Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

“Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus” is a novel by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, first published in 1818. It is one of the earliest examples of science fiction and has become a classic of English literature, exploring themes of creation, ambition, and the consequences of playing God.

Author: Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

Publication Date: 1818 (first edition); 1831 (revised edition)

Summary

“Frankenstein” tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a grotesque but sentient creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment. The novel is a cautionary tale about the dangers of overreaching ambition and the ethical implications of scientific advancement.

Plot Overview

The novel begins with a series of letters written by Robert Walton, an Arctic explorer, to his sister, Margaret Walton Saville. Walton’s expedition comes across Victor Frankenstein, who is pursuing the creature he created. Victor recounts his story to Walton, which forms the main narrative.

Victor grows up in Geneva, Switzerland, and becomes fascinated with natural philosophy and chemistry. At the University of Ingolstadt, he becomes obsessed with the idea of creating life. After years of feverish work, he succeeds in animating a creature made from stolen body parts. However, horrified by the creature’s appearance, Victor abandons it.

The creature, intelligent and sensitive, suffers rejection and isolation due to its monstrous appearance. It becomes increasingly bitter and angry towards its creator. After learning about human nature and seeking companionship, the creature demands that Victor create a female companion for him. Victor initially agrees but ultimately destroys the second creation, fearing the potential consequences.

In revenge, the creature murders Victor’s loved ones, including his brother William, his friend Henry Clerval, and his fiancée Elizabeth Lavenza. Devastated, Victor vows to destroy the creature. The novel concludes with Victor’s death in the Arctic, and the creature, filled with remorse, disappears into the northernmost ice, intending to end its own life.

Themes

• Ambition and Hubris: The novel explores the dangers of unchecked ambition and the hubris of trying to transcend natural boundaries.
• Creation and Responsibility: It delves into the responsibilities and ethical considerations of creating life and the consequences of neglecting those responsibilities.
• Isolation and Loneliness: Both Victor and the creature experience profound isolation and loneliness, which drive much of their actions.
• Nature vs. Nurture: The story raises questions about the influence of environment and upbringing on one’s character and behavior.

Key Characters

• Victor Frankenstein: The ambitious scientist who creates the creature and suffers the tragic consequences of his actions.
• The Creature: Victor’s creation, intelligent and sensitive, but doomed to a life of isolation and suffering due to its monstrous appearance.
• Robert Walton: The Arctic explorer who befriends Victor and records his tragic story.
• Elizabeth Lavenza: Victor’s loving and loyal fiancée, who becomes one of the creature’s victims.
• Henry Clerval: Victor’s best friend, who is also killed by the creature.
• Alphonse Frankenstein: Victor’s father, who suffers greatly from the tragedies that befall his family.