Lecture Four: Frankenstein

 

Core 155

February 3, 2005

 

I.                   Administrative

 

A.                 Review the schedule page.

 

B.                 Plan for Frankenstein.

 

C.                 Questions?

 

II.        Frankenstein, Vol. I

 

A.                 The title

 

1.         What is the subtitle of this book?

 

2.                  Why is it called The Modern Prometheus?

 

B.                 The story:  Go through the details.

 

1.         Who are the characters?

 

2.                  What are the important relationships?

 

3.                  What is the structure of the narrative?

 

4.                  What is the timetable?

 

5.                  How does the narrative unfold?

 

C.                 The rubric

 

1.         Who are the monsters and why?

 

2.                  Who are the monster makers and why?

 

3.                  Any changes?

 

D.                 The nuances

 

1.         What roles do the women play?  How do they figure into the narrative?

 

2.                  What is the relationship between fathers and sons?

 

3.                  Appearance/Reality:  contrast between Victor & Elizabeth (36), selection of professors (45-6), contrast between Clerval & Victor (67-8).

 

4.                  What can be said about education in this book?

 

5.                  What can be said about science?  Is Victor a good scientist?  What can we learn about his creation of the creature?