Frankenstein Vol 1 Questions

[Brandon]

1. In Chapter 1, Victor reflects on his childhood and the influences that shaped his ambitions. How do you think Victor’s upbringing and his fascination with early scientific ideas contribute to his later decisions? Do you think his parents or his environment played a significant role in shaping his future?
2. Elizabeth is a key figure in Victor's life, and her role becomes more significant as the chapters unfold. How does Victor view Elizabeth? Is his attachment to her purely romantic, or is there a deeper connection at play? How do you think she might represent innocence or a moral compass for Victor?
3. In Chapter 5, when he first brings the creature to life, how does this moment reflect Victor’s inner conflict—his ambition versus his growing horror? How do his feelings about the creature reveal his deeper fears or insecurities about the power of creation? Do you think Victor sees himself as godlike or as a mere scientist at this point?
4. How does the creature symbolize the darker side of human nature in these early chapters? What does this suggest about human instinct toward things that are unfamiliar or perceived as monstrous? How might Shelley be commenting on society's treatment of the "other" or those who don’t conform to societal norms?

[Brittany]

1. I think Victor had a good childhood. His relationship with his family sounded very loving and caring. He grew up to be a very curious person so that may have contributed to his fascinations with science.
2. He has a huge obsession with her which is weird cuz arnt they cousins???
3. He must feel like he has made a huge mistake. I kind of look at him as a mad scientist who didnt think about the possibilities of consequence.
4. it shows how humans can treat people that are different like trash. Seems familiar in todays society lol. The creature has his own personality, with wants and needs. I feel bad for the creature.

[Brandon]

1. I think Victor’s upbringing played a major role in shaping his ambitions. He grew up in a very supportive family, surrounded by parents who encouraged his curiosity and a close childhood friend who shared in his interests. Because he felt deeply connected to the people he loved, he also developed a strong fear of losing them. That fear, combined with his early exposure to scientific ideas, pushed him even further toward exploring the boundaries of life and death. His fascination with science wasn’t just intellectual—it was emotional. He wanted to understand life so he wouldn’t have to face the pain of losing those who mattered to him, and that motivation influenced many of the choices he made later in the story.
2. Victor sees Elizabeth as comforting and pure, not just romantic. She’s like his anchor—someone who represents innocence and the “good” side of life he loses sight of when he gets wrapped up in his experiments.
3. When Victor brings the creature to life, he goes from super ambitious to totally terrified in seconds. His reaction shows he wasn’t ready for the reality of what he created, and it exposes his fear of the power he tried to control. In that moment, he definitely isn’t thinking like a god—more like a scientist who pushed too far and instantly regretted it
4. The creature shows the darker side of human nature because people reject him instantly just for looking different. It suggests that humans often fear or attack anything unfamiliar. Shelley uses this to show how society treats anyone who doesn’t fit the norm—the “other”—with judgment instead of understanding.

[Maggie]

1. I feel in Victor’s childhood he had much privilege and his parents telling him he could do whatever he put his mind to. They appeared to be very loving and supportive of him! So yes I believe his upbringing shaped his future. His parents gave him much encouragement which made him believe he could do anything.
2. Victor’s love for Elizabeth is kind of weird since they are related through the adoption. Victor sees Elizabeth as more than just a romantic love. She is his emotional anchor, someone who anchors him and remind him of home. She is the good in his life through all the bad with the “experiment” and the after effects.
3. When Victor brings the creature to life, the moment is both triumphant and horrifying. Victor is overwhelmed not by the success of his experiment, but by the reality of what he’s created. This shows he is a mad scientist who has not accepted or ready for the responsibility of his actions.
4. Even in these early chapters, the creature shows how quickly people judge anything unfamiliar and fear him because of his appearance. He just wants a connection but everyone he meets reacts with fear or violence. Shelley seems to be commenting on how society creates “monsters” by rejecting those who look different or do not fit in. And through him, we see that Victor is not the only one with a dark side, we as a society have one too.

[Jason]

1. I agree that Victor was a very privileged young lad. He lived in a protected bubble. Today we might call him spoiled or coddled. It seems he could have a diagnosable mental illness, obsessive compulsive disorder (if we still call it that). They only called it madness.

2. Apparently in the various early versions the backstory of Elizabeth was not in the original. The 1831 edition established that there was no blood relation between the “cousins.” Maybe 200 years ago, people spoke differently, but it seems like everyone is kindly affectioned toward each other, a lot.

3. At this point in the book, one could postulate that Victor has gone mad and that there is in fact no creature. His obsession seems quite mad.

4. Victor Frankenstein instantly assumed the worst of his own creation. It’s similar to how every social ill is said to be “the devil.” Strangers are dehumanized and made out to be enemies. It’s easier to hate when we do understand. Victor was obsessed with creating life, but cared little for it once it was alive.