Allusion, Characterization, and Free Will & Determinism of Victor

Frankenstein Chapter 2
Objective: I will be able to use several examples from the text to make a complex,
arguable claim about Victor Frankenstein.

Allusion

Directions for Step 1: With a partner, DIVIDE AND CONQUER, and quickly skim and scan
the links below and add a quick bullet point summary (3-4 bullet points) of each of the
allusions present in the novel and Chapter 2.
➔ Who are these individuals named/used as allusions? Why were they important?

Cornelius Agrippa Albertus Magnus

● Cornelius worked numerous jobs ● Established the study of nature as a
● Was banned from Germany in 1535 legitimate science under the
and imprisoned in France Christian tradition
● Branded a heretic ● A Dominican bishop and teacher of
theology
● Undertook a huge project that took
20 years

Paracelsus Isaac Newton

● Established the role of Chemistry in ● Know for his theory on gravity
medicine ● 3 laws of motion
● His childhood made him interested in ● Developed theories on light, calculus
chemotherapy and celestial mechanics
● Was an army surgon ● Constructed the first reflective
● Held captive in Russia telescope

Directions for Step 2: With your partner, STAYING AT THE SAME TIME AND SAME PLACE,
and DISCUSSING together find the allusions from Chapter 2 that are listed here.
➔ Add 1-2 bullet points to the chart below that show the following:
◆ How does Victor use or mention this allusion in Chapter 2 (page 39)?
◆ Why does he mention this individual?

Cornelius Agrippa (Chapter 2, top 1-2 lines Albertus Magnus (Chapter 2, last
of page 39) paragraph of page 39)
● He was apathetic about this, his dad ● He went home and wanted to read
called it sad trash. the exciting works of Magnus.
● He was apathetic towards it. ● He wanted to procure the entire
works of Magnus.
Paracelsus (Chapter 2, last paragraph of Isaac Newton (Chapter 2, second half of
page 39) last paragraph on page 39)
● He went home and wanted to read ● He is said to have avowed that he
both the works of Magnus and felt like a child picking up shells
Paracelsus. beside the great and unexplored
● He mentioned him because he ocean of truth.
wanted to own all the works of this ● He was acquainted with this branch
author. of natural philosophy

Reflect: What do these allusions in Victor’s narration show the reader? Answer below in
several sentences.

He is trying to make himself look smarter. He mentions in the sentences after the
allusion of Magnus that these studies are treasures unknown to most besides himself,
making himself look well read.

Characterization

Directions for Step 3: With your new partner, STAYING AT THE SAME TIME AND SAME
PLACE, and DISCUSSING together - From anywhere in Chapter 2 (pages 36-42) complete
the chart below:
➔ Find a quote that demonstrates the STEAL Element.
➔ Make an assertion about Victor based on what you learn from that
quotation.
➔ Analyze and/or explain HOW and WHY the quote proves that assertion.

STEAL Quote/Textual Evidence Assertion about Victor Analysis/Explanation

➔ Include MLA ➔ What does his ➔ How and why does

Element parenthetical the quote PROVE
________ say about
citation. Ex: him? what you say in your
(Shelley 33) assertion?

Speech “I have described His speech lets us This quote shows us

myself always having know that he is very how he describes
been embued with interested in finding himself. It makes us
fervent longing to out the depths of the further understand
penetrate the secrets world around him. that he truly has a
of nature” (Shelley 39). desire to discover
 more about the world.

Thoughts “I delighted in His thoughts tell us his This quote shows us

investigating their interest in his what he thanks about
causes” (Shelley 36). surroundings, whether investigation in certain
that be people, nature, things, specifically in
or the science around the studies of nature.
him.

Effect on “I was indifferent, His emotions give us This quote shows us his
Others/Emot therefore to my more of an idea of how opinion on his school
ions school fellows in he feels about people. peers. Therefore, it
general… (Shelley 37). In this instance, how he gives us better insight
feels about his school into his feelings about
peers. certain people.

Actions “My temper was His actions shows us This quote tells us that
sometimes violent, and how he feels more his temper is hard to
my passions vehement; outwardly. manage. Therefore, his
but by some law in my actions in the future
temperature they can be assumed to be
were turned…” (Shelly irrational at times.
37).

Looks or “I was thirteen years The description of his This quote tells us that
Appearance of age…” (Shelley 38). looks give us more of he is extremely young.
an idea of what he may It doesn't give us much
look like to people in of an idea of how he
the story. looks, but we know at
this point that he is far
from grown.

Reflect: What do these STEAL elements say about Victor? Think about each of your
assertions above. Answer below in several sentences.

These elements show that Vitor is an irrational but insightful person. He demonstrates
an intense interest in the studies of nature, as well as constantly trying to figure
things out. Even at such a young age, his dreams for discovering the secret to life are
huge. However, Victor has a short temper. The feelings and actions he demonstrates
are from a place of irritation, and he often blows up on people he finds lesser than.
Write a complex, precise, and ARGUABLE claim about Victor as a character.

Victor carries himself as an irrational yet insightful man, often shown through his
constant interest of nature and the discovery of creating life.