Volume 1

Question 1

Chapter 1: ‘benevolent disposition’

Answer 1

The Frankensteins’ ‘benevolent disposition’ mean that they do much charity work. This is ironic when considering Victor’s refusal to help his creation in need.

Question 2

Chapter 1: ‘dark-eyed, hardy little vagrants’

Answer 2

Elizabeth’s appearance is set against her family members’. Her golden hair seems to set a ‘crown of distinction on her head’.

Question 3

Chapter 1: religious imagery in reference to Elizabeth

Answer 3

‘celestial’, ‘heaven sent’ - an ethereal and spiritual rather than physical being.

Question 4

Chapter 1: Elizabeth as an object of possession

Answer 4

Elizabeth is offered to Victor as a ‘pretty present’

Question 5

appearances are assumed to reflect…

Answer 5

…interior states

this may be a condemnation against the Romantic male ego

Question 6

Chapter 4: ‘A new species would bless me as its creator and source’

Answer 6

Victor aspires to usurp the roles of God and women

Question 7

Victor’s dream about Elizabeth turning into the corpse of his dead mother may represent…

Answer 7

… the idea that Victor has usurped the role of woman. In finding the secret of life, Victor has effectively killed the role of the mother.

Question 8

Chapter 8: ‘the tortures of the accused did not equal mine’

Answer 8

reveals Victor’s egotism and self-absorption