Victor Frankenstein Recounts The Influences That Lead To His Great Experiment:

Victor Frankenstein recounts the influences that lead to his great experiment:

When I was thirteen years of age we all went on a party of pleasure to the baths near Thonon; the inclemency of the weather obliged us to remain a day confined to the inn. In this house I chanced to find a volume of the works of Cornelius Agrippa. I opened it with apathy; the theory which he attempts to demonstrate and the wonderful facts which he relates soon changed this feeling into enthusiasm. A new light seemed to dawn upon my mind, and bounding with joy, I communicated my discovery to my father. My father looked carelessly at the title page of my book and said, "Ah! Cornelius Agrippa! My dear Victor, do not waste your time upon this; it is sad trash."

If, instead of this remark, my father had taken the pains to explain to me that the principles of Agrippa had been entirely exploded and that a modern system of science had been introduced which possessed much greater powers than the ancient, because the powers of the latter were chimerical, while those of the former were real and practical, under such circumstances I should certainly have thrown Agrippa aside and have contented my imagination, warmed as it was, by returning with greater ardour to my former studies. It is even possible that the train of my ideas would never have received the fatal impulse that led to my ruin. But the cursory glance my father had taken of my volume by no means assured me that he was acquainted with its contents, and I continued to read with the greatest avidity. When I returned home my first care was to procure the whole works of this author, and afterwards of Paracelsus and Albertus Magnus. I read and studied the wild fancies of these writers with delight; they appeared to me treasures known to few besides myself. I have described myself as always having been imbued with a fervent longing to penetrate the secrets of nature. In spite of the intense labour and wonderful discoveries of modern philosophers, I always came from my studies discontented and unsatisfied. Sir Isaac Newton is said to have avowed that he felt like a child picking up shells beside the great and unexplored ocean of truth. Those of his successors in each branch of natural philosophy with whom I was acquainted appeared even to my boy's apprehensions as tyros engaged in the same pursuit.

Under the guidance of my new preceptors I entered with the greatest diligence into the search of the philosopher's stone and the elixir of life; but the latter soon obtained my undivided attention. Wealth was an inferior object, but what glory would attend the discovery if I could banish disease from the human frame and render man invulnerable to any but a violent death!

Read this line from the text:

Under the guidance of my new preceptors I entered with the greatest diligence into the search of the philosopher's stone and the elixir of life; but the latter soon obtained my undivided attention.

Which words from this passage did the author use to develop the theme of ambition?

[removed] New preceptors

[removed] Greatest diligence

[removed] Latter soon

[removed] Obtained my

Question 2 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)

(MC)

Frankenstein Chapter 2, Excerpt 2

By Mary Shelley

Victor Frankenstein continues recounting the influences that lead to his great experiment:

An ardent imagination and childish reasoning, till an accident again changed the current of my ideas. When I was about fifteen years old we had retired to our house near Belrive, when we witnessed a most violent and terrible thunderstorm. It advanced from behind the mountains of Jura, and the thunder burst at once with frightful loudness from various quarters of the heavens. I remained, while the storm lasted, watching its progress with curiosity and delight. As I stood at the door, on a sudden I beheld a stream of fire issue from an old and beautiful oak which stood about twenty yards from our house; and so soon as the dazzling light vanished, the oak had disappeared, and nothing remained but a blasted stump. When we visited it the next morning, we found the tree shattered in a singular manner. It was not splintered by the shock, but entirely reduced to thin ribbons of wood. I never beheld anything so utterly destroyed.

Before this I was not unacquainted with the more obvious laws of electricity. On this occasion a man of great research in natural philosophy was with us, and excited by this catastrophe, he entered on the explanation of a theory which he had formed on the subject of electricity and galvanism, which was at once new and astonishing to me. All that he said threw greatly into the shade Cornelius Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Paracelsus, the lords of my imagination; but by some fatality the overthrow of these men disinclined me to pursue my accustomed studies. It seemed to me as if nothing would or could ever be known. All that had so long engaged my attention suddenly grew despicable. By one of those caprices of the mind which we are perhaps most subject to in early youth, I at once gave up my former occupations, set down natural history and all its progeny as a deformed and abortive creation, and entertained the greatest disdain for a would-be science which could never even step within the threshold of real knowledge. In this mood of mind I betook myself to the mathematics and the branches of study appertaining to that science as being built upon secure foundations, and so worthy of my consideration.

