Before you read: Frankenstein Letters 1–4

FOCUS ACTIVITY

What do you think spurs people to explore the unknown?

Share Ideas

In a small group, list ways in which people throughout the ages have explored the unknown. Also, identify some reasons why individuals devote themselves to a life of exploration and discovery. Does such devotion involve sacrifices?

Setting a Purpose

Read to find out how two eighteenth-century men’s lives are changed as they pursue their separate dreams of exploring the unknown.

VOCABULARY PREVIEW

ardent [ärd'ənt] adj. passionate
countenance [koun'tə nəns] n. face; expression
dauntless [dônt'lis] adj. fearless
harrowing [har'ō ing] adj. extremely distressing
irrevocably [i rev'ə kə blē] adv. in a way impossible to change
mariner [mar'ə nər] n. navigator of a ship
perseverance [pur ́sə vēr'əns] n. steady persistence

Analyzing Literature

Recall and Interpret

Who is Robert Walton?
- What is he searching for?
- What is his attitude toward his quest?
- What do these details suggest to you about his character?
In this letter to his sister, what does Walton say he longs for?
- Why do you think Walton feels lonely even though he is on board a ship with a full crew?
How does Walton respond to the stranger?
- Why do you think Walton is attracted to the stranger?

The actor Boris Karloff as Frankenstein's Monster

Mary Shelley: A Biography

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