Frankenstein Discussion Questions
1. Some scholars have used Frankenstein as a central piece in their argument against the
development of cloning technology. Others argue that the problem was not with Victor
Frankenstein’s scientific methods but with his responses to his creation that we should develop
cloning technology, but use it wisely. Debate whether the novel is either for or against cloning.
Support your argument with passages from the book.
2. One of the tragedies of Frankenstein is the refusal of other characters in the novel to recognize
the monster as a full human being. Brainstorm a list of the qualities that make us human. Which
of these qualities does the monster have? Which does he not have?
3. Discuss the role that nature plays in Shelley’s novel. Include examples that support your answer.
4. Analyze Mary Shelley’s use of setting throughout the novel. Why, for example, does she use the
Arctic as the setting for Victor Frankenstein’s final confrontation with his creation?
5. When Frankenstein was first published in 1818, it had mixed reviews. Not everyone understood
or enjoyed it. Today, however, we think of the book as a classic. Speculate about why some
important pieces of literature aren’t treasured right away, while others that are immediately
popular eventually fade away.
6. Compare Victor Frankenstein with the monster he created. In what ways are their life
experiences similar? In what ways are they different?
