Frankenstein vocab

Caprice (noun)

A sudden, unpredictable change in mood or behavior.
Example in context: Victor’s father describes decisions or actions influenced by whims, reflecting the unpredictability of human desire.

Repine (Verb)

To feel or express discontent or longing.
Context: Characters in the early chapters, like Victor or Elizabeth, may quietly _____ at fate or family circumstances.

Aver (Verb)

To assert or affirm with confidence.
Context: Victor might _____ his devotion to science or moral principles when speaking about his ambitions.

Benignity (noun)

Kindness or gentle disposition.
Context: Often used to describe a character’s nature; for instance, Victor’s father shows _____ toward his children.

Panegyric (noun)

A formal speech or text in praise of someone.
Context: Walton delivers a ____ in letters praising Victor’s early genius and ambition.

Reprobate (noun)

A morally unprincipled or wicked person.
Context: Used to describe someone’s moral corruption, foreshadowing Victor’s eventual recklessness in science.

Mien (noun)

A person’s appearance or manner; the impression they give.
Context: Victor’s _____ may reflect his intense curiosity or obsession with knowledge.

Incipient (adjective)

Beginning to exist or develop.
Context: Victor’s ____ obsession with natural philosophy marks the start of his downfall.

Abstruse (adjective)

Difficult to understand; obscure.
Context: Victor studies ____ scientific texts, like alchemy and early chemistry, fueling his curiosity and ambition.

Pertinacity (noun)

Persistent determination.
Context: Victor shows ______ in his experiments, refusing to stop despite warnings.

Placid (adjective)

Calm, peaceful.
Context: The natural landscapes Victor admires are often ____, reflecting contrast to his inner turmoil.

Languor (noun)

A state of tiredness or weakness.
Context: Victor feels ____ after completing his experiments, both physically and emotionally drained.

Fetter (verb)

To restrain or confine.
Context: Victor’s ambition _____ him mentally, chaining him to his obsessive pursuits.

Diffident (adjective)

Lacking self-confidence; shy.
Context: Victor sometimes appears _____ when interacting with family or professors despite his genius.

Salubrious (adjective)

– Promoting health or well-being.
Context: The Swiss Alps provide _____ air and scenery that temporarily restore Victor’s health.

Encomium (noun)

A speech or piece of writing that praises someone.
Context: Letters or reflections describing Victor’s early talents serve as an ______ of his youth.

Dirge (noun)

A mournful song or lament for the dead.
Context: Victor feels as though he is living in a ____ after the deaths caused by the monster.

Exculpate (verb)

To clear from blame or guilt.
Context: Victor wishes to ______ himself from responsibility for William’s death.

Obdurate (adjective)

Stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or course of action.
Context: The monster can be seen as ____ in seeking revenge when he is rejected.

Adduce (verb)

To cite or bring forward evidence in support of a point.
Context: Victor tries to ___ reasons for his obsessive pursuit of knowledge or to justify his actions.