Which of the following topics could be used to write a narrative using supporting details from this excerpt?

[removed] Victor’s experience studying a new science.

[removed] The reason Victor's childhood heroes are the cause of his destruction.

[removed] Victor sees himself as all-powerful.

[removed] Victor wishing he had a different relationship with his father.

Question 3 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)

(LC)

Read this line from Frankenstein:

If, . . . my father had taken the pains to explain to me that the principles of Agrippa had been entirely exploded and that . . . the powers of [Agrippa] were chimerical, . . . I should certainly have thrown Agrippa aside. . .

A chimera is a deception or fantasy of the mind.

Why does the author use the word chimerical here?

[removed] To show that everything in the world seemed imaginary

[removed] To show that the narrator was an old man at the end of life

[removed] To show the principles seemed true when they were not

[removed] To show the narrator has been haunted by his own past for years

Question 4 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)

(MC)

Frankenstein Chapter 2, Excerpt

By Mary Shelley

Victor Frankenstein recounts the influences that lead to his great experiment:

When I was thirteen years of age we all went on a party of pleasure to the baths near Thonon; the inclemency of the weather obliged us to remain a day confined to the inn. In this house I chanced to find a volume of the works of Cornelius Agrippa. I opened it with apathy; the theory which he attempts to demonstrate and the wonderful facts which he relates soon changed this feeling into enthusiasm. A new light seemed to dawn upon my mind, and bounding with joy, I communicated my discovery to my father. My father looked carelessly at the title page of my book and said, "Ah! Cornelius Agrippa! My dear Victor, do not waste your time upon this; it is sad trash."

If, instead of this remark, my father had taken the pains to explain to me that the principles of Agrippa had been entirely exploded and that a modern system of science had been introduced which possessed much greater powers than the ancient, because the powers of the latter were chimerical, while those of the former were real and practical, under such circumstances I should certainly have thrown Agrippa aside and have contented my imagination, warmed as it was, by returning with greater ardour to my former studies. It is even possible that the train of my ideas would never have received the fatal impulse that led to my ruin. But the cursory glance my father had taken of my volume by no means assured me that he was acquainted with its contents, and I continued to read with the greatest avidity. When I returned home my first care was to procure the whole works of this author, and afterwards of Paracelsus and Albertus Magnus. I read and studied the wild fancies of these writers with delight; they appeared to me treasures known to few besides myself. I have described myself as always having been imbued with a fervent longing to penetrate the secrets of nature. In spite of the intense labour and wonderful discoveries of modern philosophers, I always came from my studies discontented and unsatisfied. Sir Isaac Newton is said to have avowed that he felt like a child picking up shells beside the great and unexplored ocean of truth. Those of his successors in each branch of natural philosophy with whom I was acquainted appeared even to my boy's apprehensions as tyros engaged in the same pursuit.

Under the guidance of my new preceptors I entered with the greatest diligence into the search of the philosopher's stone and the elixir of life; but the latter soon obtained my undivided attention. Wealth was an inferior object, but what glory would attend the discovery if I could banish disease from the human frame and render man invulnerable to any but a violent death!

Which line from the text most clearly indicates the narrator wants to be seen as a victim of circumstance?

[removed] In this house I chanced to find a volume of the works of Cornelius Agrippa. I opened it with apathy;

[removed] A new light seemed to dawn upon my mind, and bounding with joy, I communicated my discovery to my father.

[removed] My father looked carelessly at the title page of my book and said, "Ah! Cornelius Agrippa! My dear Victor, do not waste your time upon this; it is sad trash."

[removed] It is even possible that the train of my ideas would never have received the fatal impulse that led to my ruin.

Question 5 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)

(LC)

Which sentence uses syntax for emphasis?

