Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Title: Frankenstein
Author: Mary Shelley
Publisher: Dover Publications; Third edition (January 1, 1994)
Genre: Gothic Fiction, Science Fiction
Year of Publication: 1818, 1994
Date of Publication: January 1, 1818, Third edition (January 1, 1994)
Pages: 166
ISBN-10: 0486282112
ISBN-13: 978-0486282114

Summary

Main Plot & Characters

Frankenstein follows Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who becomes obsessed with creating life.

After years of intense study, he successfully brings a creature to life from assembled body parts.

However, horrified by his creation’s monstrous appearance, Victor abandons it.

Left to wander alone, the creature soon realizes it is unloved and rejected by society.

Seeking revenge, it turns on Victor, causing tragedy and death in his life.

As Victor chases the creature across Europe, both creator and creation grapple with isolation, regret, and their shared desire for acceptance.

Key Themes

• Ambition and Consequences: Victor’s pursuit of knowledge and power leads to devastating consequences. His unchecked ambition becomes his downfall.
• Isolation and Loneliness: Both Victor and the creature experience deep loneliness. Their isolation shapes their actions and ultimately drives them toward revenge.
• Creation and Responsibility: The novel raises questions about creators’ responsibilities to their creations. Victor’s neglect of his creature leads to tragedy.
• The Nature of Humanity: The creature’s longing for acceptance challenges readers to question what truly defines humanity—appearance or actions.

Writing Style

Shelley’s writing combines Gothic and Romantic elements.

She begins with letters from Captain Walton, who narrates Victor’s story, creating layers of perspective.

Impact of Frankenstein

Frankenstein is regarded as one of the first science fiction novels and a landmark in Gothic literature.

Its exploration of ambition, ethics, and humanity’s limits resonated with readers then and continues to influence literature, film, and popular culture today.

The novel has inspired countless adaptations and interpretations, cementing Mary Shelley as a pioneering figure in literature.

Frankenstein remains a profound commentary on science, ethics, and human nature, offering timeless insights on the consequences of unchecked ambition and the need for compassion.

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