Frankenstein (AQA GCSE English Literature): Exam Questions

Exam code: 8702

1 hour2 questions
130 marks

Read the following extract from Chapter 15 and then answer the question that follows. 

In this extract the monster decides to approach the cottage and the people who live there for the first time.

Their happiness was not decreased by the absence of summer. They loved, and sympathised with one another; and their joys, depending on each other, were not interrupted by the casualties that took place around them. The more I saw of them, the greater became my desire to claim their protection and kindness; my heart yearned to be known and loved by these amiable creatures: to see their sweet looks directed towards me with affection was the utmost limit of my  ambition. I dared not think that they would turn them from me with  disdain and horror. The poor that stopped at their door were never  driven away. I asked, it is true, for greater treasures than a little food  or rest: I required kindness and sympathy; but I did not believe myself utterly unworthy of it. 

The winter advanced, and an entire revolution of the seasons had  taken place since I awoke into life. My attention, at this time, was  solely directed towards my plan of introducing myself into the cottage  of my protectors. I revolved many projects; but that on which I finally  fixed was, to enter the dwelling when the blind old man should be  alone. I had sagacity enough to discover that the unnatural  hideousness of my person was the chief object of horror with those  who had formerly beheld me. My voice, although harsh, had nothing  terrible in it; I thought, therefore, that if, in the absence of his children,  I could gain the good-will and mediation of the old De Lacey, I might,  by his means, be tolerated by my younger protectors.

Starting with this extract, write about how Shelley presents the importance of love and acceptance to society. 

Write about: 

  • how Shelley presents the monster’s need to be loved and accepted in this extract 

  • how Shelley presents the importance of love and acceptance to society in the novel as a whole.

[30 marks]

230 marks

Read the following extract from Chapter 20 of Frankenstein and then answer the question that follows. 

In this extract, Dr. Frankenstein has destroyed the female he was making as a companion for the monster and the monster confronts him.

The monster saw my determination in my face, and gnashed his  teeth in the impotence of anger. "Shall each man," cried he, "find a  wife for his bosom, and each beast have his mate, and I  be alone? I had feelings of affection, and they were requited by detestation and  scorn. Man! you may hate; but beware! your hours will pass in dread  and misery, and soon the bolt will fall which must ravish from you  your happiness for ever. Are you to be happy while I grovel in the  intensity of my wretchedness? You can blast my other passions; but  revenge remains—revenge, henceforth dearer than light or food! I  may die; but first you, my tyrant and tormentor, shall curse the sun  that gazes on your misery. Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore  powerful. I will watch with the wiliness of a snake, that I may sting  with its venom. Man, you shall repent of the injuries you inflict." 

"Devil, cease; and do not poison the air with these sounds of malice.  I have declared my resolution to you, and I am no coward to bend  beneath words. Leave me; I am inexorable." 

"It is well. I go; but remember, I shall be with you on your wedding- night." 

I started forward, and exclaimed. "Villain! before you sign my death- warrant, be sure that you are yourself safe." 

I would have seized him; but he eluded me, and quitted the house  with precipitation. In a few moments I saw him in his boat, which shot  across the waters with an arrowy swiftness, and was soon  lost amidst the waves.

Starting with this extract, explore how far Shelley presents the monster as an evil character. 

Write about: 

  • how far Shelley presents the monster as evil in this extract 

  • how far Shelley presents the monster as evil in the novel as a whole.

[30 marks]