[removed] Ask not what your country can do for you. . . John F. Kennedy

[removed] Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder. . . George Washington

[removed] One man with courage is a majority. . . Thomas Jefferson

[removed] The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it. . . Abraham Lincoln

Question 6 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)

(MC)

Frankenstein Chapter 2, Excerpt

By Mary Shelley

Victor Frankenstein recounts the influences that lead to his great experiment:

When I was thirteen years of age we all went on a party of pleasure to the baths near Thonon; the inclemency of the weather obliged us to remain a day confined to the inn. In this house I chanced to find a volume of the works of Cornelius Agrippa. I opened it with apathy; the theory which he attempts to demonstrate and the wonderful facts which he relates soon changed this feeling into enthusiasm. A new light seemed to dawn upon my mind, and bounding with joy, I communicated my discovery to my father. My father looked carelessly at the title page of my book and said, "Ah! Cornelius Agrippa! My dear Victor, do not waste your time upon this; it is sad trash."

If, instead of this remark, my father had taken the pains to explain to me that the principles of Agrippa had been entirely exploded and that a modern system of science had been introduced which possessed much greater powers than the ancient, because the powers of the latter were chimerical, while those of the former were real and practical, under such circumstances I should certainly have thrown Agrippa aside and have contented my imagination, warmed as it was, by returning with greater ardour to my former studies. It is even possible that the train of my ideas would never have received the fatal impulse that led to my ruin. But the cursory glance my father had taken of my volume by no means assured me that he was acquainted with its contents, and I continued to read with the greatest avidity. When I returned home my first care was to procure the whole works of this author, and afterwards of Paracelsus and Albertus Magnus. I read and studied the wild fancies of these writers with delight; they appeared to me treasures known to few besides myself. I have described myself as always having been imbued with a fervent longing to penetrate the secrets of nature. In spite of the intense labour and wonderful discoveries of modern philosophers, I always came from my studies discontented and unsatisfied. Sir Isaac Newton is said to have avowed that he felt like a child picking up shells beside the great and unexplored ocean of truth. Those of his successors in each branch of natural philosophy with whom I was acquainted appeared even to my boy's apprehensions as tyros engaged in the same pursuit.

Under the guidance of my new preceptors I entered with the greatest diligence into the search of the philosopher's stone and the elixir of life; but the latter soon obtained my undivided attention. Wealth was an inferior object, but what glory would attend the discovery if I could banish disease from the human frame and render man invulnerable to any but a violent death!

In which line does the narrator suggest that he wants to learn more about the world?

[removed] If, instead of this remark, my father had taken the pains to explain to me that the principles of Agrippa had been entirely exploded

[removed] But the cursory glance my father had taken of my volume by no means assured me that he was acquainted with its contents,

[removed] In spite of the intense labour and wonderful discoveries of modern philosophers, I always came from my studies discontented and unsatisfied.

[removed] under such circumstances I should certainly have thrown Agrippa aside and have contented my imagination,

Question 7 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)

(LC)

Frankenstein Chapter 2, Excerpt 2

By Mary Shelley

Victor Frankenstein continues recounting the influences that lead to his great experiment:

An accident again changed the current of my ideas. When I was about fifteen years old we had retired to our house near Belrive, when we witnessed a most violent and terrible thunderstorm. It advanced from behind the mountains of Jura, and the thunder burst at once with frightful loudness from various quarters of the heavens. I remained, while the storm lasted, watching its progress with curiosity and delight. As I stood at the door, on a sudden I beheld a stream of fire issue from an old and beautiful oak which stood about twenty yards from our house; and so soon as the dazzling light vanished, the oak had disappeared, and nothing remained but a blasted stump. When we visited it the next morning, we found the tree shattered in a singular manner. It was not splintered by the shock, but entirely reduced to thin ribbons of wood. I never beheld anything so utterly destroyed.

What would have to change for there to be dialogue in this passage?

[removed] Fewer characters would have to appear.

[removed] The passage would have to be shorter.

[removed] More characters would have to appear.

[removed] The passage would have to be scarier.

