Frankenstein Practice Questions

Multiple Choice

#1. Who had been the creature’s most recent victim?

A. It was the wife of the local doctor.
B. It was Alphonse Frankenstein.
C. It was one of Frankenstein’s cousins who lived in the village.
D. It was Henry Clerval.

#2. True or False: At the trial, Frankenstein was found innocent by reason of insanity.
A. True
B. False

#3. What event occurred next in Frankenstein’s life?

A. He went to England to study.
B. He went to a mental institution to try and recover.
C. He married Elizabeth.
D. He went back to the university.

#4. What happened on Frankenstein and Elizabeth’s wedding night?

A. The Creature kidnaped Elizabeth.
B. The creature attacked Victor, but Frankenstein managed to escape.
C. The creature attacked both of them, but only killed Elizabeth.
D. The creature broke into the room and killed Elizabeth.

#5. True or False: Frankenstein’s father went insane with grief and had to be institutionalised.
A. True
B. False

#6. True or False: The magistrate believed Frankenstein’s story, but said that he didn’t think he and his
men would be successful in catching the creature.
A. True
B. False

#7. What did Frankenstein do after he left the magistrate?

A. He went on a sea voyage to escape from the creature.
B. He went to the professors at the university for help.
C. He decided to pursue the creature and kill him.
D. He hired a group of men to hunt and kill the creature.

#8. What request did Frankenstein make of Robert Walton?

A. He asked Walton to destroy the creature if he ever had the opportunity.
B. He asked Walton to get him to a doctor as soon as possible..
C. He asked Walton to tell his story so that others will not make the same mistake.
D. He asked Walton to reason with the creature and get him to surrender.

#9. True or False: The creature strangled Victor Frankenstein.

A. True
B. False

#10. What happened to the creature?

A. He broke his neck as he tried to jump from the ship.
B. He laughed and said he would continue to seek vengeance on humanity.
C. He floated away into the darkness.
D. Walton shot and killed him.

M.C Answer Key

1. D
2. B False
3. C
4. D
5. B False
6. A True
7. C
8. A
9. B False
10. C

Unit Test 1

Short Answer

1. What natural phenomena influenced Frankenstein?

He watched a tree being hit by lightning during a storm. He became interested in the
theories of electricity and galvanism.

2. What happened to Frankenstein at the end of the novel?

He died of natural causes while in the cabin on the ship.

3. What happened to the creature at the end of the novel?

 He came into the cabin and saw the dead Frankenstein and asked for pardon despite
Frankenstein being dead. He told Walton that he was going to travel to the far north and
kill himself. We last see the creature as he floats away into the darkness on an ice raft.

4. How did Robert Walton meet Victor Frankenstein?

He and the crew found Frankenstein stuck on a large piece of ice. They rescued him and
brought him aboard their vessel.

5. What was Frankenstein’s reaction when Justine was accused of William’s murder?
He was sure the creature had committed the murder. He was torn between wanting to
save Justine and not wanting to reveal his horrible secret about the creature to anyone. He
considered himself the real murderer.

6. What did the creature ask Frankenstein to do, and why?

He asked Frankenstein to create a female for him. He said that he was malicious because
he was unhappy, and that if he were content he would not bother any more humans.

7. What does the creature learn to do while living in the lean-to, and how does he learn this?
He learns to speak, and then to read, by observing and listening to the cottagers. He found
a portmanteau that had several books in it, and he read them. He then read the letters that
were in the pocket of the coat he had taken from Victor Frankenstein.

8. How did the creature feel after he killed William?

He was delighted that he was able to create despair for his creator.

9. Who were the other two people who were killed by the creature?
Henry Clerval and Elizabeth Lavenza were the other two victims.

10. How did Frankenstein feel when his experiment succeeded and the creature came to life?
He was horrified and disgusted.

Essay Question

Describe the original personality of the creature, and the changes that occurred over the course of the
novel.

Throughout the novel, the creature's personality transforms from an innocent and curious being
into a bitter and vengeful one due to the cruelty it encounters from society. Its initial desire for acceptance
and love devolves into a desire for revenge against its creator and those who have wronged it. Shelley's
portrayal of the creature underscores themes of isolation, societal rejection, and the corrupting influence
of a hostile world on an initially benevolent being.
 As the story progresses, the creature's personality undergoes significant changes due to its
experiences and interactions with the world. Here are some key stages of the creature's development:

Isolation and Rejection: After its creation, the creature is immediately rejected and abandoned by
Victor Frankenstein, who is horrified by its appearance. The creature is left to fend for itself, and it
experiences profound loneliness and isolation. Its initial innocence turns into deep emotional pain and a
sense of abandonment.

