The following text is taken from litcharts.com/
Read the paragraph and answer the questions that follow.
In its preface, Frankenstein claims to be a novel that gives a flattering depiction of “domestic affection.” That seems a strange claim in a novel full of murder, tragedy, and despair. But, in fact, all that tragedy, murder, and despair occur because of a lack of connection to either family or society. Put another way, the true evil in Frankenstein is not Victor or the monster, but isolation. When Victor becomes lost in his studies he removes himself from human society, and therefore loses sight of his responsibilities and the consequences of his actions. The monster turns vengeful not because it’s evil, but because its isolation fills it with overwhelming hate and anger. And what is the monster’s vengeance? To make Victor as isolated as it. Add it all up, and it becomes clear that Frankenstein sees isolation from family and society as the worst imaginable fate, and the cause of hatred, violence, and revenge.
According to the text, why is there “tragedy, murder and despair” in the novel?
What might happen to a person who becomes isolated from society?
Do all humans need contact with others of the same kind?
How long do you think someone could remain without some sort of human contact?
Could this cause hatred or fear? Explain.
How long could YOU remain isolated from family and friends?
How would you feel?