Question 8 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)

(LC)

Frankenstein Chapter 2, Excerpt 2

By Mary Shelley

Victor Frankenstein continues recounting the influences that lead to his great experiment:

An accident again changed the current of my ideas. When I was about fifteen years old we had retired to our house near Belrive, when we witnessed a most violent and terrible thunderstorm. It advanced from behind the mountains of Jura, and the thunder burst at once with frightful loudness from various quarters of the heavens. I remained, while the storm lasted, watching its progress with curiosity and delight. As I stood at the door, on a sudden I beheld a stream of fire issue from an old and beautiful oak which stood about twenty yards from our house; and so soon as the dazzling light vanished, the oak had disappeared, and nothing remained but a blasted stump. When we visited it the next morning, we found the tree shattered in a singular manner. It was not splintered by the shock, but entirely reduced to thin ribbons of wood. I never beheld anything so utterly destroyed.

What does the author do for the reader in this passage?

[removed] Tell a story about the future

[removed] Bring in several new characters

[removed] Tell a story about the past

[removed] Create an unexpected twist

Question 9 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)

(MC)

Read Article IX of the United States Bill of Rights:

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

What does the word construed suggest the author feels about the Constitution?

[removed] The Constitution has more value than the rights of the individual people it governs.

[removed] The Constitution is an infallible document, regardless of interpretations.

[removed] The Constitution may be interpreted in a variety of ways to benefit the people.

[removed] The Constitution may be interpreted in a way that would harm the people.

Question 10 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)

(MC)

Frankenstein Chapter 2, Excerpt 2

By Mary Shelley

Victor Frankenstein continues recounting the influences that lead to his great experiment:

An ardent imagination and childish reasoning, till an accident again changed the current of my ideas. When I was about fifteen years old we had retired to our house near Belrive, when we witnessed a most violent and terrible thunderstorm. It advanced from behind the mountains of Jura, and the thunder burst at once with frightful loudness from various quarters of the heavens. I remained, while the storm lasted, watching its progress with curiosity and delight. As I stood at the door, on a sudden I beheld a stream of fire issue from an old and beautiful oak which stood about twenty yards from our house; and so soon as the dazzling light vanished, the oak had disappeared, and nothing remained but a blasted stump. When we visited it the next morning, we found the tree shattered in a singular manner. It was not splintered by the shock, but entirely reduced to thin ribbons of wood. I never beheld anything so utterly destroyed.

Before this I was not unacquainted with the more obvious laws of electricity. On this occasion a man of great research in natural philosophy was with us, and excited by this catastrophe, he entered on the explanation of a theory which he had formed on the subject of electricity and galvanism, which was at once new and astonishing to me. All that he said threw greatly into the shade Cornelius Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Paracelsus, the lords of my imagination; but by some fatality the overthrow of these men disinclined me to pursue my accustomed studies. It seemed to me as if nothing would or could ever be known. All that had so long engaged my attention suddenly grew despicable. By one of those caprices of the mind which we are perhaps most subject to in early youth, I at once gave up my former occupations, set down natural history and all its progeny as a deformed and abortive creation, and entertained the greatest disdain for a would-be science which could never even step within the threshold of real knowledge. In this mood of mind I betook myself to the mathematics and the branches of study appertaining to that science as being built upon secure foundations, and so worthy of my consideration.

What is the main effect of the narrator mentioning famous philosophers and scientists like Sir Isaac Newton?

[removed] The narrator is able to justify his failures with theirs.

[removed] The narrator is suggesting they are responsible for the state of science.

[removed] The narrator suggests that he is equal to their intellect and accomplishments.

[removed] The narrator wants to suggest he is not as knowledgeable as these experts.

Question 11 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)

(MC)

Frankenstein Chapter 2, Excerpt 2

By Mary Shelley

Victor Frankenstein continues recounting the influences that lead to his great experiment:

An accident again changed the current of my ideas. When I was about fifteen years old we had retired to our house near Belrive, when we witnessed a most violent and terrible thunderstorm. It advanced from behind the mountains of Jura, and the thunder burst at once with frightful loudness from various quarters of the heavens. I remained, while the storm lasted, watching its progress with curiosity and delight. As I stood at the door, on a sudden I beheld a stream of fire issue from an old and beautiful oak which stood about twenty yards from our house; and so soon as the dazzling light vanished, the oak had disappeared, and nothing remained but a blasted stump. When we visited it the next morning, we found the tree shattered in a singular manner. It was not splintered by the shock, but entirely reduced to thin ribbons of wood. I never beheld anything so utterly destroyed.

