Chapters 1-2
English Lit: Edexcel A Level Frankenstein, topic 5.2.1
Chapter 1
Victor describes his childhood and upbringing. He explains that he was born into a wealthy and distinguished Genevese family.
Victor's family
- The history of his father’s marriage with his mother, Caroline Beaufort, presents a picture of Alphonse as a caring, loyal man.
- He helps Caroline’s father (Beaufort) when he had fallen into debt, and subsequently falls in love with his daughter and marries her after Beaufort’s death.
- Victor is their first child.
Elizabeth Lavenza
- Victor introduces Elizabeth, an orphan who was adopted by Caroline and brought from Italy back to Geneva.
- Alphonse and Caroline love Elizabeth very much and Victor comes to believe that one day he will marry his "more than sister".
- This relationship would have seemed less peculiar in the 19th century than it may to modern readers.
Chapter 2
Victor describes his close relationship with Elizabeth and his blossoming interest in natural philosophy, which was the 19th-century term for modern 'science'.
Victor's family and Clerval
- Victor and Elizabeth are brought up together.
- The Frankensteins welcome two more sons: Ernest and the youngest, William.
- Victor meets Henry Clerval when they are 9 years old and they become firm friends.
- Whilst Victor’s childlike curiosity focuses on science, Clerval is enamoured with stories of chivalry, romance and bravery.
Natural philosophy
- Victor's interest in natural philosophy is sparked by a book by Cornelius Agrippa and develops through avidly studying the works of Paracelsus and Albertus Magnus, too.
- But other people consider the ideas of these men to be outdated.
Thunderstorm
- Victor witnesses a very violent thunderstorm when he is 15 years old and is struck by the destructive power of nature.
- Young Victor is introduced to nature's power and man's inability to control it.
- This was a concept which interested Romantic thinkers, like Shelley's husband, Percy.
- Victor begins to question the ideas of his previously beloved alchemists, which now seem outdated.
Test yourself on Chapters 1-2
Who is Elizabeth Lavenza?
How is Alphonse portrayed in Chapter 1?
What was the 19th-century term for modern 'science'?
Which author did NOT contribute to Victor's interest in natural philosophy?