King Charles II

“The memory of that unfortunate king…” (pg. 195)

Charles II was the king of Great Britain and Ireland following his father’s, King Charles I, execution. He is referred to as the “unfortunate king” because of the struggles he encountered during his reign. He presided as king during the Restoration period when the British monarchies were reestablished following the failure of the English Commonwealth. His reign was also beset by conflicts between the Anglicans, Catholics, and nonconformists as well as the Great Plague of London and the Great Fire of London. The misfortunes of this king can be compared to those of Frankenstein; his intentions were of good nature, but they regrettably came at a price. Shelley references Charles II not only to make a comparison with Frankenstein, but also to add depth and realism to the story.

"Charles II (king of Great Britain and Ireland)." Encyclopedia - Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Web. 14 Aug. 2009. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/106788/Charles-II

"Charles II of England." Wikipedia. Web. 14 Aug. 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_II_of_England#Great_Plague_and_Fire

Photo Credit: King Charles II. Digital image. Web. 14 Aug. 2009. http://www.learnnc.org/lp/media/uploads/2008/02/charles_ii_of_england.jpg

Chinese Water Torture

“…the torture of single drops of water continually falling on the head.” (pg.194)

Chinese water torture was a method of torture that began being used as early as the 16th century. This type of punishment involved victims being immobilized and cold water dripped incessantly onto their foreheads. The objective of this method of torture was to drive the victims insane. Shelley makes reference to this because it captures the essence of Frankenstein's life following his creature's formation; watching his family perish at the hand of his creation is much like the slow, agonizing pain of Chinese water torture.

"Chinese water torture -." Wikipedia. Web. 14 Aug. 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_water_torture

The Rhine River

“…the Rhine…becomes much more picturesque. The river descends rapidly, and winds between hills, not high, but steep, and of beautiful forms…ruined castles standing on the edges of precipices, surrounded by black woods, high and inaccessible.” (pg. 189)

The Rhine River is one of the most important waterways in Germany. It extends from Switzerland, through the western part of Germany, and empties into the North Sea through the Netherlands. This river is a fundamental geographical feature to central Europe serving as both a shipping and transportation route. In addition to its use, the river’s banks are crowded with ornate castles. The elaborate description of the Rhine River region functions as a relief from the dark and foreboding mood that Shelley had set for the Creature’s pursuit.

"CE 397 Transboundary Water Resources." Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. Web. 14 Aug. 2009. http://www.ce.utexas.edu/prof/mckinney/ce397/Topics/Rhine/Rhine.htm

Photo Credit: The Rhine River. Digital image. Web. 14 Aug. 2009. http://www.castle-liebenstein.com/pictures/maps/rhine-valley-map400.jpg

The Hypocrites of Dante's Inferno

“…Dante’s iron cowl on the heads of the hellish hypocrites…” (pg. 178)

Dante’s Inferno is an epic poem written by Dante Alighieri that follows the character, Dante, on his journey through Hell. This quote references a scene from the thirteenth canto, or chapter, where Dante encounters the hypocrites, a group of people sent to Hell for the sin of hypocrisy. As punishment for their sins, these individuals must wear cloaks with stunning exteriors but interiors lined with lead signifying their crime. The personality and lifestyle that Shelley characterizes Frankenstein with resembles these troubled souls; like them, he must forever carry the burden of his craft.

"The Divine Comedy: Inferno by Dante Alighieri - Summaries and Commentaries." Yahoo! Education. Web. 14 Aug. 2009. http://education.yahoo.com/homework_help/cliffsnotes/the_divine_comedy_inferno/71.html

Photo Credit: The Hypocrites - Dante's Inferno. Digital image. Web. 14 Aug. 2009. http://davelafferty.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/hypocrites.jpg

South America

“…fly from the habitations of man, to dwell in those wilds where the beasts of the field will be your only companions…the most savage of places.” (pg. 175)

During this time period, little was known about South America. Up until the 18th century, there had been several expeditions made by countries from the western world including Spain and Portugal. The continent, which was predominately covered by rainforest was populated with various tribes of indigenous people. According to the explorers, the natives were often savage and wary of outsiders. Shelley obviously chose this destination for the Creature because of its barbaric qualities; however, this choice also seems intentional due to the fact that there are still people abiding there. Shelley wanted to emphasize that, no matter where the Creature ventured, he would never be void of human contact.