Before this I was not unacquainted with the more obvious laws of electricity. On this occasion a man of great research in natural philosophy was with us, and excited by this catastrophe, he entered on the explanation of a theory which he had formed on the subject of electricity and galvanism, which was at once new and astonishing to me. All that he said threw greatly into the shade Cornelius Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Paracelsus, the lords of my imagination; but by some fatality the overthrow of these men disinclined me to pursue my accustomed studies. It seemed to me as if nothing would or could ever be known. All that had so long engaged my attention suddenly grew despicable. By one of those caprices of the mind which we are perhaps most subject to in early youth, I at once gave up my former occupations, set down natural history and all its progeny as a deformed and abortive creation, and entertained the greatest disdain for a would-be science which could never even step within the threshold of real knowledge. In this mood of mind I betook myself to the mathematics and the branches of study appertaining to that science as being built upon secure foundations, and so worthy of my consideration.

What is the main benefit of having the narrator begin the story with events from his childhood?

[removed] It allows the reader to see the early influences on the character.

[removed] It creates a tension between the adult narrator and the child-like curiosity of youth.

[removed] It provides readers with details that, while not relevant, make the narrator real.

[removed] It suggests a fall or devastating loss will soon be described by the narrator.

Question 12 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)

(LC)

Frankenstein Chapter 2, Excerpt 2

By Mary Shelley

Victor Frankenstein continues recounting the influences that lead to his great experiment:

Before this I was not unacquainted with the more obvious laws of electricity. On this occasion a man of great research in natural philosophy was with us, and excited by this catastrophe, he entered on the explanation of a theory which he had formed on the subject of electricity and galvanism, which was at once new and astonishing to me. All that he said threw greatly into the shade Cornelius Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Paracelsus, the lords of my imagination; but by some fatality the overthrow of these men disinclined me to pursue my accustomed studies. It seemed to me as if nothing would or could ever be known. All that had so long engaged my attention suddenly grew despicable. By one of those caprices of the mind which we are perhaps most subject to in early youth, I at once gave up my former occupations, set down natural history and all its progeny as a deformed and abortive creation, and entertained the greatest disdain for a would-be science which could never even step within the threshold of real knowledge. In this mood of mind I betook myself to the mathematics and the branches of study appertaining to that science as being built upon secure foundations, and so worthy of my consideration.

Read this sentence from the text:

In this mood of mind

What does this line say about the narrator?

[removed] He made up his mind after careful consideration.

[removed] He made up his mind based on his annoyance.

[removed] He made up his mind by getting good advice.

[removed] He made up his mind to quit working altogether.

Question 13 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)

(LC)

Frankenstein Chapter 2, Excerpt 2

By Mary Shelley

Victor Frankenstein continues recounting the influences that lead to his great experiment:

Before this I was not unacquainted with the more obvious laws of electricity. On this occasion a man of great research in natural philosophy was with us, and excited by this catastrophe, he entered on the explanation of a theory which he had formed on the subject of electricity and galvanism, which was at once new and astonishing to me. All that he said threw greatly into the shade Cornelius Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Paracelsus, the lords of my imagination; but by some fatality the overthrow of these men disinclined me to pursue my accustomed studies. It seemed to me as if nothing would or could ever be known. All that had so long engaged my attention suddenly grew despicable. By one of those caprices of the mind which we are perhaps most subject to in early youth, I at once gave up my former occupations, set down natural history and all its progeny as a deformed and abortive creation, and entertained the greatest disdain for a would-be science which could never even step within the threshold of real knowledge. In this mood of mind I betook myself to the mathematics and the branches of study appertaining to that science as being built upon secure foundations, and so worthy of my consideration.

Which word from the text describes the narrator’s changed feelings?

