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1. To what degree is justice served in Coleridge's "Rime of the Ancient Mariner?" Has a crime been committed? If so, is the punishment for this crime a fair one? Explain by using very specific references to the poem, quoting specific passages to support your claims.
2. Develop a comparison between the Ancient Mariner and ONE of these characters in Shelley's novel: Victor, the Creature, or Justine. Which character is the more sympathetic? Explain by exploring the actions of both characters and the consequences (both immediate and ultimate) of those actions. The perceptions and reactions of the characters characters in the text should prove useful, but also be sure to how the characters actually view themselves and the experiences they have. Be sure to include specific quotes from both works to support your claims.
3. The word "doppelganger" was used repeatedly in our discussion.
Explain the degree to which both Clerval and the Creature can be seen as
doppelgangers for Victor, discussing such issues as relationship to Nature,
relationship to Women, and view of Self in your discussion. Be sure
to include quotes from Victor that describe his view of the similarities
between himself and each of the other two figures. (Helpful Link)
4. Describe the criminal justice system presented in this novel,
using the three examples of William's murder, Clerval's murder, and Elizabeth's
murder, as well as the official responses to these acts, in your discussion.
Is it a fair system? Do all crimes get investigated in the same way?
Do some people receive preferential treatment? If so, who? What characteristics
determine the treatment the different suspects receive? Incorporate
your responses to these questions into a smooth discussion. Do NOT
just answer the questions in order. Make sure to include quotes describing
each of these situations. (Potentially Useful Essays, )
5. An important concept that we discussed was the relationship
between appearance and reality. Describe what this relationship is, using
the examples of three different characters, including Victor, the Creature,
and one other figure. Are these figures always "what they seem"?
What factors contribute to the distinction between appearance and reality?
Incorporate your responses to these questions into a smooth discussion,
using quotes to describe each of the three characters. (Potentially Useful
Essay)
6. Explain the significance of the dream Victor has the night
that he succeeds in bringing life to his creation. Explain the symbolism
of the images involved in terms of the themes presented in the work
as a whole. You should incorporate discussion of Victor's view of
and relationship to Family, Women, and Sexuality in your discussion, using
quotes from other parts of the novel to support your discussion. (Helpful
Link)
7. In what ways is Frankenstein a gothic novel? Describe at least three different characteristics of gothic literature that are exemplified by the novel, being sure to provide extensive examples from the novel to support your claims.
8. Explain the similarities and differences with regards to the relationship between Victor and Elizabeth and Safie and Felix. How does each man view his "partner"?
9. Compare the relationships between Victor and his father and that between Victor and his creature. What are the similarities and differences? You may wish to consider Victor's question to Clerval--"How could you suppose that my first thoughts would not fly towards those dear, dear friends whom I love, and who are so deserving of my love?" (65)--in light of the fact that his first thoughts do not "fly" there.
10. What are the similarities and differences involved in the comparison between the relationships involving Victor & Elizabeth and the Creature and his potential female mate? How do Victor and the Creature view their "partners" and their future "married" lives? Look specifically at the discussion between Victor and the Creature at the end of the second section.
11. Why does the Creature frame Justine for the murder of William? What does this say about the way he has learned to view women? What does this say about the criminal justice system and society in general?
12. What is the function of solitude in Frankenstein?
Look specifically at Victor and the Creature. Do they have the same
view of solitude? Does it have the same effect on them? Explain.