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Frankenstein

Mary W. Shelley

212 Pages
2005

Frankenstein

Prestwick House Inc

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Frankenstein - Summary

In this haunting Gothic masterpiece, Mary Shelley weaves a tale of ambition, creation, and the dire consequences of playing God. The story follows Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant scientist whose obsession with conquering death leads him to create artificial life. His success turns to horror when his creation, a sensitive but grotesque being, is rejected by society and turns vengeful. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, beginning with an Arctic expedition and spiraling into a psychological battle between creator and creation, exploring the depths of human responsibility and the price of unchecked scientific advancement.

Key Themes

1

The Perils of Unchecked Ambition

Through Victor Frankenstein's relentless pursuit of scientific breakthrough, Shelley illustrates how unbridled ambition and the desire to transcend human limitations can lead to catastrophic consequences, ultimately destroying both the creator and those around him.

2

Nature vs. Nurture

The creature's transformation from an innocent, knowledge-seeking being to a vengeful monster demonstrates how society's rejection and lack of compassion can shape one's character, raising questions about inherent evil versus learned behavior.

3

Scientific Responsibility

The novel explores the ethical boundaries of scientific progress, questioning whether scientists should pursue knowledge at any cost and examining their moral obligations to their creations and society at large.

FAQ's

It was the first major work to explore the ethical implications of scientific advancement and artificial creation, combining elements of Gothic horror with speculative science in a way that had never been done before.

No, the creature begins life with childlike innocence and a desire to learn and connect with others. It's only after experiencing constant rejection and cruelty from society that he turns to violence and revenge.

The novel originated from a ghost story competition during a gathering with Lord Byron and others in 1816. Shelley was also influenced by the contemporary scientific discussions about galvanism and the reanimation of dead matter, as well as her own experiences with loss and creation.

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