Frankenstein: Chapter 1 Notes

Introduction to the Narrator's Family Background

• Narrator is a Genevese by birth.
• Family is distinguished and respected in Geneva.
• Ancestors served as counsellors and syndics.
• Father was involved in public service and respected for integrity.

Father's Marriage

• Father's intimate friend, Beaufort, fell into poverty.
• Beaufort's pride led him to live in obscurity in Lucerne.
• Beaufort became ill and was attended by his daughter, Caroline.
• Caroline struggled to support them by doing plain work.
• Beaufort passed away, leaving Caroline destitute.
• Narrator's father took care of Caroline, eventually marrying her.

Parent's Relationship

• Significant age difference between parents, yet deeply affectionate.
• Father's love was based on respect for Caroline's virtues.
• Father retired from public service after marrying Caroline.
• They traveled to Italy, Germany, and France for Caroline's health.

Birth and Early Life

• Narrator was born in Naples, Italy.
• As a child, received abundant affection from parents.
• Parents instilled values of patience, charity, and self-control.

Elizabeth Lavenza

• While traveling, the family encountered a destitute family.
• Caroline discovered Elizabeth, a child of noble descent.
• Elizabeth was raised by peasant foster parents after her mother's death.
• Elizabeth's father, a noble, had lost his fortune and possibly his life.
• Caroline persuaded Elizabeth's foster family to let her adopt Elizabeth.
• Elizabeth became part of narrator's family, seen as a "cousin" but more like a sister.

Relationship with Elizabeth

• Narrator viewed Elizabeth as a gift and took pride in her presence.
• Elizabeth was regarded with reverence by everyone around her.
• Narrator and Elizabeth shared a close bond, referred to each other as cousins.

Additional Notes

• Caroline's benevolence is a recurring theme, reflecting her past hardships.
• Family travels and experiences contribute to the upbringing and values of the narrator.