Problem: Frankenstein
A. Why do you think the creature is so "articulate"? What would be Mary Shelley's purpose in making the creature sound so intelligent and thoughtful, almost educated and aristocratic? Would you say that the creature's literary eloquence is, in any way, symbolic?
B. Why do mountains and glaciers and ice figures so prominently in the story? (think: the Swiss Alps, the North Pole). How might ice be symbolic in this story?
C. Why do you think the creature compares himself to Adam of "Genesis" and also to Satan?
D. It's barely mentioned in the text, but what language does the creature learn to speak? English, German, Rumanian, Hungarian, French, West Texas Hick.
E. There are three narrators in this novel: an outer narrator, an inner narrator, and an inner-inner narrator. In that order, who are they? Also, "where" exactly are these narrators? Where is the first narrator and what is his mission? Where is the second narrator and what is his mission? And where is the third narrator and what might his mission be?
F. What is the significance of Mary Shelley's subtitle to her novel - The New Prometheus? What is your understanding of who Prometheus was? What is the literal translation of Prometheus? Who or what is the "new Prometheus" in the story? Is it an appropriate term? Is it symbolic? If so, how does it advance the novel's overall theme?
G. Referring back to "The Lottery" and "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas," are there any "Frankensteins" (either scientists or monsters) in those two stories? Be specific.
H. Conflict always implies tension and struggle between two or more parties. To be sure, conflict is at the core of this story. The confrontation on the mountain between Frankenstein and his creation is particularly powerful. What kinds of struggles can you identify? I'll give you one: the struggle between good and evil. Try to list two or three (or more)conflicts that are apparent in the story.
I. Any similarities in conflict between "Frankenstein" and "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight"? What are they?
J. Any similarities in conflict between "Frankenstein" and "Julius Caesar"? What are they?