Frankenstein Study
Week 5
Week Five Reading Checklist
Day 1
☐ Volume II, Chapter 4
Thoughts:
The Creature gets to witness virtue in action through the family living in the cottage. He sees selflessness, empathy, and compassion lived out in others. He also comes to realize that language is a great divide between himself and everyone else. He learns that nature’s seasons deeply affect all areas of life.
How does language shape our culture today?
Optional Scripture:
Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 18:21
Day 2
☐ Volume II, Chapter 5
Thoughts:
Knowledge once acquired cannot be forgotten. As they say, ‘ignorance is bliss.’ Identity remains a struggle for the Creature because he has been removed from his creator and has no earthly family with which to support his foundation of knowing.
Why do you suppose that the Creature refers to the family as not just his friends, but protectors as well?
Optional Scripture:
Psalm 139
Day 3
☐ Volume II, Chapter 6-7
Thoughts:
Vice and virtue are being formed in the Creature, and yet he is still struggling with the questions of identity and purpose. “I cherished hope, it is true; but it vanished when I beheld my person reflected in water…” Without a guide, this paradox rages within the Creature and causes a deep ache of loneliness. We see the importance that realtionship plays in the ultimate product of vice/virtue. Ultimately, we see the Creature’s greatest fear become a tangible reality, and it is heartbreaking.
How could this have ended differently if it had been within the context of relationship? Where might we rush to the worst conclusion about someone based on superficial data?
Optional Scripture:
1 Samuel 16:7
Day 4
☐ Volume II, Chapter 8
Thoughts:
Without identity, purpose, or guidance, self-control waivers or is easily dismissed. Despair, agony, and pain now overtake the Creature, and we begin to witness his spiral into darkness. Whether vice or virtue— whatever is fed and kindled will grow and eventually overtake.
How are we feeding or starving vices or virtues in our own lives?
Optional Scripture:
Romans 12:19, Hebrews 12:15
Day 5
☐ Volume II, Chapter 9
Thoughts:
This chapter continues the theme of being judged by outward appearances over his inner being. To be known and loved even in our worst is the desire of everyone, and the Creature is no different. The rejection of a Father figure/Creator is the greatest injury.
How has fatherlessness affected our culture today? Where does God redeem that?
Optional Scripture:
1 John 3
We end Volume 2 here. A creature abandoned by his creator, lost and confused as he tries to make sense of this world he now inhabits. Increased knowledge and language have allowed him to make sense of others around him, but have actually created a deeper chasm between himself and the rest of humanity. He is not like anyone else, no matter how hard he tries. He is desperate for one like him! It is a tragedy that has catastrophic consequences.
Volume 3 is up next.