Niki Turner, Justus Ross 2008 Practice Test Prompt Niki Turner, Justus Ross

The Prompt “In many works of literature, a main character has a mentor or mentor-like acquaintance whose influence dramatically changes how the character views not only himself or herself, but the world as well. Choose a novel or play in which a mentor exhibits a strong influence, either beneficial or harmful, on one of the main characters. Then, in a well-organized essay, discuss the nature of the mentor’s influence and its significance to the work as a whole.”

What Did That Just Say? Describe the nature of a mentor's influence over a main character, and the significance of this influence to the work as a whole. Include: -mentor character -character influenced -description and importance of influence

Relation to Frankenstein Frankenstein was influenced heavily by his mentor Dr. Waldman at Ingolstadt Dr. Waldman’s influence led to Frankenstein’s interest in modern chemistry and obsession with creating life

Textual Evidence “[Dr. Waldman] then took me into his laboratory and explained to me the uses of his various machines; instructing me as to what I ought to procure, and promising me the use of his own when I should have advanced far enough” (Shelley 29). Shows Waldman’s special interest in Victor, and Victor’s eagerness to learn beyond the classroom

Textual Evidence, cont. “In M. Waldman I found a true friend…In a thousand ways he smoothed for me the path of knowledge, and made the most abstruse enquiries clear and facile to my apprehension” (Shelley 29). Waldman’s influence allows Victor to understand and appreciate his field of study, and gives him the drive to succeed in these areas of science.

Thesis In the novel Frankenstein, the influential mentor, M. Waldman, encourages Victor Frankenstein during his studies at Ingolstadt so that Frankenstein develops an interest in modern chemistry and science, learning revolutionary scientific methods, pursuing further knowledge and discovery, and ultimately leading to the gruesome experimentation with the creation of life.

Significant Moment #1 Frankenstein apprehensively decides to attend M. Waldman’s first lecture, and is immediately enthralled with the lecture and the professor. “Partly from curiosity, and partly from idleness, I went into the lecturing room, which M. Waldman entered shortly after… After having made a few preparatory experiments, he concluded with a panegyric upon modern chemistry, the terms of which I shall never forget” (Shelley 27). Frankenstein is now completely hung on his new mentor’s words and teachings with a newfound thirst for knowledge.

Significant Moment #2 Frankenstein meets with M. Waldman. “He then took me into his laboratory… He also gave me the list of books which I had requested; and I took my leave. Thus ended a day memorable to me: it decided my future destiny” (Shelley 29). This moment reflects the guidance and help of M. Waldman and its impact on Frankenstein. Though Frankenstein was already interested in science, the time spent with M. Waldman gave him the enthusiastic drive to secure his plan of action.

Foreshadowing Used as part of the story-telling nature of the novel: Frankenstein is narrating the story to Walton, and thus knows the end, allowing him to reveal hints throughout the story. Foreshadowing adds an aura of suspense, creating a scarier feeling; the original intent of Shelley’s story was to be a ghost/scary story, so the narration required such a mood. “I felt those cares and fears revive, which soon were to clasp me, and cling to me forever” (Shelley 143). “I beheld those I loved spend vain sorrow upon the graves of William and Justine, the first hapless victims to my unhallowed arts” (Shelley 60). “‘I shall be with you on your wedding night’” (Shelley 123).

Rhetorical Questions Provides insight to the tough decisions and internal conflict of the characters Causes the reader to pause and think about their own reactions and thoughts on what the novel is saying “What can stop the determined heart and resolved will of man?” (Shelley 7). “‘Why should I pity man more than he pities me?’” (Shelley 104). “‘Shall I, in cool blood, set loose upon the earth a daemon, whose delight is in death and wretchedness?’” (Shelley 122). “Had I a right, for my own benefit, to inflict this curse upon everlasting generations? (Shelley 121).

Allusion Used to connect the story of the novel to other respected and recognized works Provides insight to the story through the use of similar situations in literature “I was like the Arabian who ad been buried with the dead and found a passage to life” (Shelley 31); alludes to Sinbad the Sailor’s Fourth Voyage in The Thousand and One Nights. “‘Remember, that I am thy creature; I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed’” (Shelley 69); alludes to biblical stories of Adam and Eve and the Devil.

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