Frankenstein: Introductory Background, Literary Context, and Core Themes

Vocabulary flashcards covering background facts, historical context, key topics, and major themes for Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.

Frankenstein's Subtitle

The Modern Prometheus

Author of Frankenstein

Mary Shelley

Two Versions of Frankenstein

Original 1818 version and revised 1831 version

Literary Period of Frankenstein

Romantic Period

Genre of Frankenstein

Gothic science fiction

Epistolary Novel

A novel told through letters

Number of Narrators

3

Setting of Frankenstein

Geneva, the Swiss Alps, and northern ice

Protagonist

Victor Frankenstein

Antagonist

The Creature

Mary Wollstonecraft

Mary Shelley's mother, a famous feminist author

William Godwin

Mary Shelley's father, a philosopher who believed in individual rights

Percy Bysshe Shelley

Mary Shelley's husband, a famous poet and follower of William Godwin

Mary Shelley's Interest in Knowledge

Her lifelong interest in research and learning parallels the narrators' searches for knowledge

Mary Shelley's Personal-Life Influence

Her mother's death after childbirth influenced her interest in origins, life, and death

Influences on Shelley Writing Frankenstein

The Romantic Period, the Gothic novel, scientific research, and her own life

Galvanism

A popular scientific theory involving electricity stimulating muscles and ideas about restoring life

Shelley's Dream at Byron's Estate

A man trying to bring life to the dead

Byron's Challenge

Lord Byron challenged his guests to create the best horror story

Reason Byron's Group Stayed Inside

Gloomy, unusually cold weather caused by volcanic ash

Prometheus

A Greek Titan who stole fire and gave it to humanity

Reason Zeus Punished Prometheus

He gave humans something Zeus did not want them to control

Prometheus's Punishment

He was chained to a rock and repeatedly attacked by an eagle

Prometheus as a Metaphor

Humans reaching beyond their abilities and gaining power they may not be able to control

Why Frankenstein is Called The Modern Prometheus

Victor reaches beyond normal human limits through science and creates something he cannot control

Romantic Period

A time of political revolution, new ways of thinking, and strong personal expression

Historical Influence on the Romantic Period

The French Revolution

Britain During the Romantic Period

Britain was becoming a very powerful and prosperous nation

Effect of Britain's Prosperity

It helped create a sense of British righteousness

Gothic Novel

A fearful genre connected with dark settings, danger, and uncertainty

Symbolism of Haunted Gothic Manor

A crumbling way of life

Common Gothic Character Struggle

A hero or heroine searching for identity

Events Creating a Gothic Culture of Fear

The American and French Revolutions

Common Gothic Fears

Imprisonment or entrapment, personal violation, evil defeating good, and chaos defeating order

Origin of Gothic Literature's Name

Gothic architecture, which often appears in its settings

Major Topic: Knowledge

The use of knowledge for good or evil

Major Topic: Technology

Technology entering and changing modern life

Major Topic: Social Class

Treatment of the poor or uneducated

Major Topic: Nature

The power of nature against unnatural events

Major Topic: Nature vs. Nurture

Whether behavior comes more from inborn traits or from environment and experience

Science Fiction Characteristic 1

Based on valid scientific research

Science Fiction Characteristic 2

Predicts what science might achieve in the future

Science Fiction Characteristic 3

Examines the benefits and dangers of scientific achievement or thought

Importance of Frankenstein to Science Fiction

It combines real science, future possibilities, and warnings about science

Name Frankenstein Refers To

Victor Frankenstein, the creator - not the Creature

Reason Victor Creates the Creature

He wants to overcome death and bring life back

The Creature vs. Hollywood Stereotype

The Creature is intelligent

Reason the Creature Becomes Enraged

Victor's neglect and rejection