"Native Americans of Middle and South America - MSN Encarta." MSN Encarta. Web. 14 Aug. 2009. http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_701509044_20/native_americans_of_middle_and_south_america.html

Adam and Eve

“…I was alone. I remembered Adam’s supplication to his Creator; but where was mine?” (pg. 155)

According to the Book of Genesis, God created Adam before Eve. Adam’s purpose was to look after the world, and God created animals so that Adam would not be alone. However, God realized that Adam needed a human partner and thus created Eve. Frankenstein’s monster compares himself to Adam in order to express his desire for a companion. Shelley references this biblical myth because Adam and Eve represent the epitome of a relationship and it shows that all creatures deserve partners. Yet, in the case of the Creature, who has a stressed relationship with his creator (unlike Adam did with God), the chances of being blessed with a partner are improbable.

"Adam and Eve - Myth Encyclopedia." Encyclopedia of Myths. Web. 14 Aug. 2009. http://www.mythencyclopedia.com/A-Am/Adam-and-Eve.html

Photo Credit: Adam and Eve. Digital image. Web. 14 Aug. 2009. http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Advent/Adam&Eve.jpg

Legendary Political Figures

“…led to admire peaceable law-givers, Numa, Solon, and Lycurgus, in preference to Romulus and Theseus.” (pg. 152)








Numa Pompilius reigned as the second king of Rome from 715 to 673 BC. He was known for his peaceful manner and his religious contributions. Solon was one of the Seven Wise Men of Greece. He was an Athenian statesmen and lawmaker whose reforms helped in laying the foundation for democracy in Athens. Lycurgus is often referred to as the Father of Sparta. He was the lawgiver who founded the Spartan constitution.

Shelley exploits the fact that the Creature aspires to be like these reputable political figures. However, since the Creature is known for his recklessness, Shelley makes sure to include individuals that he can be more closely associated with, leaders with similar aggressive reputations.




Romulus, who was the first king of Rome and its namesake, was known for his hostile temperament. His reign, which commenced with the killing of his brother Remus, was successful but riddled with conflict. Theseus is a legendary hero who was also the king of Athens. He came into power on account of his aggression, battling numerous mythical beasts.

"Numa Pompilius (king of Rome)." Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Web. 14 Aug. 2009. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/422258/Numa-Pompilius

"SOLON." World History. Web. 14 Aug. 2009. http://www.hyperhistory.com/online_n2/people_n2/ppersons1_n2/solon.html

"Lycurgus (of Sparta)." Ninemsn Encarta. Web. 14 Aug. 2009. http://au.encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761575180/Lycurgus_(of_Sparta).html

"Romulus." Encyclopedia Mythica. Web. 14 Aug. 2009. http://www.pantheon.org/articles/r/romulus.html

"Theseus, Greek mythology." Greece Travel Greek islands History and Mythology. Web. 14 Aug. 2009. http://www.in2greece.com/english/historymyth/mythology/names/theseus.htm

Photo Credit: Numa Pompilius. Digital image. Web. 14 Aug. 2009. http://www.crystalinks.com/numa.jpg

Solon. Digital image. Web. 14 Aug. 2009. http://www.schillerinstitute.org/graphics/photos/hist_other/Solon.jpg

Lycurgus of Sparta. Digital image. Web. 14 Aug. 2009. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/57/Lycurgus.jpg

Romulus. Digital image. Web. 14 Aug. 2009. http://www.crystalinks.com/romulus.jpg

Theseus. Digital image. Web. 14 Aug. 2009. http://volcano.oregonstate.edu/legends/greece/minotaur-theseus.jpg