Frankenstein Chapters 1-4 Flashcards
Prose Revision
Which word (beginning with t) might be used to describe a character (like Victor) that goes beyond the limits of what is socially/morally acceptable?
transgressive
‘I was so guided by a ___________ cord’ (page 28)
silken
What is Victor describing here? ‘I was so guided by a silken cord’ (page 28)
His childhood - which Shelley depicts as both supportive (guided/cord) and deeply rich and loving (silken)
What was Mary Shelley’s mother called?
Mary Wollstonecraft
Who was Mary Wollstonecraft?
Mary Shelley’s mother - a proto-feminist who wrote about, and fought for, gender quality.
Who was Mary Shelley’s father?
William Godwin
Who was William Godwin?
Mary Shelley’s father - a political philosopher who believed in greater freedoms for all.
Who whom did Mary Shelley elope?
Percy Shelley, who at the time was married.
How did William Godwin (Mary Shelley’s father) react to her eloping with the married Percy Shelley?
He cut her off, believing she had brought shame on the family
Why did Mary Shelley experience a great sense of guilt connected to her mother?
Because her mother died due to complications during the birth of Mary.
‘I was their plaything and their __________’ (page 28)
idol
How is Elizabeth described - ‘a pretty _______________’ (page 29)
present
Who is described as a ‘pretty present’ (page 29)
Elizabeth
How is Elizabeth described - ‘a promised _______________’ (page 29)
gift
the saintly soul of _________ shone like a shrine-dedicated lamp’ (page 31)
Elizabeth
‘the __________ soul of Elizabeth shone like a shrine-dedicated lamp’ (page 31)
saintly
Which character is described as having a ‘saintly soul’ (page 31)
Elizabeth
What was the name of the pseudo science popular in the 19th century that suggested a person’s character could be judged by their physical appearance?
physiognomy
What was physiognomy?
A pseudo science popular in the 19th century that suggested a person’s character could be judged by their physical appearance.
What does pseudo science mean?
fake (not real) science
What does the word ‘blasphemous’ mean?
to speak or act against God