ORAL COMMENTARY

SAMPLEFrankenstein Vol I: Ch III: lines 1-41

By Our Lady, the Queen Jeni McAnally

CONTEXT Victor’s studies Victor’s professors His study of chemistry Victor’s opinions on Science Plans to return to Geneva An event keeps him at Ingolstadt

THESIS Devices:

Elevated diction and Victor’s point of view Purpose:

Characterization of Victor Frankenstein as an ardent student of chemistry but also as arrogant and ostentatious

Characterization of Waldman and Krempe Effect:

Readers question his motives and his actions

Readers predict his impending downfall

ELEVATED DICTION Characterized as a dedicated student:

He reads with “ardour” the works that are “full of genius.”

He is “ardent,” “eager,” and works until the “stars … disappear in the light of morning.”

CHARACTERIZATION OF KREMPE Previously vs. Now “I found even in M. Krempe, a

great deal of sound sense and real information.”

“It is true, a repulsive physiognomy and manners, but not on that account the less valuable.”

Effect: Victor’s character developed as bratty and petulant

CHARACTERIZATION OF WALDMAN He is described as a “true friend,”

“gentle,” and “never tinged by dogmatism.”

Waldman’s instruction is “frank” but “good natured” and “banishes every idea of pedantry.”

Interests Victor in a new field of study Waldman praises Victor for his

studies expressing “heartfelt exultation” at his progress.

FURTHER CHARACTERIZATION Victor as a snob: His work has earned him “esteem and

admiration” His hard work was the “astonishment”

of peers and professors alike (l. 36, 21). Science is the highest pursuit as the

field is limitless, a “continual food for discovery and wonder” (l. 30).

He, with a “mind of moderate capacity” has learned all he can on the subject.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS: OR, WHAT IS MARY SHELLEY UP TO? Taking a jab at the scientific

community? Crafting a character for whom we

can’t help but predict a downfall. Readers would be wise to keep an

eye out for his arrogance, his selfish motives, and the potential danger that his recklessness pursuit of knowledge may hold for others.

ALSO, WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO THAT GUY?