Frankenstein

Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus is a Gothic novel by English author Mary Shelley, first published in 1818. The story follows Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who conducts an unconventional experiment, bringing a sentient creature to life.

The Plot in Short

Victor Frankenstein, a Genevese native from a distinguished family, was a bright and ambitious young man with a thirst for knowledge. From a young age, he was fascinated by the mysteries of the natural world and was particularly drawn to the works of ancient philosophers like Cornelius Agrippa and Paracelsus. However, his father dismissed these as "sad trash," leading Victor to feel a lack of guidance in his studies. Victor later enrolled at the University of Ingolstadt.

At the university, Victor attended lectures from M. Krempe, who criticized his former studies as outdated. However, Victor was more inspired by M. Waldman, who spoke of the great discoveries of modern chemists. Fueled by a desire to push the boundaries of science, Victor became obsessed with the idea of discovering the secret of life itself. He pursued his studies with great fervor, delving into anatomy and chemistry, and soon made a breakthrough.

Victor discovered the means to bestow animation on lifeless matter. He embarked on a secret and ambitious project to create a living being, selecting and assembling various materials. He chose to create a being of gigantic stature, about eight feet tall, to make the work easier. Driven by a mix of excitement and arrogance, he toiled relentlessly for months in his secret laboratory.

Finally, on a dreary night in November, his creation was complete. However, the moment Victor brought his creation to life, he was overwhelmed with horror and disgust at its appearance. Instead of the beautiful being he imagined, he had created a hideous monster. He abandoned his creation, fleeing his laboratory in terror.

The next morning, he returned to his room, only to find that the creature was gone. Victor was deeply affected by the experience and fell into a nervous fever that lasted for several months. His close friend, Henry Clerval, nursed him back to health during this time. Upon recovery, Victor tried to move on with his life, but was haunted by the fear of encountering his creation. He also felt guilty because he had neglected his family while pursuing his experiments, and he had made himself ill.

News of tragedy reached Victor from his family in Geneva. His younger brother, William, had been murdered. Overwhelmed with grief and guilt, Victor returned to Geneva, suspecting his creation was responsible. He knew that he had released a "depraved wretch" into the world, one who was capable of violence. The family's servant, Justine, was accused of the crime because a picture of Victor's mother had been found in her pocket. Despite her innocence, she was convicted and executed. Victor was overwhelmed with guilt because he knew that his creation had killed his brother, and now Justine, too, had been killed as a result. He did not tell his family of the existence of the creature because he was afraid of being deemed insane.

Seeking solace in the mountains, Victor encountered his creation. The creature, now articulate and intelligent, revealed his story to Victor, telling of his own experiences after his abandonment. The creature had learned to observe a family and had learned how to speak and read from them. He had also learned of human society and felt rejected due to his appearance. He asked Victor, his creator, why he was made so hideous and then abandoned to misery and loneliness. The creature had discovered Victor's journal and knew the circumstances of his creation. He was aware of his own monstrous appearance and resented it. He told Victor about how he had been rejected by the family he had been watching and how he had been shot after he had tried to help a young girl. The creature revealed that he was responsible for William’s death.

The creature demanded that Victor create a female companion for him, someone as monstrous as he was. He promised that he and his companion would then vanish into the wilderness, never to bother humankind again. After much internal conflict, Victor reluctantly agreed. He traveled to England to gather information and resources for this task. He secluded himself on a remote island in the Orkneys to work on the new creation. However, as he worked, Victor was overcome with fear and the moral implications of his actions, fearing the potential consequences of creating a new race of monsters. He destroyed his second creation, thus breaking his promise to his first creature.

Enraged by Victor’s betrayal, the creature vowed revenge, stating he would destroy everything that Victor loved. Victor returned to the mainland and discovered his friend Henry Clerval had been murdered. Victor was accused of the murder and imprisoned, and suffered from a terrible illness. He was eventually acquitted, but his life had been destroyed. Victor was determined to hunt his creation down and kill him. He pursued the creature across Europe and into the Arctic.

Victor recounted his tale to Robert Walton, a ship captain on an Arctic expedition. He told Walton that he was dying and could no longer pursue the monster. He asked Walton to continue the pursuit and destroy the creature. Shortly after, Victor died.

Walton discovered the creature mourning over Victor's body. The creature, full of grief and self-loathing, admitted that his revenge had brought him no peace. He expressed remorse for his actions, but explained how his misery and loneliness had driven him to evil. He then left to seek his own destruction.

