Notes on Lecture: Gates of Imagination Presents: Frankenstein

Introduction

• Title: Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley.
• Read by: Arthur Lane.
• Volume: I.
• Dedication: To William Godwin.

Preface

• Based on a fictional event considered possible by some physiologists like Dr. Darwin.
• Focuses on human passions and the truth of human nature, despite supernatural elements.
• Inspired by Greek tragedies, Shakespeare, Milton, and a conversation.
• Written in Geneva, during evenings spent telling ghost stories.
• Aims to avoid the negative effects of contemporary novels.

Letters and Chapters Summary

Letter I

• To: Mrs. Saville, from St. Petersburgh.
• Date: Dec. 11th, 17—.
• Content: Reassurance of safety in a cold climate.
• Goal: Discover a passage to the North Pacific Ocean.

Letter II

• To: Mrs. Saville, from Archangel.
• Date: 28th March, 17—.
• Content: Preparation for voyage, lack of a friend.
• Characterization: Lieutenant's courage, Master's kindness.

Letter III

• To: Mrs. Saville.
• Date: July 7th, 17—.
• Content: Safe advancement on voyage, observing ice.

Letter IV

• To: Mrs. Saville.
• Date: August 5th, 17—.
• Content: Encounter with ice and a strange sight of a giant.
• Rescue: Finds a man in distress on ice.

Chapter I

• Narrator: Victor Frankenstein, Genevese origin.
• Family: Distinguished ancestors.
• Background: Father's late marriage to Caroline Beaufort.
• Adoption: Elizabeth Lavenza introduced as a cousin.

Chapter II

• Education: Influenced by Cornelius Agrippa, Paracelsus, and Albertus Magnus.
• Early Interests: Alchemy and natural philosophy.
• Incident: Mother's death from scarlet fever.
• University Decision: Attends Ingolstadt.

Chapter III

• University Experience: Initial disillusionment with studies.
• Inspiration: Chemistry under M. Waldman.
• Ambition: Pursuit of creating life.

Chapter IV

• Creation: Assembles a creature, horrified by its appearance.
• Reaction: Flees from the creature in terror.

Chapter V

• Consequences: Illness and guilt from creation.
• Friendship: Clerval's arrival and support.
• Recovery: Slow improvement.

Chapter VI

• Family: Letter from Elizabeth, concern over Victor's health.
• Reflections: Guilt over Justine's wrongful execution.

Themes and Concepts

• Nature vs. Nurture: Exploration of the impact of environment on behavior.
• Solitude and Companionship: The need for friendship and isolation's impact.
• Responsibility of the Creator: Ethical considerations of creation and abandonment.
• Pursuit of Knowledge: Consequences of unchecked scientific ambition.
• Revenge and Forgiveness: Cycle of vengeance between Victor and his creation.
• Humanity and Monstrosity: Examination of what constitutes being human.

Important Characters

• Victor Frankenstein: Protagonist, creator of the creature.
• The Creature: Victor's creation, seeking acceptance and revenge.
• Elizabeth Lavenza: Victor's cousin and fiancée.
• Henry Clerval: Victor's best friend, represents idealistic friendship.
• Alphonse Frankenstein: Victor's father, symbolizes family support.
• Justine Moritz: Family servant wrongfully executed for murder.

Conclusion

• Volume I ends with Victor's increasing sense of dread and responsibility for his actions.
• Volume II begins with the ripple effects of his creation on his life and relationships.