Frankenstein Honors Study Guide Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the key characters, themes, literary devices, and narrative structures discussed in the Frankenstein Honors Study Guide.

Frame Narrative Structure

A storytelling technique used by Mary Shelley where the narrative layers move from Walton to Victor, to the Creature, back to Victor, and finally ending with Walton.

Walton vs. Victor (Character Foils)

Characters who share ambitions for dangerous knowledge and glory, but Walton eventually learns from Victor's tragic story and reacts to his crew's demands near the end.

Galvanism and Electricity

The scientific triggers, along with influential books and M. Waldman's lecture, that spark Victor's initial obsession with creation.

Byronic Hero

A character profile characterized by being brooding, having a troubled past, dangerous ambition, and self-absorption; a description that fits Victor Frankenstein.

The DeLacey Family

The family observed by the Creature, through whom he learns language, moral values, and social structures.

Justine Moritz

A secondary character whose trial for murder causes Victor internal torment because he remains silent while she is accused.

Dangerous Ambition / Hubris

A major theme exploring the consequences of pushing scientific boundaries without considering moral or ethical responsibility.

Monstrosity vs. Humanity

A theme that questions whether a 'monster' is defined by physical appearance or by one's actions and choices.

Isolation & Rejection

A theme exploring how societal rejection and emotional abandonment destroy both the creator and the creature.

Guilt & Responsibility

The internal conflict regarding Victor's duties as a creator versus his duty to protect humanity.

Gothic Elements

Literary characteristics present in the text such as atmospheric suspense, dangerous natural settings, and unnatural events.

Foreshadowing

The literary device Shelley uses to hint at future deaths and tragic outcomes throughout Victor's narrative.

Textual traits of the Creature

The actual physical description in the novel, including black hair, watery eyes, and black lips, as opposed to modern cinematic tropes.

The Modern Prometheus

The significant subtitle of the novel Frankenstein that relates to the theme of forbidden knowledge and core questions of the text.

M. Waldman

The professor whose lecture serves as one of the specific scientific triggers for Victor’s obsession.

Creature's Transformation

The shift of the Creature from a naturally benevolent being seeking connection to a vengeful killer driven by specific events.