I busied myself to think of a story, . . . One which would speak to the mysterious fears of our nature and awaken thrilling horror. —Mary Shelley
What led Mary Shelley to write Frankenstein? Watch this video and find it out.
Before analysing some extracts and aspects of the novel let´s check some information about Mary Shelley, the Romantic period and What Frankestein meant in that period:
In Chapter 5 the monster begins to take shape, and Victor describes his creation in full detail being both "beautiful" and repulsive. The chapter is also full of grotesque, gothic elements. It is also a good study of the obsessed scientist and his psyche. Do you think he is evil or mad?
After reading the chapter answer the following questions:
1. How did Victor feel before he gave life to the monster?
2. What were the first movements of the monster when it was brought to life?
3. How does Victor feel when he witnessed the horror of his creation?
4. The chapter is a story about dreams. What did Victor dream about?
5. What kind of setting do we have? What adjectives would you use to describe the atmosphere created? Select those lines where there are gothic, horror elements.
6. Victor´s mood changes throughout the chapter. Look for the different states of his mind.
7. Why do you think Victor is so scared and feels so much repulsion for his creations when it was supposed to be his dream? Do you think he has exceeded some natural boundary with his creation?
According to what you have read in Chapter 5 and the description you will hear in the next video.
1. What is a monster?Pay attention to the following ideas:
- physical appearance.
- way of talking, walking, etc.
- Relation with the outside world
- Relation to other people.
2. Do you agree with what the creature says about what it means for him to be a monster?
3. Do you think Victor plays God and he makes a big mistake?
Frankenstein video. Read by Greg Vaughan