Learning and Self-education: The creature's curiosity and desire for knowledge lead it to observe
and learn from humans in secret. It studies language, literature, and human behaviour, which contributes
to its intellectual development. However, its increasing knowledge also exposes it to the harsh realities of
human society.

Desperation and Agony: As the creature seeks companionship and acceptance from humans, it is
met with fear, rejection, and violence. It becomes increasingly aware of its own physical deformity and
how it is perceived by others. These experiences lead to a growing sense of bitterness and despair, and the
creature's desire for revenge against its creator, Victor, intensifies.

Acts of Violence and Retribution: Frustrated and enraged by the injustices it has suffered, the
creature resorts to acts of violence and revenge against Victor and his loved ones. It murders Victor's
younger brother, William, and frames an innocent family friend, Justine, for the crime.

Regret and Self-Loathing: Despite its acts of vengeance, the creature is not without remorse. It
expresses deep self-loathing and regrets the harm it has caused. It also confronts Victor with a demand for
a female companion to mitigate its loneliness, hoping for a chance at happiness.

Final Tragedy: The creature's request for a companion is ultimately denied by Victor, which
pushes it to its breaking point. In the end, the novel concludes with a tragic showdown between Victor
and the creature, resulting in Victor's death.

Unit Test 2

Short Answer

1. What discussions influenced the development of Mary Shelley’s idea for a story?
She was listening to her husband, Shelley, and Lord Byron talk about the nature of life,
and the possibility of creating a creature.

2. What was one of the themes of the writers who influenced Victor?
The authors he read wrote about raising ghosts or devils. He tried to mimic them.

3. What happened to Frankenstein at the end of the story?

 He died of natural causes while in the cabin on the ship.

4. What was Frankenstein’s reaction when Justine was accused of William’s murder?
He was sure the creature had committed the murder. He was torn between wanting to
save Justine and not wanting to reveal his horrible secret to anyone. He considered
himself the real murderer.

5. In general, what was the reaction of the people the creature encountered?
They were frightened and horrified. They all either ran away or tried to hurt him.

6. Who were the creature’s victims, and why were they chosen?
The first was William Frankenstein, Victor’s youngest brother. The next was Henry
Clerval, Frankenstein’s best friend. The last was his bride, Elizabeth. They were all
chosen to create despair in the life of Victor. Henry and Elizabeth were also killed in
revenge because Frankenstein backed out on his promise to create a female for the
creature.

7. What does the creature learn to do while living in the lean-to, and how does he learn this?
He learns to speak, and then to read, by observing and listening to the cottagers. He found
a portmanteau that had several books in it, and he read them. He then read the letters that
were in the pocket of the coat he had taken from Frankenstein.

8. What goal was Victor pursuing while at the university of Ingolstadt?

He wanted to try to renew life in a corpse, “to bestow animation upon lifeless matter.”

9. How did Robert Walton meet Victor Frankenstein?

He and the crew found Frankenstein stuck on a large piece of ice. They rescued him and
brought him aboard their vessel.

10. What happened to the creature at the end of the story?

He came into the cabin and saw the dead Frankenstein. He told Walton that he was going
to travel to the far north and kill himself. We last see the creature as he floats away into
the darkness on an ice raft.

Essay Question

Discuss the creature’s views on society, justice, and injustice. Include any changes that occurred in his
views over the course of the novel, and the reasons for these changes.

The creature in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" has evolving views on society, justice, and
injustice as the novel progresses, largely influenced by its experiences and interactions with humans.
Here's a discussion of these changing views:
Society:

Early View: Initially, the creature is curious and open to the idea of being a part of human society. It
observes a poor family living in a cottage and learns about human customs, language, and emotions. It
hopes for acceptance and companionship and sees the potential for a harmonious relationship with
society.

Change: The creature's view of society turns from hope to despair as it experiences constant rejection and
fear from humans due to its grotesque appearance. It comes to see society as cruel, prejudiced, and
unaccepting of anyone who doesn't fit societal norms. It becomes increasingly isolated and detached from
human society.