[removed] Disdain

[removed] Subject

[removed] Occupations

[removed] Science

Question 14 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)

(LC)

Read this line from Frankenstein by Mary Shelley:

I passed the night wretchedly. Sometimes my pulse beat so quickly and hardly that I felt the palpitation of every artery; at others, I nearly sank to the ground through languor and extreme weakness.

Considering the use of the word weakness in this line, what is the most likely meaning of the word languor?

[removed] Obsession

[removed] Fear

[removed] Energy

[removed] Tiredness

Question 15 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)

(LC)

Frankenstein Chapter 2, Excerpt

By Mary Shelley

Victor Frankenstein recounts the influences that lead to his great experiment:

When I was thirteen years of age we all went on a party of pleasure to the baths near Thonon; the inclemency of the weather obliged us to remain a day confined to the inn. In this house I chanced to find a volume of the works of Cornelius Agrippa. I opened it with apathy; the theory which he attempts to demonstrate and the wonderful facts which he relates soon changed this feeling into enthusiasm. A new light seemed to dawn upon my mind, and bounding with joy, I communicated my discovery to my father. My father looked carelessly at the title page of my book and said, "Ah! Cornelius Agrippa! My dear Victor, do not waste your time upon this; it is sad trash."

If, instead of this remark, my father had taken the pains to explain to me that the principles of Agrippa had been entirely exploded and that a modern system of science had been introduced which possessed much greater powers than the ancient, because the powers of the latter were chimerical, while those of the former were real and practical, under such circumstances I should certainly have thrown Agrippa aside and have contented my imagination, warmed as it was, by returning with greater ardour to my former studies. It is even possible that the train of my ideas would never have received the fatal impulse that led to my ruin. But the cursory glance my father had taken of my volume by no means assured me that he was acquainted with its contents, and I continued to read with the greatest avidity.

Read this excerpt from the text:

It is even possible that the train of my ideas would never have received the fatal impulse that led to my ruin.

What does the author mean by the "fatal impulse" he describes in this line?

[removed] Something happened that set terrible things in motion.

[removed] Someone checked his medical history and found bad news.

[removed] Somewhere in his youth he had a near-death experience.

[removed] Sometime in the future he plans to become famous.

Question 16 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)

(LC)

Which synonym puts someone who talks too much in the most positive light?

[removed] Conversational: fond of talking

[removed] Blabby: prone to excessive talking or chattering

[removed] Gushing: speaking or saying in an excessive manner

[removed] Wordy: using too many words

Question 17 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)

(MC)

Read this line from Frankenstein:

But the cursory glance my father had taken of my volume by no means assured me that he was acquainted with its contents. . .

Based on the context, which of the following best explains the word cursory?

[removed] Not complete or sufficient to understanding fully

[removed] Not demonstrating favor appropriate for royalty or wealth

[removed] Not loud enough or forceful enough to register effect

[removed] Not including enough people to participate properly

Question 18 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)

(MC)

Read this line from Frankenstein by Mary Shelley:

A mummy again endued with animation could not be so hideous as that wretch.

Which definition of endued is most likely suited for this line?

[removed] 12th Century: led

[removed] 15th Century: initiated

[removed] 20th Century: provided

[removed] 20th Century: dyed

Question 19 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)

(MC)

Read this line from Frankenstein by Mary Shelley:

Sometimes my pulse beat so quickly and hardly that I felt the palpitation of every artery; at others, I nearly sank to the ground through languor and extreme weakness.

Which definition of hardly is most likely suited for this line?

[removed] Early 16th Century: With trouble or hardship

[removed] Middle English—Early 19th Century: With energy or force

[removed] Middle 16th Century: Barely, only just; not quite

[removed] Middle 16th Century: Not easily

Question 20 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)

(MC)

Read these lines from Macbeth:

The west yet glimmers with some streaks of day:

Now spurs the lated traveller apace,

To gain the timely inn; and near approaches

The subject of our watch.

Which of the following is true of the words lated traveller as used here?

[removed] Lated is likely a Shakespearian version of belated.

[removed] Lated is meant to suggest the travelers are important.

[removed] Lated, like knighted, is something bestowed.

[removed] Lated suggests the travelers themselves are not at fault.