Chapters 1-3
English Lit: AQA GCSE Frankenstein, topic 1.2.1
Chapter 1, Volume II
Victor experiences grief and depression following the execution of Justine.
Victor's depression
- Victor falls into a state of depression, experiencing 'deep, dark, death-like solitude'.
- Alphonse tries to console Victor, but he does not understand the true reasons for Victor's sadness.
Valley of Chamounix
- Victor wanders towards the valley of Chamounix.
- The awe-inspiring scenery brings him a 'sense of pleasure', but he still cannot escape his grief.
The sublime
- In this chapter, Shelley draws upon Romantic ideas, specifically that of the sublime.
- This idea suggests that man should draw a sense of calm from the vastness of nature and man's relative insignificance.
Chapter 2, Volume II
Victor continues to explore the Alpine valley, but his momentary respite is soon shattered by a reunion with the Monster.
Montanvert
- On a dark, rainy day, Victor climbs to the summit of Montanvert, hoping that the view will ease his woes.
- When he reaches the summit, the view of Mont Blanc leads him to feel 'something like joy'.
The Monster
- Victor notices a creature approaching him and recognises the Monster.
- He prepares to fight the Monster, but he is easily overpowered by the Monster's strength and speed.
- The Monster responds verbally, explaining that Victor owes him the same love God felt for Adam.
- The Monster persuades Victor to listen to his tale and Victor follows him to a cave.
Presentation of the Monster
- By presenting the Monster as thoughtful and eloquent, Shelley encourages the reader to reconsider how Victor has presented him up until this point.
- Shelley encourages the reader to question Victor's narrative and consider more deeply the 'monstrous' nature of Victor's creation.
Chapter 3, Volume II
The Monster recounts the beginning of his life and the confusion he felt. He details the scared and hostile responses of the villagers towards him.
The Monster's first experiences
- After leaving Victor's apartment, the Monster had to learn about the world through the experience of his senses.
- His description of discovering fire, fuel, cooking and shelter seem very childlike.
The village
- The Monster finds the hut of an old man, who quickly runs away, and sleeps here for the night.
- In the morning, the Monster finds the village and is fascinated, but the villagers scream and run from him or some even attack him.
The hovel
- The Monster finds a small hovel next to a cottage for refuge.
- He makes the hovel as habitable as he is able and observes the adjacent cottagers through a gap in the wall and learns more from them.
Test yourself on Chapters 1-3
How does Shelley describe Victor's depression?
What causes Victor to feel 'something like joy' when he reaches the summit of Montanvert?
Events of Chapter 2
Who does the Monster observe and learn from?
Which is NOT a response of the villagers to the Monster?