘break through illustrates hubris and desire to control nature
“A new species would bless me as its creator and source.
- ambition
- chapter 4
- victor
- his ego-driven ambition. He wants to be worshipped as a god-like figure, with the new species praising him as its creator
Learn from me… how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge.”
- ambition
- letter 4
- victor
- matured become responsible and learnt his mistakes
No father had watched my infant days, no mother had blessed me with smiles and caresses.
-nature vs nurture
- creature
-chapter 15
- his quote highlights the absence of nurturing parental care in the Creature’s early life, which results in his emotional and moral development being stunted. The lack of love and affection is crucial to understanding his alienation and subsequent violence
I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend.”
nature vs nuture
- chapter 10
- the creature
-The Creature starts life with good intentions but is turned into a “fiend” by the misery and rejection he faces. This supports the nurture argument, implying that social rejection and neglect led to his violent actions, rather than any inherent evil.
What was I? The question again recurred, to be answered only with groans.
nature vs nurture
- chapter 13
- the creature
- The Creature’s existential question about his identity shows his sense of loss and isolation. He struggles to understand who he is because society has rejected him.
My more than sister, since till death she was to be mine only.
gender
- chapter 2
- victor
- Elizabeth is presented as a passive object for Victor, rather than a fully autonomous character. She is treated as possessed by Victor, reinforcing the patriarchal ideal that women are objects to be owned by men
I have a pretty present for my Victor.”
Gender
Caroline Frankenstein (Victor’s mother)
Chapter 1
Caroline refers to Elizabeth as a “present” for Victor, treating her as a gift to be given to him. This demonstrates how women in Frankenstein are often viewed as possessions to be traded or given to men.
monster- moment 1
was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend.”- chapter 10
- Creature is innocent and benevolent. He only becomes violent as a result of the misery he experiences due to society’s rejection. This quote highlights the Creature’s capacity for goodness and how he is shaped by his environment rather than an inherent evil nature
monster moment 2
“I am malicious because I am miserable. Am I not shunned and hated by all mankind?”
Chapter 16
The Creature, now fully aware of his rejection, begins to resent humanity. This quote marks a shift from his initial innocence to a more vengeful stance. He feels justified in his bitterness because society has rejected him based on his appearance
monster moment 3
“I am an unfortunate and deserted creature; I look around and I have no relation or friend upon earth.”
Chapter 20
in the final stages of his journey, the Creature accepts his fate as an outcast. He has been abandoned by his creator, spurned by society, and isolated from love and companionship.
victor 1
“A new species would bless me as its creator and source.”
Chapter 4
Victor begins his journey with unbridled ambition, believing that by creating life, he will achieve great glory and recognition. His scientific curiosity turns into an obsession with becoming god-like. This quote highlights how Victor’s ambitions are driven by the desire for fame and control, ignoring the moral consequences of his actions. Shelley sets up Victor’s tragic flaw: his unchecked ambition.
victor 2
: “I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body.”
Chapter 5
After successfully creating the Creature, Victor is immediately repulsed by his creation. He realizes that the pursuit of knowledge and power without considering the moral implications has led him to make a horrible mistake.
victor 3
“I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation// the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart.”
Chapter 5
This quote marks Victor’s profound regret and horror at what he has done. He had been driven by ambition to create life, but when the Creature came to life, Victor’s dream turned into a nightmare. He realizes that his obsession with success has caused a monstrous outcome, leading to a life of guilt and torment.
