Biju John
Summary
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who becomes obsessed with creating life. He succeeds in bringing a creature to life using electricity, but horrified by its appearance, he abandons it. The creature, left alone and rejected by society, becomes increasingly angry and vengeful. It demands that Victor create a female companion, but Victor destroys the second creature out of fear. In retaliation, the creature kills Victor’s loved ones, including his friend Henry and his fiancée Elizabeth. Consumed by guilt and a desire for revenge, Victor pursues the creature across Europe and into the Arctic, where he dies. The novel ends with the creature mourning Victor’s death and vowing to end its own life.
The novel explores themes like the dangers of unchecked ambition, the responsibilities of creators, the effects of isolation, and the ethics of scientific experimentation.
Here are 30 multiple-choice questions tailored to the level of analysis expected of an IBDP English student, focusing on themes and global issues in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley:
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Question of
Which theme in Frankenstein most effectively critiques the Enlightenment era’s faith in rationality and scientific progress?
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The destructive nature of knowledge.
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The power of nature.
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The importance of family.
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The inevitability of fate.
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Question of
In Frankenstein, the creature’s experience of social alienation highlights which global issue?
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Immigration and cultural displacement.
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Class disparity and economic inequality.
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The impact of colonialism.
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The ethics of scientific experimentation.
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Question of
Which theme in Frankenstein reflects Mary Shelley’s concern with the potential consequences of humanity’s hubris?
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The loss of innocence.
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The struggle for identity.
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The danger of unchecked ambition.
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The power of nature.
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Question of
The creature’s development throughout Frankenstein can be seen as a commentary on which aspect of human society?
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The inherent evil of mankind.
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The necessity of social hierarchy.
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The role of religion in moral development.
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The influence of education and environment.
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Question of
Victor Frankenstein’s creation of life is an example of which thematic concern in the novel?
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The inevitability of death.
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The pursuit of individual freedom.
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The ethical boundaries of scientific discovery.
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The consequences of colonial expansion.
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Question of
The novel’s portrayal of Victor’s obsession with his scientific experiment can be interpreted as a critique of which global issue?
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The environmental impact of industrialization.
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The exploitation of the working class.
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The dangers of technological advancement without ethical consideration.
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The spread of imperialistic ideologies.
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Question of
In the context of Frankenstein, the creature’s quest for acceptance and identity can be linked to which global issue?
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Social exclusion and marginalization.
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The crisis of modernity.
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The global refugee crisis.
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The erosion of traditional cultures.
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Question of
The theme of revenge in Frankenstein is most closely related to which aspect of human experience?
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The pursuit of justice and retribution.
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The struggle for power and dominance.
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The cycle of violence and its futility.
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The psychological effects of trauma.
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Question of
How does Frankenstein engage with the Romantic idealization of nature?
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By portraying it as a mere backdrop to human conflict.
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By elevating it above all human endeavors.
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By contrasting it with the destructive potential of human ambition.
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By dismissing it in favor of scientific progress.
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Question of
Which global issue is underscored by Victor’s disregard for the ethical implications of his actions in creating the creature?
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The ethics of genetic engineering.
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The commodification of life.
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The social consequences of scientific experimentation.
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The threat of dehumanization in modern society.
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Question of
The relationship between creator and creation in Frankenstein can be seen as an exploration of which theme?
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The responsibility of parenthood.
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The conflict between creator and creature.
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The limits of human control.
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The search for meaning in life.
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Question of
How does Frankenstein address the theme of isolation, and what global issue does this theme reflect?
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By showing the destructive effects of isolation, reflecting social alienation in modern society.
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By romanticizing isolation as a path to self-discovery, reflecting individualism.
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By depicting isolation as necessary for genius, reflecting the pursuit of knowledge.
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Question of
In what way does Frankenstein critique the patriarchal society of the 19th century?
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By showcasing strong, independent female characters.
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By depicting men as inherently flawed and self-destructive.
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By illustrating the limited roles available to women.
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By emphasizing the importance of traditional gender roles.
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Question of
Which theme in Frankenstein reflects the dangers of transgressing natural boundaries?
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The inevitability of fate.
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The quest for immortality.
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The fragility of human relationships.
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The consequences of scientific overreach.
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Question of
The creature’s narrative in Frankenstein challenges which assumption about human nature?
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That humans are inherently good or evil.
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That humans are defined by their physical appearance.
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That humans are shaped by their environment and experiences.
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That humans are capable of rational thought.
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Question of
In the novel, how does Shelley use the theme of revenge to comment on broader societal issues?
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By suggesting that revenge is a natural response to injustice.
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By illustrating how the desire for revenge perpetuates cycles of violence.
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By portraying revenge as a means of achieving justice.
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By depicting revenge as an outdated concept in modern society.
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Question of
How does Frankenstein explore the theme of the double or doppelgänger?
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By emphasizing the physical resemblance between characters.
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By using mirrors and reflections as symbols throughout the novel.
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By portraying Victor and the creature as two sides of the same coin.
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By presenting multiple characters with similar fates.
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Question of
Which global issue is reflected in the creature’s experience of prejudice and rejection based on his appearance?
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Economic inequality.
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Religious persecution.
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Environmental degradation.
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Racism and xenophobia.
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Question of
Victor’s pursuit of knowledge at the expense of his humanity can be seen as a critique of which global issue?
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The ethical implications of artificial intelligence.
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The dehumanizing effects of industrialization.
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The dangers of genetic modification.
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The consequences of environmental exploitation.
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Question of
In Frankenstein, the theme of fate versus free will is most clearly illustrated by which character’s actions?
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The creature’s choice to seek revenge.
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Elizabeth’s passive acceptance of her fate.
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Victor’s obsessive pursuit of his scientific goals.
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Walton’s decision to turn back from his Arctic expedition.
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