The following is a study guide that I developed for my students at Greenwood High on the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Feel free to
use it for your own personal study of the novel or for classroom use. Happy Reading!!!
Copyright: Property of Genji Bailey; Created 09.2006 Last Updated 12.2008
FRANKENSTEIN STUDY GUIDE - STUDENTS, USE THIS TO GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE NOVEL AND DRAW
ATTENTION TO SPECIFIC ASPECTS FOR WHICH YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE THROUGHOUT THE UNIT
1. What is Frankenstein’s first name?
2. What is Robert sad that he doesn’t have in letter #2?
3. What did Frankenstein study for the first 14 years of his life?
4. Locate a passage that describes how Frankenstein was parented. Why is this important?
5. Why did Elizabeth come to live with the Frankenstein family?
6. Locate a passage that describes Frankenstein’s relationship with Elizabeth. Why is this important?
7. Where did Frankenstein get his idea to use electricity to animate his creature?
8. What does the line “the omen of my future misery” refer to and why was this a potent issue to broach in the novel? Why was the age of the children
in the novel important to the author in relation to this issue?
9. Locate a passage that describes Frankenstein’s feelings about his two professors. Why is this important?
10. Why does Shelley use the word disciple to refer to Frankenstein?
11. What two subjects did Frankenstein study at the university and how long did it take Frankenstein to build and complete his monster?
12. When Frankenstein says “ . . . and I shunned my fellow creatures as if I had been guilty of a crime.” To what crime is he referring?
13. Describe the first few moments of the monster’s life.
14. Why does Shelley insert a passage from “Ancient Mariner” into the text and what does it mean to her novel given it’s placement?
15. What does Clerval find shocking about Frankenstein upon his arrival and how long did Clerval nurse Frankenstein back to health?
16. Where does the monster go when Frankenstein returns home? Why?
17. What happens to William and what comes up missing?
18. Who is accused of a crime, why does the accusation not get dropped, what was the crime, and what proof was used?
Bonus: What English III work of Literature could this crime be likened to and why?
19. Locate the passage where Frankenstein admits to the crime, even if only to himself.
20. Find a passage where Frankenstein’s actions are monstrous and where he begins to become the monster. Why is this important?
21. Interpret the poem in Chapter 10 and why it was placed in the novel at this point.
22. Locate at least 5 words and phrases that the monster uses that shows his creator/creation relationship to Frankenstein in Chapter 10.
23. Why does Frankenstein not think that his killing his monster would be murder?
24. Find the passage where the monster is describing learning what blinking means. Why is this significant?
25. What was the “orb” that the monster discovered and what are two of the dichotomies that the monster describes while learning about the world
around him?
26. Who is the first person the monster sees besides Frankenstein? Why is this significant to one of the primary themes of the novel?
27. Find the passage the describes what happens to the monster when he comes upon a village and walks into a house. Why is this important?
28. What did the monster hear coming from the house that he said had a sweeter voice than a nightingale and what did the monster discover was
wrong with the old man in the family?
29. With what does the monster help around the household and what did the monster ardently desire to learn from the family?
30. What ten words did the monster learn first and what parts of speech were they and why was the part of speech important given the way that
language is learned by him or by children?
31. By what pleasant terms does the family refer to the monster when he helps them and by what words does the monster use to describe each family
member?
32. With what words did the monster describe himself?
33. Who was the person that made Felix happy and why was the book used in the lessons important to the monster’s education in more ways than just
learning the language?
34. Name what he learned about himself from the book, and name seven other lessons that impressed him deeply.
35. What does the monster realize from these seven lessons and while reflecting upon human relationships and growth from infanthood to adulthood,
what questions does the monster begin to form?
36. What religion is Safie and how does that effect her decision to move?
37. What did the Turk do and how did the monster’s “protectors” end up where they were and how they were?
38. What four gifts did the family give the monster?
39. Find the passage that describes when the monster likens Frankenstein to Satan. Why is this important?
40. How does the monster discover the truth about his creation and what does the monster lack that God gave Adam?
Bonus: Theorize about the monster’s meaning in the passage: “God, in pity, made man beautiful and alluring, after his own image; but my form is a filthy
type of yours, more horrid even from the very resemblance. Satan had his companions, fellow devils, to admire and encourage him, but I am solitary and
abhorred.”
