Frankenstein Questions & Answers

The novel takes place across several locations in Europe and the Arctic. The novel begins and ends in the far North Pole region, where the explorer Robert Walton writes letters from his expedition across the… read more

Victor Frankenstein dies aboard Robert Walton’s ship in the Arctic after exhausting himself while pursuing the monster across the frozen north. By the time Walton rescues him from the ice, Victor is already physically broken… read more

Victor Frankenstein creates the monster because he is driven by overwhelming ambition and a desire to uncover the “secret of life.” As a young student at Ingolstadt, Victor becomes obsessed with natural philosophy and dreams… read more

At the end of the novel, Victor Frankenstein dies aboard Robert Walton’s ship after chasing the monster into the Arctic. Victor has lost everyone he loves: the monster murders Elizabeth on their wedding night, Victor’s… read more

The novel explores how isolation destroys people, how unchecked ambition leads to disaster, and how prejudice can turn kindness into violence. The novel repeatedly shows that human beings need family, companionship, and society in order… read more

William Frankenstein is killed by the monster, Victor Frankenstein’s creation. The monster strangles William after meeting him near Geneva. At first, the monster hopes the child might be young enough to accept him without fear… read more

The novel's primary genre is Gothic fiction. The novel includes many classic Gothic elements: horror, death, isolation, and gloomy natural settings. Shelley fills the story with dark landscapes, graveyards, violent weather, and scenes of fear… read more

Justine Moritz is a young woman closely connected to the Frankenstein family. She first worked as a servant in their household and later returns to live with them after her mother dies. The Frankensteins treat… read more

The narration is layered across several first-person voices. The outermost narrator is Robert Walton, an explorer sailing toward the North Pole, who tells the story through letters to his sister, Margaret Saville. Walton rescues Victor… read more

In Frankenstein, the creature demands that Victor create a female companion for him. After describing his loneliness, rejection, and suffering, the creature tells Victor, “I am alone and miserable: man will not associate with… read more

Elizabeth Lavenza comes to live with the Frankenstein family after Victor’s mother, Caroline, discovers her as a young orphan in an Italian village and adopts her. Victor is five years old at the time. Elizabeth… read more