Classic Starts: Frankenstein Study Questions

1. This book is told from the perspective of three different characters. Why do you think the author chose to do that? Have you read any other books that are narrated in a similar manner?

2. Captain Walton says, “I had a crew of great men on board my ship, but they took orders from me. They were not my companions.” How do you think this made the captain feel? Have you ever felt this way?

3. Frankenstein says to Captain Walton, “I want to tell you the whole story. I think it may help you find your own way.” What do you think this means? Do you think that hearing about other people’s experiences can help you solve your own problems?

4. The two people that Frankenstein cares for the most, Elizabeth and Henry, are very different people. Which of these are you more like? Do you know anyone who is like either of these characters?

5. After leaving his professor’s lab, Frankenstein says, “What a wonderful day it was… it decided my destiny.” Do you believe a single day can decide the course of someone’s life? What event in your life has affected you the most?

6. Do you think the fact that William’s locket showed up in Justine’s pocket was enough proof to convict her? How was her trial different from trials today?

7. The monster asks Frankenstein why he was created if the whole world was just going to hate him. Do you think Frankenstein gave much thought to his creation’s feelings when he was creating him?

8. How is the way in which the monster learns about the world different from the way in which Frankenstein grew up?

9. On his way to the Orkney Islands, Frankenstein says, “I just knew something bad was going to happen. I just didn’t know what or when.” Have you ever had a similar feeling? What happened?

10. Both Frankenstein and Captain Walton say that their passion has led to disastrous results. Do you think passion is a good thing or a bad thing? What are you passionate about?

Learn more about our Classic Starts™ Series