41. How long did the monster live in the kennel, how did the monster plan to introduce himself to the family, and why?
42. How did each family member react to meeting the monster and how did the monster react to the reactions of the family?
43. Against whom did the monster declare war and what did he do to the house?
44. How long did it take the monster to get to Frankenstein’s house, what happened to him in the woods while on his way, and how did he react?
45. What was Frankenstein’s ticket to freedom?
46. Who is the first person to call the monster “monster”, “wretch”, and “ogre” and what comment does he make that directly causes to his death?
47. Where will the monster go if Frankenstein does what he asks and what does the monster say will stop him from crime?
48. Fill in the blank: “ . . .; if I cannot inspire _____, I will cause _____, and chiefly towards you my _____, because my _____, do I swear
indistinguishable _____.” Why is this significant?
49. What does Frankenstein resolve to do and why, and interestingly, what does this resolution do to his health?
50. Who does his father want Frankenstein to marry and why does he want to delay?
51. Explain the meaning of the ‘Tintern Abbey’ selection included in Chapter 19 and explain why it is included, and why it is included at this point in the
novel.
52. How did Frankenstein and Clerval get from Rotterdam to England and what did Frankenstein take with him?
53. Where was “Eve” created? (Where is Shelley’s “Eden”)
54. Speculate aabout why Frankenstein and Clerval take a “vacation” for such a long period of time?
55. Explain why Frankenstein’s statement is not coming from a logical and moral point of view. “I would not quit Henry for a moment, but followed him
as his shadow, to protect him from the fancied rage of his destroyer. I felt as if I had committed some great crime, the consciousness of which haunted me
I was guiltless, but I had indeed drawn down a horrible curse upon my head, as mortal as that of crime.”
56. List 4 descriptive phrases about the place where Eve was to be created
57. When Frankenstein is almost finished with “Eve”, what thought suddenly occurs to him that makes him destroy her?
58. Find the passage where the monster sates that he is now Frankenstein’s master. Why is it significant?
59. The monster than states “I will be with you on your wedding-night.” Whom does Frankenstein think the monster is threatening? Who is he
actually threatening?
60. Describe what does Frankenstein does with the pieces of “Eve.”
61. What was Frankenstein then accused of, in what country, and concerning whom?
62. Theorize: Why does Frankenstein believe that the monster is his destroyer rather than himself? What is in humans that makes them unable to
accept blame?
63. How long is Frankenstein in prison, why is he released, and what is his real prison?
64. What is Elizabeth worried about in her letter of May 18? Extract the psychology of Frankenstein from the passage immediately following the letter
of May 18. What is Frankenstein thinking and what drives him to believe what he thinks?
65. What is Frankenstein’s father discussing in this passage? “Our circle will be small but bound close by the ties of affection and mutual misfortune.
And when time shall have softened your despair, new and dear objects of care will be born to replace those of whom we have been so cruelly deprived.”
66. How long after Frankenstein’s return is his marriage to Elizabeth to take place and what does Frankenstein do to protect himself? To protect
Elizabeth?
67. What did the “sinister voice” tell Elizabeth and upon what weather event does Shelley draw to paint the picture of the wedding night?
68. What does Frankenstein tell Elizabeth to do that seals her fate and what is Frankenstein’s physical reaction upon finding Elizabeth?
69. How did the monster escape from the wedding night location and why?
70. What happened to Frankenstein’s father after he heard about Elizabeth? What two things does Frankenstein then do and what happens to him
because if them?
71. Frankenstein likens himself to a martyr but the magistrate sees only what? How did Frankenstein locate the monster to begin his chase?
72. What two entities does Frankenstein call upon to help him catch the monster and what was his answer?
73. Name three ways the monster kept Frankenstein hunting.
74. How long did Frankenstein pursue the monster over the ice and what does Frankenstein ask Walton to do if he dies?
75. What does Walton ask Frankenstein that Frankenstein will not tell him and how long did it take Frankenstein to tell his story to Walton?