Justice:

Early View: At the beginning, the creature has an understanding of justice that is more instinctual than
intellectual. It seeks fairness and justice in its interactions with humans and expects them to treat it with
kindness and respect.

Change: As the creature is subjected to repeated injustices, it becomes disillusioned with the concept of
justice. It watches the injustices and cruelty of humans toward each other and, more importantly, towards
itself. This breeds a sense of anger and a desire for revenge. It sees justice as an elusive concept, and its
own actions become increasingly unjust as it seeks retribution.

Injustice:

Early View: The creature's early experiences are marked by a profound sense of injustice. It is abandoned
by its creator, unfairly judged based on its appearance, and subjected to violence and rejection by those it
seeks to connect with. This fuels its sense of being wronged.

Change: The creature's own actions eventually perpetuate the cycle of injustice. It murders Victor's
brother, William, and frames an innocent person, Justine, for the crime. While it recognizes its own
injustices, it becomes less concerned about these acts in its quest for revenge against Victor and the
society that has rejected it.

The changes in the creature's views are driven by its transformation from an innocent and hopeful being
to a bitter and vengeful outcast. The profound injustices it experiences at the hands of society, along with
its growing understanding of human nature and morality, push it toward a darker perspective on justice
and society. It is no longer motivated by a desire for fairness but is instead consumed by a desire for
retribution against those who have wronged it.

Shelley uses the creature's evolving views on society, justice, and injustice to explore themes of prejudice,
the corrupting influence of isolation, and the consequences of societal rejection.
Advanced Practice Test

Short Answer

1. Discuss the role of nature in the novel.

The role of nature in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" is multifaceted and plays a significant
thematic and symbolic role throughout the novel. Nature is not just a backdrop but a dynamic force that
influences the characters and events. Nature is often used to foreshadow and mirror the events of the
novel. For example, the novel's stormy weather often corresponds with moments of intense emotional or
dramatic conflict. The natural world reflects and sometimes exacerbates the characters' inner struggles.
Nature also has a restorative and reflective role in the novel. Characters often seek solace in the natural
world. Victor, for example, finds temporary relief from his guilt and sorrow when he is in the mountains.
Nature provides moments of respite and self-reflection for the characters.

2. Discuss Victor Frankenstein’s personality.

From the outset, Victor is portrayed as an ambitious and intellectually curious individual. His
ambition drives him to explore the boundaries of scientific knowledge and to create life from inanimate
matter. Despite the dire consequences of his actions, Victor remains determined and resolute in his pursuit
of the creature to destroy it. His determination borders on obsession, and he is willing to go to great
lengths to bring about its destruction. Victor exhibits moments of compassion and empathy, particularly
when he reflects on the suffering of his family and friends due to the creature's actions. He regrets the
pain he has caused others and feels compassion for the creature's loneliness.

3. Discuss each of the elements of the gothic novel and its relationship to Frankenstein.

Setting and Atmosphere:

"Frankenstein" is known for its vivid and evocative settings, from the gloomy laboratory where Victor
conducts his experiments to the desolate and eerie landscapes of the Swiss Alps and the Arctic. These
settings create an atmospheric backdrop that contributes to the novel's overall tone of darkness, isolation,
and foreboding.

The Supernatural and the Uncanny:

One of the most prominent aspects of the Gothic genre is the presence of the supernatural or the uncanny.
In "Frankenstein," Victor's ability to reanimate the dead is a supernatural element that defies the laws of
nature. The creature itself is a supernatural creation, and its existence is a source of fear and wonder.

The Byronic Hero:

Victor Frankenstein can be seen as a variation of the Byronic hero, a common archetype in Gothic
literature. He is a complex and flawed character with a dark and brooding personality. His ambition,
arrogance, and inner torment align with the traits of the Byronic hero.

Emotional Intensity and Psychological Conflict:

"Frankenstein" delves into the emotional intensity and psychological conflict of its characters, particularly
Victor and the creature. Both characters grapple with profound inner turmoil, guilt, and existential crises.
The novel explores the consequences of playing God and tampering with the natural order, leading to
intense emotional and psychological struggles.

