Key Chapters in 'Frankenstein'

Question 1

Walton’s letters (especially the 1st) and the epistolary form:

Answer 1

Adds to the versimilitude of the novel - something frighteningly close to reality.

• Establishes Walton as a Doppelganger, allows Victor to ‘tell his tale’ as the Ancient Mariner does.
• Sets up frame narrative (gothic convention)
• Given a perspective outside of the Creature and Victor; almost unbiased (shown by feeling sympathy for the Creature)

Question 2

Chapters 1 and 2:

Answer 2

Introduces Victor’s family and parts of his childhood.

Question 3

Chapters 3 and 4:

Answer 3

Shows Victor’s obsession with unachievable knowledge, and his isolation (hubris and overreaching)

Question 4

Chapter 5:

Answer 4

The Creature is officially created, and abandoned.

Question 5

Chapter 8:

Answer 5

Justine is put on trial and executed for the murder of William.

Question 6

Chapter 10:

Answer 6

Victor meets the Creature on the Mer De Glace.

Question 7

Chapters 15 and 16:

Answer 7

The Creature reveals himself to the DeLacey’s, namely the father, and is rejected. He then burns down their cottage, kills William and frames Justine: pivotal turning point where he gives up on companionship and seeks revenge for his isolation.

Question 8

Chapter 20:

Answer 8

Victor destroys the female creature that the Creature requested him to make.

Question 9

Chapter 22:

Answer 9

Elizabeth is killed by the Creature on Victor and her’s honeymoon.

Question 10

Chapter 24:

Answer 10

The Creature (assumedly) kills himself, Walton’s final letter and Victor dies. End of novel.