Frankenstein
Study Guide
Chapters 6-16
DIRECTIONS: All responses are to be done in the Homework section of your
English binder, but please feel free to type your answers and transfer the
printout to the appropriate section. Also, keep the Romantic and Gothic
characteristics and motifs we discussed from the PowerPoint presentation in
mind as you read and answer these questions. By the end of this section, all
characteristics and motifs should be apparent. Good luck and please do not
hesitate to seek me out for any help you may need and/or any questions you
may have.
Chapter 6
1. Explain the arrival of Justine Moritz into the Frankenstein family, as
described by Elizabeth in her letter to Victor. Also, what recent hardship has
Justine been forced to endure, in regard to her original family? Explain.
2. What effect does touring the university with Henry have on Victor? Why? In
addition, what effect does touring the university’s countryside have on
Victor?
Chapter 7
1. What does Alphonse tell Victor in his letter?
2. According to Victor, why does nature mock him as he returns to Geneva?
3. What does Victor see as he approaches the scene of the crime? What does
this cause him to realize?
4. What is Victor informed of as he finally arrives at his home? Explain his
reaction to this news.
Chapter 8
1. Why does Victor feel that confessing to the crime would do no good?
2. Describe Justine’s alibi on the night William was murdered. What does she
say she will rely on to prove her innocence? How does that work out for her?
Explain.
3. Why does Justine eventually confess to the crime?
4. Describe Victor’s behavior and thoughts throughout the trial. How does this
add to/alter his characterization since the beginning of the story?
Chapter 9
1. Describe Victor’s thoughts and feelings at the beginning of the chapter (first
two paragraphs).
2. What advice does Alphonse give to Victor in regard to his grief? How does
Victor respond? Why do you think Victor is unable to take his father’s advice,
or is it that he is just not willing to take his father’s advice? Explain.
Chapter 10
1. How does the stanza on pages 79 & 80 reflect Victor’s situation? Explain.
2. Describe the encounter Victor has with the creature at the end of the chapter.
Chapter 11
1. How does the creature describe his initial thoughts/feelings?
2. Describe the three separate encounters the creature has with humans. Based
on the events/results of these encounters, in your opinion, how does it alter
or affect the creature?
Chapter 12
1. What does the creature realize about the cottage family? What does he
attribute to this realization?
2. In what way does the creature begin to interact with the family, unbeknown
to them?
3. How does the creature begin to understand and acquire language?
4. What is the creature’s reaction to his own reflection and why do you believe
he reacts this way?
Chapter 13
1. Who is the woman that comes to visit the cottage family? What is her
apparent relation to the family?
2. How progresses the language acquisition of the creature? In what manner?
3. Aside from language, how else does the creature become educated?
4. How does the creature perceive himself to fit into human society? What does
he base this on?
Chapter 14
1. Describe, in detail, the history of the De Lacey family and all those involved.
2. Can you find any correlations between specific members of the De Lacey
family and those people currently in Victor’s life, or perhaps even Victor
himself?
Chapter 15
1. What items does the creature happen to come across that advance his
education of society?
2. Explain the education and subsequent reflection that the creature undergoes
through reading the following items:
a. Sorrows of Werter
b. Lives
c. Paradise Lost
3. How does the creature view the De Lacey family, in regard to himself?
4. What plan does the creature have for introducing himself to the family? How
does it go?
Chapter 16
1. What is the creature’s reaction to the treatment he received from the De
Lacey family? What does this reaction tell you about the creature? Explain.
2. After the departure of the De Lacey family, NOW how does the creature
react? What has changed for him since the initial rejection at the hands of
the De Lacey family? What is the creature’s sole intent from now on?
3. Describe the events of the creature’s rescue of a drowning girl. Why do you
think, after previously stating his hatred for mankind, does he attempt to
save one of its members?
4. What part did the creature play in the murder of William Frankenstein? Why
did he do it?
5. What is the creature’s request, or demand, of Victor, and why does he make
this request/demand?