Themes And Symbolism Flashcards
How did Romantic writers portray nature?
As the greatest and most perfect force in the universe.
They used terms like ‘sublime’ to convey its power and flawlessness.
What does Victor Frankenstein imply about human beings in comparison to nature?
They are ‘half made up’ and burdened by flaws such as vanity and prejudice.
This suggests that human beings pale in comparison to nature’s perfection.
What results when imperfect men disturb nature’s perfection in ‘Frankenstein’?
Crises and suffering occur.
Victor’s pride leads him to attempt to manipulate nature, resulting in his destruction.
What does Victor attempt to do in ‘Frankenstein’?
Discover the ‘mysteries of creation’ and ‘pioneer a new way’ by penetrating the ‘citadel of nature’.
What transformation occurs in the monster after being abandoned?
The monster turns to revenge due to mistreatment.
Initially, the monster has a warm, open heart.
What feelings does the monster experience after being attacked by Felix?
Feelings of revenge and hatred.
This reflects the monster’s response to unfair rejection.
What does revenge eliminate for the monster?
Any hope of ever joining human society.
Revenge becomes the only thing the monster has.
What does Victor vow after the monster murders his relatives?
A ‘great and signal revenge on [the monster’s] cursed head’.
What does the desire for revenge transform both Victor and the monster into?
True monsters that have no feelings or desires beyond destruction.
What persistent flaw does ‘Frankenstein’ explore?
Prejudice.
Characters assume the monster is dangerous based on its appearance.
Who is the only character that accepts the monster?
De Lacy, a blind man.
This suggests that mankind is blinded by its own prejudice.
What does ‘Frankenstein’ suggest about lost innocence?
It is fleeting and will always be lost or destroyed by human nature.
What does Victor aim to explore when he leaves for university?
Unknown powers and the mysteries of creation.
What does Victor’s success and pride lead to?
The end of his innocence and the creation of a monster.
What flaws does the monster reflect back to Victor?
- An unquenchable thirst for love
- A tendency toward violence
- A bloodthirsty need for justice and revenge
- Prejudice based on appearance
What are the names of the four characters whose deaths are linked to the loss of innocence?
- William
- Justine
- Elizabeth
- Clerval
True or False: The violence and prejudice the monster encounters convinces him of the ‘barbarity of man’.
True.
What does the color-coded icon in LitCharts literature guides represent?
Themes in the work
Each theme is associated with a specific color for easy tracking.
What is the primary theme discussed in Frankenstein regarding family and society?
Isolation as the true evil
The novel suggests that the lack of connection to family or society leads to tragedy.
What happens to Victor when he becomes lost in his studies?
He removes himself from human society
This leads him to lose sight of his responsibilities and the consequences of his actions.
What drives the monster to become vengeful in Frankenstein?
Overwhelming hate and anger from isolation
The monster’s vengeance is aimed at making Victor isolated as well.
What does Frankenstein suggest about the fate of isolation from family and society?
It is the worst imaginable fate
This isolation is portrayed as the cause of hatred, violence, and revenge.
How are ambition and fallibility portrayed through Victor and Walton in Frankenstein?
As deeply ambitious yet deeply flawed
Their ambitions blind them to the consequences of their actions.
What does Victor aspire to by creating the monster?
To be like a god, a creator
However, he fails to fulfill the responsibilities that come with creation.
What is the outcome of Victor’s ambition in Frankenstein?
He becomes the father of a devil
His creation leads to tragic consequences instead of glory.
How does Walton respond to his ambitious quest to the North Pole?
He turns back before disaster strikes
He does this reluctantly, feeling robbed of glory.
What does the text suggest about men who seek glory above others?
They are rash and unfashioned creatures with weak and faulty natures
This reflects the inherent flaws in human ambition.
What is the complete title of Shelley’s novel?
Frankenstein, Or the Modern Prometheus
The title references Prometheus, a titan in Greek mythology.
What does Prometheus symbolize in the context of the novel?
The gift of knowledge and the consequences of ambition
Prometheus suffered punishment for giving fire to humanity.
What is the main consequence of Victor’s actions in Frankenstein?
The monster he creates destroys his family and his life
This reflects the theme of ambition leading to downfall.
How is fire depicted in Frankenstein?
As a dangerous force for sustenance and punishment
The monster discovers fire but also describes demons suffering in hell.
What major theme is introduced through the quote about seeking knowledge?
Loneliness
This theme affects Walton, Victor, and the Monster.
What does the Monster blame Victor for?
His predicament and isolation from human society
The Monster’s appearance prevents him from assimilating.
What does much of the action in the novel revolve around?
The monster’s efforts to get his creator to build him a female companion
This highlights the Monster’s loneliness and desire for connection.
Fill in the blank: ‘You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a _______ to sting you, as mine has been.’
serpent
This reflects the cautionary theme about the pursuit of knowledge.
What does light symbolize in Frankenstein?
Enlightenment
Light represents knowledge and understanding in the context of the characters’ quests.
What does Walton hope to find in the North Pole?
The secrets of the universe unveiled
He describes the North Pole as ‘a country of eternal light.’
How does Victor describe his discovery of natural philosophy?
‘A new light seemed to dawn upon my mind.’
This metaphor illustrates his newfound understanding.
What does Victor feel when he discovers the secret to creating life?
‘A sudden light broke in upon me.’
This expression highlights his excitement and enlightenment.
What does Victor envision through the creation of a new species?
Pouring a torrent of light into our dark world
This reflects his desire to bring knowledge and life.
What is a consequence of light being too bright in the context of the story?
It is blinding
Both Victor and Walton fail to recognize the dangers associated with their pursuits.
True or False: Both Victor and Walton consider the potential consequences of their quests for enlightenment.
False
They overlook the dangers in their pursuits.
