Frankenstein Discussion Questions: Readings 1 (Letter 1 Chapter 5) 1. What type of person is Captain Walton? What motivates him in his dangerous endeavor?

2. What is Walton's impression of his new friend, Victor Frankenstein?

3. What is Victor like as a child? How is he different from the other children? What clues are there about his future?

4. Why do you think young Victor is so interested in unlocking the secrets of nature?

5. Why does Dr. Frankenstein's view on his creation change so suddenly and severely?

6. How might Dr. Frankenstein handle the situation differently?

7. Why doesn't the doctor explain the secrets of his discoveries?

8. Is Frankenstein's mistake due to fate or his own choices? How culpable (guilty) is he?

9. Why do you think Shelley chose to frame the story of Dr. Frankenstein within the story of Captain Walton?

10. How does Shelley create anticipation and tension for the story?