A Reader's Guide for Frankenstein

The Wild Gentleman Book Club

Key Themes for Discussion

Learning Without Morality

How do we balance ambition and innovation with ethical consideration?
What role do mentors and the community play in providing moral grounding for our pursuits?

Rejection

How do we create "monsters" through our rejection—in our children, employees, or communities?
What happens when we judge people by surface appearances rather than character?

Male Isolation

Why do men so often isolate when facing problems?
What keeps you from asking for help or admitting mistakes?

Reading Questions

"The creature declares his highest aspiration is 'to be a great and virtuous man' (Ch. 13). What does it mean that his deepest desire is virtue, not revenge or power? How does masculine sensitivity become a strength or vulnerability?"
Observing the family he admires suffer, he asks: "If such lovely creatures were miserable, it was less strange that I, an imperfect and solitary being, should be wretched. Yet why were these gentle beings unhappy?" (Chapter 12) What does this observation mean for how we behave as humans when it comes to happiness?
How does the creature's observation, "To be a great and virtuous man appeared to be the highest honor that can befall a sensitive man" (Chapter 13) shape his understanding of his own isolation?
How does the sublime play a role in this story? As Victor says by Montanvert, "It had then filled me with sublime ecstasy that gave wings to the soul" (Chapter 10). Is nature restorative or horrific in this novel?
Victor agrees to listen to the creature: "I was partly urged by curiosity, and compassion confirmed my resolution" (Ch. 10). This is arguably Victor's finest moral moment. Why is simple listening so difficult, and who in your life needs this from you?
Victor creates life, then immediately flees in horror when the creature doesn't match his ideal. How does this mirror failures in fatherhood, leadership, or mentorship when reality doesn't match our vision?
Both Victor and the creature become consumed by vengeance. Neither can break the cycle. Where in your life do you need to choose accountability over resentment?