Poor Things

Poor Things is in some ways a retelling of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (See: Background). Compare and contrast the two works. Which themes do they have in common? What are their differences?

This novel is ambiguous about whether McCandless’s narrative or Victoria’s letter is telling the truth. What factors of perspective and motivation shape each narrative? How do the two narratives compare to one another?

Various characters express their political beliefs in Poor Things. Choose one of these political perspectives (e.g. Malthusiasm, capitalism, socialism, imperialism, etc.). How does this political perspective relate to the themes and characters of Poor Things? What is its wider significance in the text?