Introduction
“Frankenstein” was written by Mary Shelley. It was first published in 1818. This novel is one of the most famous and enduring works of Gothic literature. The novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein. He is a young scientist driven by his ambition and desire for glory. He creates a monstrous creature through a forbidden experiment. The consequences of this creation lead to a tragic series of events. These events explore themes of ambition, isolation, and responsibility. They highlight the dangers of unchecked scientific power.
Shelley’s story is much more than just the tale of a monster. It deeply explores human nature. It examines the consequences of playing god and the moral implications of creation. It has had a lasting impact on literature and popular culture. The name “Frankenstein” has become synonymous with the monster itself. In the novel, Frankenstein is actually the creator, not the creature.
The Story of Frankenstein
1. The Introduction: Victor Frankenstein’s Early Life
The novel begins with a series of letters written by Robert Walton, an ambitious sea captain on an Arctic expedition. Walton wants to discover the secret to human immortality. He is determined to find a passage to the North Pole. During his journey, he encounters a man who is near death. This man is Victor Frankenstein, and he has been pursuing a similar quest for knowledge. Walton brings Victor aboard his ship and listens to his story, which forms the central narrative of the novel.
Victor Frankenstein recounts his early life in Geneva, Switzerland, where he was born into a wealthy and loving family. He describes his childhood fascination with natural philosophy and science. As a young man, Victor admired the works of Alchemists. Later, he was influenced by contemporary scientists like Paracelsus and Agrippa. Their ideas about the potential of science seemed to hold the key to overcoming death. They also focused on unlocking the secrets of life.
2. The Creation of the Monster
Victor’s obsession with the idea of reanimating life leads him to study anatomy, chemistry, and biology in depth. His quest becomes an obsession. He isolates himself from his family and friends. He spends years researching the possibility of creating life from inanimate matter.
After much toil and experimentation, Victor succeeds in bringing a creature to life. However, when the monster opens its eyes and moves, Victor is horrified by its grotesque appearance. The creature is huge. It stands over eight feet tall. Its yellowish skin is stretched tightly over its bones. It has black lips and dull, lifeless eyes. The creature’s monstrous form fills Victor with disgust and fear, and he abandons it in a fit of panic.
3. The Creature’s Awakening
The creature, abandoned and alone, is left to fend for itself in a world that rejects it for its appearance. Victor is initially horrified. He flees from his creation. This leaves the creature to navigate a world of isolation and hostility. The monster, though initially innocent and curious, becomes increasingly aware of its rejection by society. It is shunned and attacked whenever it tries to make contact with others.
The creature eventually takes refuge in a small cottage where a family of De Lacey lives. The creature secretly observes them, learning about human emotions, language, and society. He grows attached to the family. He becomes especially fond of the blind father, De Lacey. He believes that the family might accept him if they do not see his appearance. However, when the creature finally approaches the family, seeking kindness, he is chased away with fear and violence.
In desperation, the creature seeks out his creator, Victor Frankenstein, demanding that he create a companion for him. He argues that he deserves companionship, understanding, and love like any other living being. He believes that only through this will he be able to lead a fulfilling life. The creature swears that he will retreat into the wilderness and never harm humanity if Victor grants his request.
4. The Creation of a Second Monster
Victor is initially reluctant but, after much persuasion, agrees to create a female companion for the creature. As he begins the second experiment, he is filled with horror. He dreads creating another being that could be just as monstrous. It might potentially be more dangerous than the first. He fears that the two creatures might form an alliance and wreak havoc on humanity.
At the last moment, Victor destroys the partially created female monster, enraging the original creature. The monster vows revenge, threatening Victor that he will make him suffer for his decision. The creature promises that he will kill Victor’s loved ones. He plans to start with Victor’s family. He swears that Victor will never be free from his pursuit.
5. Tragedy Strikes: The Death of Victor’s Family
Victor returns to Geneva, hoping to seek solace and protection from his family. However, the creature’s threats are not idle. One by one, Victor’s loved ones are killed by the monster. First, the monster murders his younger brother, William. The blame falls on an innocent woman, Justine. She is wrongfully accused and executed for the crime. Then, Victor’s close friend and fiancée, Elizabeth, is murdered on their wedding night.
Victor is consumed by grief, guilt, and a relentless desire for revenge. He swears to track down the creature and destroy it, no matter the cost.
6. The Pursuit and The Final Confrontation
Victor is obsessed with killing the monster. His obsession leads him on a long and treacherous pursuit across Europe. It continues into the frozen Arctic. He becomes increasingly ill, both physically and mentally, as he chases the creature relentlessly. Finally, Victor encounters the monster one last time in the Arctic. The creature taunts him. It knows that Victor’s obsession has led to his own destruction.
Victor Frankenstein dies on the ship of Robert Walton, having pursued his creation to the ends of the Earth. The monster, hearing of Victor’s death, comes to the ship to bid farewell to his creator. He tells Walton that he plans to end his own life by setting himself on fire, as he no longer wishes to live in a world of hatred and rejection. The novel ends with the creature disappearing into the darkness of the Arctic, leaving his fate uncertain.
Themes in “Frankenstein”
1. The Dangers of Unchecked Ambition: One of the central themes of “Frankenstein” is the danger of unchecked ambition. It also explores the consequences of seeking knowledge without considering the moral and ethical implications. Victor obsessively pursues scientific knowledge. His desire to conquer death leads to tragic consequences for himself and everyone around him.
2. Isolation and Loneliness: Both Victor Frankenstein and his creature experience profound isolation. Victor isolates himself from his family and friends. He is consumed by his obsessive quest for knowledge. The creature is rejected by society due to his monstrous appearance. This theme explores how isolation can lead to despair, anger, and destructive behavior.
3. Creation and Responsibility: The novel raises questions about the responsibilities of creators and the consequences of creation. Victor Frankenstein creates life but abandons his creation, failing to take responsibility for the creature’s wellbeing. This neglect leads to the creature’s suffering and, ultimately, his desire for vengeance.
4. The Power of Nature: “Frankenstein” emphasizes the power and majesty of nature. Throughout the novel, the natural world plays a significant role, from the mountains of Switzerland to the desolate Arctic wastelands. Nature is often portrayed as a source of solace. However, it also represents the destructive forces that can overwhelm human beings.
5. The Pursuit of Revenge: Both Victor and the creature are consumed by a desire for revenge. Victor relentlessly pursues the monster. The creature takes revenge on Victor and his family. These actions drive the plot forward. They illustrate how the desire for vengeance can destroy both the seeker and the victim.
Conclusion
“Frankenstein” is a powerful tale of creation, ambition, and the consequences of unchecked scientific exploration. Mary Shelley tells the tragic story of Victor Frankenstein and his monstrous creation. Through this narrative, she explores the darker aspects of human nature. She highlights the dangers of pushing boundaries without considering ethical ramifications. The novel remains a timeless exploration of the complexities of human relationships. It examines the consequences of our actions. It also delves into the fine line between genius and madness. “Frankenstein” continues to resonate today as a cautionary tale about the responsibilities that come with knowledge, power, and creation.
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