The Role of Women and Feminine Characters:

The novel incorporates the Gothic trope of vulnerable and persecuted female characters, as seen in the
suffering of Justine Moritz and Elizabeth Lavenza. The tragic fates of these women contribute to the
novel's dark and oppressive atmosphere.

The Macabre and the Grotesque:

The macabre and grotesque elements are prevalent in "Frankenstein," particularly in the descriptions of
the creature's appearance and its violent actions. The horror of Victor's experiment and the consequences
of his creation contribute to the novel's Gothic nature.

4. Describe and discuss the portrayal of families in Frankenstein.

The portrayal of families in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" is complex and multifaceted,

reflecting the novel's themes of love, responsibility, abandonment, and the consequences of one's actions.
Several families are depicted in the novel, each with its own dynamics and impact on the characters:

The Frankenstein Family:

Victor Frankenstein's family, including his parents, Alphonse and Caroline, and his brothers, William and
Ernest, is depicted as loving and supportive. Their strong family bonds are a source of comfort for Victor,
especially during his childhood. However, this family is ultimately shattered by Victor's obsession with
his scientific pursuits, leading to a sense of abandonment and loss within the family.

The De Lacey Family:

The De Lacey family, a peasant family living in the cottage near the Frankenstein family home, serves as
a contrasting representation of familial relationships. Their simple and close-knit family exemplifies love
and unity. The creature, observing the De Lacey family, longs for a similar sense of companionship and
family.

The Creature's Yearning for a Family:

The creature, created by Victor, is abandoned and left to fend for itself. It yearns for a family and
companionship, hoping to be accepted by humanity. The absence of a family and the creature's loneliness
are central to its development and its eventual descent into violence and revenge.

The portrayal of families in "Frankenstein" serves to highlight the importance of love, responsibility, and
nurturing relationships. It also underscores the potential consequences of neglect, abandonment, and the
pursuit of individual ambition at the expense of familial bonds. The breakdown of the Frankenstein family
due to Victor's obsession with scientific discovery is a cautionary tale that illustrates the destructive
impact of personal ambition on familial relationships. The creature's yearning for a family underscores the
importance of acceptance and companionship in the human experience. In the end, the novel prompts
reflection on the responsibilities and consequences that come with the creation and dissolution of familial
ties.

Quotations

1. “I have described myself as always having been imbued with a fervent longing to penetrate the
secrets of nature.”

Analysis:
This quote, spoken by Dr. Victor Frankenstein, encapsulates a central theme in Mary Shelley's
"Frankenstein" – the pursuit of knowledge and ambition. Victor is a character driven by an insatiable
curiosity, a desire to unravel the mysteries of the natural world, and a fervent longing for scientific
discovery. His declaration emphasizes his relentless ambition to push the boundaries of human
understanding.

Theme:
The quote aligns with the theme of scientific ambition and the consequences that arise from it. Victor's
unwavering determination to "penetrate the secrets of nature" represents the human desire to control and
manipulate the natural order, often without fully comprehending the moral and ethical implications of
such actions.

Significance to the Story:

This quote is significant because it sets the stage for the entire narrative. Victor's unquenchable thirst for
knowledge leads him to engage in forbidden scientific experiments, ultimately resulting in the creation of
the creature. His ambition and the ensuing consequences serve as the catalyst for the tragic events that
unfold in the novel. Victor's pursuit of scientific knowledge, at the expense of ethical considerations, is a
central element of the story, driving the plot and illustrating the destructive power of unchecked ambition.

2. “I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the
beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart.”

Analysis:
In this quote, spoken by Victor Frankenstein, he reflects upon the aftermath of creating the creature. The
passage encapsulates the theme of the consequences of unchecked ambition and the duality of scientific
pursuit in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein."

Theme:
The quote is closely linked to the theme of ambition and the fine line between the pursuit of knowledge
and the creation of something monstrous. Victor's overwhelming desire to create life, his "ardour that far
exceeded moderation," mirrors his ambition to control and manipulate nature. However, the immediate
result of achieving his ambition is not the expected beauty but "breathless horror and disgust."

Significance to the Story:

This quote is crucial to the story as it highlights the moral and emotional consequences of Victor's actions.
It reveals his initial hubris and his belief that he could transcend the limits of human knowledge.
However, upon witnessing the creature's appearance and the implications of his experiment, Victor
experiences a profound sense of remorse and horror. The beauty of his scientific dream has been replaced
by the ugly reality of his creation, marking a turning point in the narrative. Victor's reaction sets the stage
for the central conflict and serves as the foundation for the tragic events that follow in the novel.