76. What is Frankenstein’s one comfort on the ship? Why?
77. What angel does Frankenstein liken himself to and why, and what difference does he have from him?
78. What does Frankenstein say he will do once he kills the monster and on what month and day did Frankenstein die?
79. What do the sailors demand if the ship is freed, how does Frankenstein respond to this demand, and does it work?
80. Why does the monster come to the ship? What is ironic about the timing?
81. The monster says he is worse than the devil. Why, and why is this significant?
82. What does the monster say he will do not that Frankenstein is dead?
83. How does the monster die?
84. Define or explain the following phrases: “Adieu!”, “issued into”, “Maladie du pays”, “schiavi ognor frementi”, “I am an Abortion” , “common
Projectors”, “Prosecution of my task”, Rent – (not pay to live somewhere), “A Rustic”, and “A Sufficiency”.
FRANKENSTEIN STUDY ISSUES - TOPICS YOU MUST BE ABLE TO ADDRESS SUCCESSFULLY
Names of the characters
Robert’s letters
School for in Shelley’s age
Frankenstein’s family & Elizabeth joining them - importance of their relationships
Frankenstein’s chemistry ideas - sources
Omens theme Frankenstein’s feelings about his two professors
Use of the word disciple & religious theme
“Crimes” & proof theme
Birth of the monster, monster learning
Passage from “Ancient Mariner” and it’s placement
Clerval’s arrival and length of stay
Where does the monster go & why
What happens to William & why
Actions that are monstrous & becoming a monster
Poem in Chapter 10 - why & placement
Words and phrases that the monster uses
Creator/creation relationship
Is killing his monster murder? Why?
The monsters discoveries - dichotomies that the monster describes
Humans the monster sees and meets & significance to the primary themes
Things the monster learns, hears, desires, and discovers
Parts of speech importance given the way that language is learned
Terms used to refer to the monster and words does the monster use to describe himself and others
Books important to the monster’s education and what he learns about himself
Reflection upon human relationships and growth from infanthood to adulthood
Turk issues
Gifts given to the monster
The monster likened to Satan
What the monster lacks
Adam & Eve theme
All lengths of time
The monster introducing himself
Reactions to meeting the monster and the monster’s reactions
Declaring war theme
Frankenstein’s ticket to freedom
“monster”, “wretch”, and “ogre”
Where will the monster go and what will stop him from crime?
“ . . .; if I cannot inspire _____, I will cause _____, and chiefly towards you my _____, because my _____, do I swear indistinguishable _____.” Why is this
significant?
Frankenstein’s resolve and effects on his health
Frankenstein’s wedding plans & delays
‘Tintern Abbey’ selection in Chapter 19 - why?
Modes of travel and what they take with them
Where is Shelley’s “Eden”?
“I would not quit Henry for a moment, but followed him as his shadow, to protect him from the fancied rage of his destroyer. I felt as if I had committed
some great crime, the consciousness of which haunted me I was guiltless, but I had indeed drawn down a horrible curse upon my head, as mortal as that
of crime.”
Descriptive phrases about places
Frankenstein changes his mind - why?
The monster as Frankenstein’s master theme
“I will be with you on your wedding-night.” threat
Frankenstein accused - where and why
Is the monster Frankenstein’s destroyer or does he destroy himself? - ability to accept blame
What is Frankenstein’s real prison?
Elizabeth’s worries
Psychology of Frankenstein - what is he thinking and what drives him to believe what he thinks?
“Our circle will be small but bound close by the ties of affection and mutual misfortune. And when time shall have softened your despair, new and dear
objects of care will be born to replace those of whom we have been so cruelly deprived.”
Marriage and protection issues
“sinister voice”
The wedding night
Elizabeth’s fate is sealed - Frankenstein’s physical reaction
The monster’s escape
Frankenstein’s father & Frankenstein’s reaction
Frankenstein likens himself to a martyr
Frankenstein locates the monster - how?