The story ends with Walton and his crew still in the frozen north, surrounded by ice, and the fate of the creature unknown. Walton is left to ponder the tale of Victor Frankenstein and the tragic consequences of unchecked ambition and a lack of compassion.

Critical Analysis

A critical analysis of Frankenstein reveals a complex narrative exploring themes of creation, responsibility, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The novel, presented through a frame narrative of letters and personal accounts, delves into the psyche of both Victor Frankenstein and his creation, offering insights into the nature of humanity and the dangers of playing God.

• The Dangers of Unchecked Ambition: Victor Frankenstein's pursuit of knowledge and scientific advancement is the driving force behind the narrative. His ambition blinds him to the ethical implications of his actions, leading him to create a being without considering the consequences. The novel serves as a cautionary tale against the pursuit of knowledge without ethical considerations. Victor’s intense focus on his studies causes him to neglect his family, and his ambition drives him to create a being he cannot control. This ultimately leads to tragic consequences.
• The Responsibility of a Creator: Victor’s abandonment of his creation highlights the theme of creator responsibility. He fails to nurture or educate his creation, leaving it to navigate a world that rejects its monstrous appearance. This abandonment leads to the creature's isolation and subsequent descent into violence. The creature's repeated pleas to Victor for companionship underscore the importance of care and guidance for any creation. The novel implies that a creator has a moral obligation to provide for the well-being of their creation.
• The Nature of Good and Evil: The novel blurs the lines between good and evil, suggesting that circumstances and societal treatment can shape one's moral compass. Victor, the creator, is initially driven by good intentions, yet his actions lead to destruction. The creature, initially benevolent, is driven to violence and revenge by the cruelty and rejection he faces. The creature's transformation from an innocent being to a vengeful monster raises questions about societal responsibility in shaping morality.
• Isolation and Loneliness: Both Victor and the creature experience profound isolation. Victor isolates himself from his family and society to pursue his studies. The creature is rejected by all who see him because of his hideousness, leading to deep loneliness and despair. This isolation contributes to their destructive paths. The creature's desire for companionship is a central element of the story, highlighting the importance of human connection and the suffering that can arise from its absence.
• Revenge and its Consequences: The theme of revenge is prevalent as both Victor and the creature seek vengeance. Victor seeks to destroy his creation after the murder of his brother William, and the creature seeks revenge on Victor for his abandonment and the rejection of society. This cycle of revenge leads to further tragedy and suffering. The novel demonstrates that revenge is a destructive force that perpetuates a cycle of violence and misery.
• The Power of Knowledge: The novel reflects on the power and potential dangers of knowledge. Victor's pursuit of scientific knowledge is initially lauded, but it becomes a source of destruction when he fails to consider its implications. The creature's acquisition of knowledge through observation and reading empowers him, but also makes him aware of his isolation and monstrous appearance. The novel suggests that knowledge without wisdom can be dangerous.
• The Search for Identity and Belonging: The creature’s quest to understand his identity and find acceptance highlights the importance of belonging and self-discovery. The creature's monstrous appearance and rejection by society prevent him from ever finding a place in the world. His story underscores the cruelty of prejudice and the human need for community.
• The Frame Narrative and Multiple Perspectives: The use of letters and narratives within the story offers a multi-layered perspective. Walton's letters frame the story, providing an initial context and reflecting the themes of ambition and discovery. The story also includes the perspectives of Victor and the creature, allowing for a deeper understanding of their motivations and experiences. This layering of narratives invites the reader to question the nature of truth and perception.
• Social Commentary: The novel can be seen as a critique of societal structures and prejudices. The creature is rejected and mistreated because of his appearance, highlighting the dangers of judging others based on superficial qualities. The unjust execution of Justine Moritz further illustrates the flaws in the justice system.
• The Gothic Elements: The novel employs many Gothic elements, such as the dark and stormy settings, the themes of death and decay, and the presence of a monstrous and supernatural being. These elements contribute to the novel's atmosphere of horror and suspense and underscore the dark and tragic nature of the story. The use of vivid and disturbing imagery enhances the themes of fear, isolation, and despair.

In conclusion, Frankenstein is a complex and multi-layered work that explores timeless themes about creation, responsibility, and the human condition. The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition, the importance of empathy, and the responsibility that comes with the power to create. Its enduring popularity speaks to its ability to address fundamental aspects of human nature and morality.