What do you think of Victor Frankenstein as a student and scientist? What do you admire or dislike about his goals? What is Frankenstein’s purpose in pursuing science? What does he study? How do you interpret Frankenstein’s initial response to the success of his experiment? Be prepared to explain your group’s position.

Why is the poem “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” important to Walton? How is the stranger similar to the ancient mariner? What mood does Shelley create by alluding to this poem?

What do you think causes people to explore the unknown? What are the motivations, expectations, etc?

Review Chapter 5—the creature’s birth. What’s going on here? What do we come to realize about Victor? What is your perception of the “monster”? What sympathies are created in this chapter? Themes, as we know, are important to understanding the purpose of the work. Consider one of the themes of Frankenstein and then select a passage from the letters through Chapter 10 that support that theme Possible themes: Transformation Suffering Alienation/Isolation Hope of Redemption Nature (man’s nature and the importance/power of the natural world)

What is your opinion of Victor when he does not step forward and save Justine? Review the text. Did he have a choice? Why does Shelly allow Justine to “die” without much of a fight? Is there a deeper meaning here? Again, be sure to consult and provide support from the text. Select at least two (2) meaningful quotes from the letters- Chapter 10. Please include chapter, page # and at least the first and last few words of the passage. (enough so that anyone could understand which passage you’ve selected). In your group, discuss why the quote is meaningful. Does it connect to a theme? Make that connection. (you MIGHT see these on a test —hint).