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Difficulty: MediumCharacter Relationships and Conflict

Read the following passage from Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel *Frankenstein* carefully before choosing the best answer.

“I expected this reception,” said the daemon. “All men hate the wretched; how, then, must I be hated, who am miserable beyond all living things! Yet you, my creator, detest and spurn me, thy creature, to whom thou art bound by ties only dissoluble by the annihilation of one of us. You purpose to kill me. How dare you sport thus with life? Do your duty towards me, and I will do mine towards you and the rest of mankind. If you will comply with my conditions, I will leave them and you at peace; but if you refuse, I will glut the maw of death, until it be satiated with the blood of your remaining friends.”
“Abhorred monster!” cried I, “fiend that thou art! The tortures of hell are too mild a vengeance for thy crimes. Wreaked devil! Dost thou dare to approach me? And dost thou not fear the fierce vengeance of my arm wreaked on thy miserable head? Begone, vile insect! or rather, stay, that I may trample thee to dust! and, oh! that I could, with the extinction of thy miserable existence, restore those victims whom thou hast so diabolically murdered!”
“I expected this reception,” repeated the creature. “And yet you will not even hear me. I entreat you to hear me, before you give vent to your hatred on my devoted head. Have I not suffered enough, that you seek to increase my misery? Life, although it may only be an accumulation of anguish, is dear to me, and I will defend it. Remember, thou hast made me more powerful than thyself; my height is superior to thine, and my joints more supple. But I will not be tempted to set myself in opposition to thee. I am thy creature, and I will be even mild and docile to my natural lord and king, if thou wilt also perform thy part, the which thou owest me.”

Which of the following best describes the primary dynamic defining the conflict between the creature and the creator in this passage?

  1. A
    a simple struggle between a purely malevolent monster seeking revenge and a righteous creator defending humanity
  2. B
    the author's endorsement of the creator's view that the creature is inherently subhuman and undeserving of rights
  3. the creature's appeal to reciprocal moral obligation contrasted with the creator's absolute emotional rejectionAnswer
  4. D
    the creator's physical pursuit of the creature across a mountainous landscape to avenge the murders of his friends
  5. E
    a foil dynamic where the creature's physical strength highlights the creator's moral and spiritual superiority

Answer

The correct answer is the option stating that the conflict is defined by the creature’s appeal to reciprocal moral obligation contrasted with the creator's absolute emotional rejection.
The conflict centers on the contrast between the creature's logical plea for mutual duty ('Do your duty towards me, and I will do mine towards you') and Frankenstein’s emotionally charged, absolute refusal to engage with him ('Abhorred monster! ... Begone, vile insect!').

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the passage to identify the central arguments and emotional stances of both the creature and Victor.
The creature argues for mutual responsibility and duty, stating that he will behave well if Victor performs his obligations. Victor responds with rage, refusal to listen, and threats of violence.
To establish the primary source of conflict between the characters.
2
Evaluate the relationship dynamic between the two characters based on their dialogue.
The relationship is defined by a clash between the creature's attempt to negotiate a moral contract and Victor's rejection of that contract due to emotional distress and prejudice.
To synthesize the underlying subtext and themes of the conflict.
3
Compare these findings with the five choices to select the one that accurately describes this dynamic without introducing common misconceptions.
The option describing the conflict as the creature's appeal to duty versus Victor's emotional rejection is selected as the correct answer.
To identify the option that best captures the nuanced relationship dynamic.

Key Concept

Analyzing character relationships and conflicts in longer fiction
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Topics

Character Relationships and Conflict

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