Share:

Book Review: Frankenstein

Introduction

Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus is a horror and gothic fiction novel written by the English novelist Mary Shelley during her early years. It is known for its surreal and wicked dive into a man’s life.

Victor Frankenstein is a scientist studying at the University of Ingolstadt, where he creates and discovers something he may have been too curious about. He creates a creature—a monster—by assembling different parts from freshly dead bodies, collecting them day by day. However, he himself is horrified by the creation made by his own hands.

Shelley first wrote the novel when she was 18 years old. It was initially published anonymously, and only after revision was the author revealed to be Mary Shelley. The novel takes place across different European countries. The name Frankenstein is also commonly used to refer to the monster. The novel is a remarkable work that explores the genres of fiction, horror, and thriller.

Plot

Victor Frankenstein is a young boy born into an upper-class Genevese family. He spends his early years obsessing over books and nurturing a curiosity to uncover what “heaven and earth” hide between them. Victor is brought up alongside Elizabeth, who is taken in by his parents. Since they are the same age, she becomes both a close friend and a constant supporter.

Later, his family settles in Geneva after the birth of his younger brother, William. As Victor grows older, he develops a strong interest in Chemistry. Raised in a home filled with love and support, he eventually attends university after the death of his mother, Caroline.

During his time at the university, Victor discovers a way to create life. By putting together body parts stolen from fresh graves, he eventually creates a large creature. When the creature comes to life, Victor flees the laboratory in fear, only to discover the next day that the creature has disappeared.

The story then shifts to the creature’s experiences. The creature discovers fire and learns to avoid humans because they are frightened by his appearance. He finds shelter in a small shack attached to a cottage and secretly observes the family living there. Gradually, he learns how to speak, communicate, read, and write.

Later, he reads papers he found among the clothes taken from the university and learns about his creation and his creator. One day, he reveals himself to the family’s blind father while the old man is alone. The father treats him with kindness and warmth, but when the other family members return, they become frightened and chase him away.

The creature later saves a drowning girl but is shot by her father, who mistakes his actions for an attack. Determined to confront his creator, he travels to Geneva. There, he encounters Victor’s younger brother and, upon learning of their connection, kills him. He then frames a servant for the crime.

Victor suspects that the murder was committed by his creation but does not intervene when the innocent servant is executed. Later, while hiking, Victor encounters the creature, who asks him to create a female companion so he can live happily. Victor reluctantly agrees.

Victor and his friend Henry Clerval travel to Britain, where Victor establishes a laboratory. While working on the female companion, he becomes terrified of the possibility that the two creatures may reproduce. As a result, he destroys the unfinished female.

Enraged by this decision, the creature vows revenge and promises to be with Victor on his wedding night. He then kills Henry Clerval. Victor returns home grieving the loss of his friend and eventually marries Elizabeth.

As promised, the creature appears on Victor’s wedding night and murders Elizabeth. Soon after, Victor’s father dies from grief. With no loved ones left beside him, Victor dedicates himself to avenging those he has lost.

While pursuing the creature, Victor reaches the Arctic, where he nearly dies from exhaustion and hypothermia. A captain rescues him and brings him aboard his ship. Victor tells the captain the story of his creation and encourages the crew to continue their journey. However, the crew decides to abandon the expedition and return home.

Victor refuses to give up his pursuit of the creature, but the harsh conditions eventually claim his life. After his death, the creature boards the ship, mourns the loss of his creator, and tells the captain that he intends to burn himself. He then departs into the darkness.

Critical Analysis

The story delves deeply into both the creator’s and the creature’s lives and desires. Shelley clearly illustrates how Victor crosses the limits of humanity without considering the consequences of his experiment. His unchecked pursuit of knowledge demonstrates how reckless actions can lead to destruction.

This raises an important question: Is Victor a visionary scientist or a sinner who failed to control his curiosity? Reflecting on this question is essential to understanding the novel.

It can be argued that Victor himself is the true monster of the story. He is not motivated by the genuine needs of society or by a desire to benefit humanity. Instead, he misuses his curiosity to satisfy his personal ambition. While recognizing one’s limits is a sign of wisdom and good character, Victor’s actions reinforce the idea that reason without ethics leads to harm and destruction.

Conclusion and Recommendation

In conclusion, the novel has a highly engaging and thought-provoking storyline. The way Victor never truly questions the consequences of his actions is both fascinating and disturbing. Shelley has written the novel in such an interesting manner that even an uninterested reader becomes absorbed by the questions and dilemmas presented throughout the plot.

I would recommend this book to non-readers as well as to those with a strong interest in horror fiction. I am certain that almost anyone could pick up this book and enjoy it, as most people have heard of Frankenstein at least once in their lives. The novel remains a great example of well-crafted, intelligent, and thrilling storytelling.