Frankenstein calls upon entities to help him
The monster kept Frankenstein hunting - How?
Frankenstein asks things of Walton
Walton asks Frankenstein a question
Frankenstein tells Walton his story
Frankenstein’s one comfort
Frankenstein likens himself an angel - similarities and differences
Frankenstein’s plan to kill & death
Sailors demands and response
Irony of timing
Worse than the devil - significant?
The monster’s end
Frankenstein Vocabulary by Chapter
GENERAL VOCABULARY
Dilate Appendage Retrospection Inciting Ungenial Incessant Illustrious Platitude
Uncongenial Incapability Invocations Mortifying Appertain Endued Reverie Phantasm
Stupendous Odious Transient Speculative Contrive Specter Incitement Progeny
Alterations
PREFACE: Prejudicing Philosophical
LETTERS:
Foretaste Inspirited Fervent Perpetual Eccentricities Satiate Ardent Enticements
Laborious Inestimable Requisite Ardour Injunction Niche Consecrated Enticement
Fortitude Sledges Encompassed Dauntless Capacious Ardent Derive Dross
Desirous Suppliant Inexorable Embarkation Albatross Forbear Solicitude
Capitulated Emaciated Trifling Benevolence Countenance Impertinent Inquisitiveness
Perilous Conciliating Poignant Culled Evinced Fervour Furtherance Draught
Paroxysm Quelling Perfectionate Fastidious Intuitive Discernment Intonations Ardently
Deduce Ameliorate Repose Linements Irradiated
CHAPTER 1:
Syndics Indefatigable “Lucerne”- town Effectual Rankling Recompensing Inexpressible
Benevolent Penury “Milanese”-noblemen “schiavi ognor frementi”
CHAPTER 2:
Disunion “Geneva”- town Campagne Sepulcher Infidels Caprice Filial Benefactors
Beneficence Ignoble Predilection Inclemency Chimerical Avidity Imbued Tyros
Linements Anatomize Tertiary Repined Averred Incantations Fidelity Unadept
Slough Multifarious Galvanism Disinclined Caprices Progeny Abortive Appertaining
CHAPTER 3:
Malignity Distemper Imprudence Prognosticated Benignity Rent – (not what you pay to live somewhere)
Sacrilege Respite Debarred Chase Convey Melancholy Amiable Repugnance
Ardently Omnipotent Uncouth Alchemists Imbibed Reprobated Prepossess Annihilation
Chimeras Conceited Recapitulation Fervour Transmuted Elixir Crucible
Enounced Insurrection Mien Indefatigable Erroneously Affectation Derange
CHAPTER 4:
Ardour Physiognomy Dogmatism Pedantry Abstruse Facile Ardent Exultation
Endued Physiology Charnel-houses Minutiae Causation Rapture Ardent Arduous
Incessantly Resistless Insensible Disquieted Procrastinate Moralizing Incipient
CHAPTER 5:
Delineate Luxuriances Shriveled Infusing Traversing Lassitude Tumult Demoniacal
Palpitation Languor “issued into” Diligences Diligence- as in Swiss Entreating Pertinacity
Convalescence
CHAPTER 6:
Odious Fetter Idler Perversity Dissipate Phraseology Partiality Vivacity
Vacillating Mien “Adieu!” Convalescence Antipathy Encomiums Approbation
Diffident Inglorious Ensuing Dilatoriness Environs Acceded Perambulations Salubrious
CHAPTER 7:
Callous Conjectured Irreparable Cabriolet Desolating Prognosticate Tedious
Environs Quitted Tempest Dirge Precipices Delirium Indelible Minutely
Depravity Candour Vivacity Partiality
CHAPTER 8:
Infamy Ignominious Solemnity Execrated Constrained Adduced Perceived Indignation
Protestations Borne Timorous Irreproachable Amiable Approbation Indignation
Severity Guile Manacled Consolation Besieged Excommunication Obdurate Ignominy
Perdition Indignant Thrice-accursed Lamentations Inexorable Prophetic Hapless
CHAPTER 9:
Benevolent Complacency Dispel Inapplicable Irksome Unquiet Calamities Malice
Perpetrate Efface Abhorrence Ardently Precipated Desponding Benefactor
Precipice Endeavoring Ephemeral Epoch Omnipotence Impetuous Fettered Pallid
CHAPTER 10:
Reverberated Immutable Anon Solemnizing Precipitous Perpendicularity Transversely
Concussion Sombre Mutability Dissipated Interspersed Stupendous Aerial Abhorred
Disdain Malignity Vile Diabolically Detest Spurn Dissoluble Annihilation Maw
Satiated Negligently Docile Irrevocably Benevolent Virtuous Entreaties Implores
Miserable – not emotion Recompense Commiserate Exultation Odious Revile
CHAPTER 11:
Multiplicity Impervious Slaked Desolate Innumerable Offals Assuage Lamented
Disconsolate Pandemonium Allured Wallet – not for money Hovel Innumerable Asylum – not a
place Inclemency Purloined Plaited Incommoded Despondence Disconsolate Amiable
Benevolence Despondency Tapers Conjectured
CHAPTER 12:
Barbarous Enigmatic Procure Poignantly Abstained Ardently Amiable Perpetual
Despondence Mortification Procured A Sufficiency Venerable Arbiters Conciliating Execration
CHAPTER 13:
Verdure Recommencing Cadence Declamatory Slothful Vicious and Base Scion
Vice Squalid Lichen Amiable Exhortations
CHAPTER 14:
Indignation Barbarous Consummation Immured Emulation Noisome Pittance
Expostulate Reiterating Tyrannical Mandate
CHAPTER 15:
Deprecate Portmanteau Disquisitions Lament Annihilation Ardour Abhorrence
Imbued Omnipotent Despondency Sagacity Tumultuous Supplication Sagacity
Irresolute Undeceive Consternation
CHAPTER 16:
Arch-fiend Myriads Imprudently Irretrievable Gesticulations Combustibles Succour
Imprecate Especial Novelty Bedewed Precipitous A Rustic Recompense
Augmented Environs Imbibed Syndic Epithets Malignity Sanguinary
CHAPTER 17:
Extort Malicious Precipitate Contemns Abject Ardently Inconstant Blight
Undulations Solemnity Nought Siroc
CHAPTER 18:
Enjoined Repugnance Disquisition Eradicating Readier Treble Exordium Poignant
Dissipate Solemnization Manifold Dilatory Prosecution of my task Averse Enfranchised
Intimated Machinations Acquiesced Disquiet Sedulous Indolence Desponding
Variegated Promontory Verdant Eminently Ardent Replete Unexampled
CHAPTER 19:
Blight Transitory Debar Palpitate Allurements Abhorred Amiable Insolent
Verdure Embittered Ennui Epoch Remissness Penury Benumbed Irksome
CHAPTER 20:
Barbarity Malignant a Compact made Sophisms Heaths Profundity Presentiment
Condescension Detestation Wiliness Inexorable with Precipitation Insatiate Contention
Insuperable Besought Odious Basest Atrocious Sanguinary Ignominy
CHAPTER 21:
Augury Apothecary Machinations Squalidness Turnkeys Languid Assizes Vexations
“Maladie du pays” Torpor Paroxysms Inquietude Laudanum
CHAPTER 22:
Indefatigable Erroneous Imperious Paradisaical Enunciation Consecrate Vivacity
Torpor Remonstrate Solemnization Presentment Diffidence Reverie
CHAPTER 23:
Conjecture Bier Ardour Languor Malignity Acme Ardently Invective Incredulous
Physiognomy Chamois wandering Shades Adjuration Solemnity Extricate Perseverance
Gibe Protraction Disencumbered Crags Tumultuous Succour Aright Replete
Imprecations Asseverations Demoniacal Posterity Reveries common Projectors Despondency
Infantine Eradicated Auguries Deputation Immured Draught Ardent Malignity
Actuated Irradiation Instigated Superfluous Indignation Demoniacal Opprobrium
Malignity Desolation Contumely Execrate Immaculate am an Abortion Irremediable
Satiated Rankle Exult