Summaries of Chapters 1-3
Chapter 1 Summary
Chapter 1 in the book Frankenstein introduces the scientifically indulging book with a description of Frankenstein’s childhood. As Frankenstein narrates and Walton records, we dive into great detail as we experience Frankenstein's family history, family values, and personal desires. He describes the fortune of his family, and how we learn of his impeccable bond with his sister. Towards the end we even learn of his relationship with Cornelius Agrippa, and see how the scientific relations between him and his new friend may foreshadow his life as an adult. Chapter 2 Summary As Frankenstein continues to narrate his early life, he explains his growing interest in science. He starts with a fascination of nature, and is longing to find fame through his minimal self taught knowledge. He starts to study the works of Cornelius Agrippa and became positive that the science he was to study was Natural Philosophy. But, at the age of fifteen, Frankenstein describes an event of which changes his view and passion for natural science to its fullest extent. There was a terrible thunderstorm, of which struck lighting to a tree with such force that once the lightning struck, nothing was left of the tree but a small charred stump. The impact of the electricity was unbelievable, and as Frankenstein said was “utterly destroyed.” This amazing stunt intrigued Frankenstein, and he realized that if he were to study science, he would want to try and tackle more compelling experiences with something so powerful like electricity, not play with the simplicity of Cornelius Agrippa. So, at the end of this chapter, Frankenstein seems to have changed his mind and is ready to head into a fore potential science. |
Chapter 3 Summary
In chapter three Frankenstein brings us to the latest of his childhood, his introduction to college. Frankenstein is accepted to attend Ingolstadt college, but right as he is set to leave his mother and sister fell fatally ill. His sister managed to survive, but his mother wasn’t so lucky. Her death was tough on Frankenstein, but he knew that his life would have to go on, so he headed off to college with little delay, ready to indulge in science. When he arrives at college he meets two professors, one of which is reluctant to all Frankenstein believes in natural philosophy. The harsh lecture from this professor forces Frankenstein to realize he was in need of much deeper study if he were to make it at all. This professor was not at all inspirational, however The second professor Frankenstein meets has quite a different view. This second professor lectures Frankenstein on the amazing potential of chemistry, and convinces Frankenstein it is the most important branch of natural philosophy. He describes the power of creating, and as Frankenstein takes his lecture into heart interprets his words into full desire. The second professor has planted a new motive for Frankenstein, the idea of creation. |