Frankenstein Chapters 7-12

Chapter 7 William’s death – described in disjointed language – shows distress felt by the narrator’s father

Role of Letters Begins and ends with a series of letters Many important details of plot and character are related in letters Allows Shelley to allow voices other than Frankenstein’s (remember Frankenstein’s voice is highly subjective)

Victor’s reaction to the letter Wracked with grief Anxiety at returning home after the long absence Self-absorption Uneasy – foreshadows the horror which greets him in Geneva Reader shares his distress

Gothic elements Lightning storm creates ghost story element: “it was a dark and stormy night…” Reflects the imbalance and chaos of Victor’s family We jump to the same conclusion as Frankenstein when we see the creature – it is the murderer

First sight of creation Hatred for creation “deformity” “wretch” “filthy demon” Reader also blames the creature – we are complicit to its outcast state Victor’s decision to keep the monster a secret is selfish and foolhardy – wants to preserve his reputation (should be more concerned with the fact a child has been killed and a monster has entered the world)

Chapter 8 We already feel sympathy for Justine Like a fragile doll – a plaything/pawn whose fate is beyond her control Sentences confused / lots of semi-colons to show chaos in Frankenstein household (lost control over present and future and can’t even organize their own thoughts).

Frankenstein’s decision to conceal the truth Misguided Not trying to absolve himself of guilt “Fangs of remorse” tear at him Feels guilty for both William’s murder and Justine’s execution Isolates him – can’t share his secret – outcast from society

Chapter 9 Victor considers suicide – shows him to be weak and selfish Overcomes his desire – he is capable of being less self-absorbed (concern for family and humanity)

Role of Nature Praises nature – sublime Stands beyond the scope of human control and comprehension Ironic: Frankenstein desired to master nature and unlock its secrets – so he created the monster Believes in all-powerful God – a God whose works he attempted to improve upon and replace

Elizabeth’s view Men are bloodthirsty monsters Frankenstein and his creature? Who is the true monster? Frankenstein or the monster?

Chapter 10 Victor travels to the valley of Chamounix to try to escape his guilt Seeks oblivion in sleep and bleakness of the glacial landscape Chaos of landscape (avalanches, rockslides) shows escape will be short-lived.

The creation confronts his maker Filled with biblical allusions: Like Adam – forsaken by his creator Christian god – Frankenstein assumes this role to the creature Like Satan: a fallen angel – grown vicious in the absence of his god (creator)

Who is responsible? Shelley suggests that the creatures misdeeds are caused by his suffering At heart he is good / human If he is monstrous – Frankenstein is to blame

Overarching Question: “How dare you [Frankenstein] sport with life?” Frankenstein longs to murder his creation (who owes its life to Frankenstein) If the creature is inherently good, yet capable of evil, then so is Frankenstein

Chapter 11 Switch in point of view – the next few chapters are told from the creature’s point of view Humanizes the creature: gives him depth and sensitivity Learn of his sufferings Creature was innocent and defenseless like a newborn when Frankenstein abandoned him

Childlike Blurry vision Confusion of the senses Aversion to direct light Experiences his world like a young child Simple syntax (language) Cannot interpret / analyze Explores his world - fire

Shelley creates sympathy for the creature Gentle voice Feared by mankind Abandoned by Victor Weeps in fear and pain Others view him with horror and disgust Outcast due to appearance Deprived of love and companionship

Understanding of need for vengeance Wants revenge on V ictor and humanity We question who is the monster

Chapter 12 Creature longs to join society Must learn everything (childlike) Sees the cottagers as god-like (sees them through the eyes of a child) – sees them as blessed Sees himself as a monster (sees his reflection) Dreams of acceptance Learns language (sees it as a way to gain affection and trust)

More sympathy We pity the creature Fear for him – know he won’t be accepted (different) Wait with dread for him to present himself to the family he loves