Keyword Guide · book-summary
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a foundational work of Gothic literature and early science fiction. It tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist whose pursuit of knowledge leads to the creation of a sentient being and a subsequent cycle of tragedy.
The novel begins with a series of letters from Captain Robert Walton, an explorer attempting to reach the North Pole. During his journey, he rescues a nearly frozen Victor Frankenstein from the ice. Victor then recounts his life story to Walton as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of forbidden knowledge.
As a young student at the University of Ingolstadt, Victor becomes obsessed with the principles of life and death. He discovers the secret to animating lifeless matter and spends months constructing a giant creature from scavenged body parts. However, the moment the creature comes to life, Victor is horrified by its appearance and flees, abandoning his creation and falling into a nervous fever.
While Victor recovers, the creature wanders into the wilderness. He eventually finds shelter near a cottage occupied by the DeLacey family. By observing them through a crack in the wall, the creature learns to speak, read, and understand human emotions. Despite his growing benevolence, his attempts to seek friendship from the family and other humans end in violent rejection due to his grotesque form, leading him to swear revenge against his creator.
The creature tracks Victor down and demands that he create a female companion for him, promising to disappear forever if his request is granted. Victor initially agrees but destroys the second creation in a fit of fear. In retaliation, the creature kills Victor’s best friend and his bride, Elizabeth. The novel concludes with a desperate chase across the Arctic, where Victor eventually dies, and the creature, mourning his creator, vanishes into the darkness.
The novel explores themes of scientific ethics, the consequences of social isolation, and the idea that monsters are created by neglect and rejection rather than being born evil.
It references the Greek myth of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods. Similarly, Victor Frankenstein steals the 'fire' of life from nature, resulting in suffering and punishment.
No, the creature is never given a name. He is referred to by Victor as a 'fiend,' 'demon,' or 'wretch,' symbolizing his lack of identity and social standing.
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