3. “Accursed creator! Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in
disgust? God, in pit, 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.”

Analysis:
This quote is a powerful monologue delivered by the creature in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein." It
encompasses several themes, including the nature of humanity, the consequences of abandonment and
isolation, and the search for acceptance.

Themes:

The Nature of Humanity: The creature's speech reflects his struggle to understand his own existence and
his place in the world. He questions why he was created with such a hideous appearance, comparing
himself unfavourably to humans and even Satan. This underscores the theme of the human capacity for
judgement and cruelty based on appearances.

Abandonment and Isolation: The creature's sense of abandonment and isolation is palpable in this quote.
He highlights the loneliness he experiences, having no companions or fellow creatures to understand or
accept him. This theme of alienation is central to the novel, as the creature's isolation drives much of the
narrative.

The Search for Acceptance: The creature's lamentation about his appearance and his solitary existence
conveys his desperate desire for acceptance. He longs for companionship and understanding, which are
denied to him by both his creator, Victor, and society at large. This desire for acceptance is a key theme
throughout the novel.

Significance to the Story:

This quote is a pivotal moment in the novel, revealing the emotional depth and humanity of the creature.
It marks a turning point in the narrative as the creature confronts Victor, expressing his anguish and anger
over his abandonment. The passage underscores the tragic consequences of Victor's actions and highlights
the moral and ethical dimensions of the story. It also deepens the reader's sympathy for the creature,
presenting a more complex perspective on his character.

4. “I, too, can create desolation; my enemy is not invulnerable; this death will carry despair to him,
and a thousand other miseries shall torment and destroy him.”

Analysis:
In this quote, spoken by the creature in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," the creature reveals his intention to
seek revenge on Victor Frankenstein. It reflects themes of revenge, justice, and the consequences of
unchecked hatred.

Themes:

Revenge: The quote underscores the central theme of revenge that runs throughout the novel. The creature
has been wronged and rejected by Victor and seeks to inflict emotional pain and suffering upon him in
return. His desire for revenge is a driving force in the latter part of the story.

Consequences of Hatred: The creature's words reveal the destructive power of hatred. His intention to
create "desolation" and torment Victor with "a thousand other miseries" showcases the toll that hatred and
vengeance can take on both the victim and the one seeking revenge.

The Complex Nature of Morality: The quote further delves into the moral complexities of the novel. It
challenges the reader to consider the creature's actions and whether they are justified or merely a
reflection of the cruelty he has endured.

Significance to the Story:

This quote is significant in several ways. It marks the creature's transformation from a victim of
abandonment and isolation to an active agent seeking revenge. It intensifies the conflict between the
creature and Victor, driving the narrative toward its tragic conclusion. The quote also raises questions
about morality and the consequences of actions, prompting readers to ponder whether the creature's
pursuit of revenge is justifiable or if it perpetuates the cycle of tragedy that defines the novel. It further
explores the theme of the blurred lines between creator and creation, as Victor's actions have turned the
creature into a being capable of causing despair and destruction.
 5. “Wretch! I said, “It is well that you come here to whine over the desolation that you have made.
You throw a torch into a pile of buildings, and when they are consumed, you sit among the ruins,
and lament the fall. Hypocritical fiend!”

Analysis:
In this quote, Robert Walton's words reflect his anger and frustration with the creature. He accuses the
creature of being hypocritical for lamenting the consequences of his actions, such as Victor's death and
the destruction he has caused, while showing no remorse during his actions. This passage highlights the
theme of moral accountability and the moral ambiguity of the characters in the novel.

Walton's words also emphasise the idea that actions have consequences, and the creature cannot simply
absolve himself of guilt or responsibility for the harm he has caused. It underscores the complex moral
landscape of "Frankenstein" and the idea that individuals must face the repercussions of their choices and
actions.

Furthermore, this confrontation between Walton and the creature in the final chapters of the novel serves
as a culmination of the moral and ethical questions raised throughout the story. It prompts the reader to
reflect on the themes of responsibility and the consequences of one's actions, as well as the moral
judgments placed upon the characters.