For centuries, the name "Frankenstein" has been synonymous with horror and science fiction. Written in 1818, the novel has captivated readers and viewers alike with its themes of creation, life, and death. But who is the mastermind behind this timeless tale? Let's take a closer look at the life of Mary Shelley, the woman behind Frankenstein.
Mary Shelley, born Mary Godwin, was a writer, philosopher, and feminist in the early 19th century. Her unconventional lifestyle and marriage to the famous Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley caused quite a scandal in the British society of the time. Despite the disapproval of their families, the couple traveled extensively and faced financial struggles before finally settling in London in 1816. That same year, they were married, and their only child together was born.
However, their happiness was short-lived, as Percy's previous wife, Harriet, took her own life in 1816. The following year, the Shelleys traveled to Switzerland to visit the infamous poet Lord Byron at his villa. It was here, during a stormy night, that the idea for Frankenstein was born.
During their visit to Villa Diodati, the group, including the Shelleys and Byron, engaged in conversations about philosophy, the meaning of life, and ghost stories. As a result, they decided to have a writing competition to see who could come up with the most terrifying tale. It wasn't until the middle of the night, when Mary was unable to sleep, that the idea for Frankenstein came to her.
Driven by her own anxieties and imagination, Mary began writing the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a monstrous being using body parts and brings it to life. The book explores themes of science, morality, and the consequences of playing god, making it the first known science fiction novel in history.
In Greek mythology, Prometheus is a figure who defies the gods and brings fire to humanity, resulting in severe punishment. Mary Shelley draws inspiration from this legend for her character Victor Frankenstein, who also defies the laws of nature by bringing life to his creation.
The novel follows the story of Victor Frankenstein, a sea voyager who recounts his encounter with the dying scientist named Frankenstein. Through his tale, we learn about his obsession with creating life and how it ultimately leads to his downfall. The creature, referred to as "The Creature," is a product of Frankenstein's experiments and a symbol of the dangers of playing with nature. As the story unfolds, we see the consequences of Frankenstein's actions and the impact it has on both him and his creation.
In conclusion, the story behind Frankenstein and its author, Mary Shelley, is a tale of love, loss, and the consequences of defying the laws of nature. Through her novel, Mary Shelley has left a lasting impact on the world of literature and continues to inspire readers to this day.
After a long illness, Frankenstein is told by his father that his little brother was brutally murdered. Returning home, he sees the Creature near the crime scene and immediately assumes it is the culprit. Despite his efforts, Frankenstein can't prove the Creature's guilt, and instead, an innocent nurse is wrongly convicted and executed. Struck with guilt, Frankenstein retreats to the mountains, where the Creature approaches him, begging for the chance to tell its side of the story.The Creature shares its initial struggles of being rejected and feared by society because of its monstrous appearance. Seeking comfort, it takes refuge in an abandoned building and discovers a family living nearby. Despite their blindness, the family's head becomes the Creature's friend and teaches it to read and talk. However, when the family returns and is terrified by the Creature's appearance, they flee. Enraged and hopeless, the Creature seeks out Frankenstein, the cause of its suffering.Fueled by anger, the Creature confesses to killing Frankenstein's brother and demands a female companion. In exchange for creating a partner, it promises to leave Frankenstein's life forever and move to South America. Fearing for his loved ones' safety, Frankenstein reluctantly agrees. But when he realizes the consequences of their offspring, he destroys the female Creature, leading to a confrontation with the original vengeful Creature.Despite their agreement, the Creature threatens to harm those close to Frankenstein unless he fulfills its request. Seeing the Creature's true nature, Frankenstein refuses and orders it to leave. In a final act of revenge, the Creature murders Frankenstein's best friend and later, his beloved wife on their wedding night. As Frankenstein seeks revenge, the Creature evades him, resulting in a deadly encounter in the freezing Arctic.As Frankenstein's life comes to an end, a captain rescues him. The captain recounts Frankenstein's final moments, including a brief encounter with the Creature, which vanishes into the night upon hearing of Frankenstein's death.The Genre Debate of the NovelGothic fiction, popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, is often traced back to Horace Walpole's Castle of Otranto and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Gothic stories typically involve suspenseful plots with elements of mystery and the supernatural, often set in a spooky or ruined place.Gothic literature delves into dark themes of death, the afterlife, and the undead, playing on our deepest fears and superstitions. At its peak, this genre captivated readers of all genders and walks of life, providing an escape from industrialized society and materialism.Some common characteristics of Gothic fiction include:- Intense emotions and dramatic storylines- Villains with supernatural abilities- Strong use of imagery and symbolism- Dark and ominous settings- Themes of madness and insanity- Exploration of taboo subjects like death and the occultIn conclusion, while Frankenstein can be considered a Gothic novel due to its chilling and eerie elements, it also incorporates elements of science fiction through Frankenstein's pursuit of creating life and the idea of human-like beings. Ultimately, the genre of the novel is open to interpretation, adding to its mysterious appeal.
The incorporation of science as a driving force in Frankenstein sets it apart from traditional gothic literature and places it in the realm of science fiction. This is a clear indication of Mary Shelley's extensive knowledge and interest in the scientific advancements of her time, particularly the concept of galvanism, which plays a crucial role in Victor Frankenstein's creation of the Creature.
While often categorized as a gothic novel, Frankenstein also delves into themes that transcend the typical gothic tropes. These include the Promethean legend, birth and regeneration, the dangers of forbidden knowledge, and the duality of the individual, making it a complex and thought-provoking piece of literature.
One of the most prominent themes in Frankenstein is the concept of duality, particularly evident in the individual and their alter ego or alternative personality. This idea was prevalent during the Romantic period, in which Shelley wrote the novel, which emphasized individual experience over rationality. In fact, while writing Frankenstein, Shelley was surrounded by leading Romantic writers such as Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron.
In his introduction to the novel, literary critic Harold Bloom explores the theme of Prometheus and its relation to the central duality in Frankenstein. He argues that the Creature and Frankenstein represent two halves of the same entity, with the Creature representing the more human and empathetic side. This duality is also evident in Frankenstein's failure to love and take responsibility for his creation, ultimately leading to his downfall.
Bloom puts forth that the tragedy of Prometheus lies not in his punishment, but in his compassion for mankind. In trying to aid humanity, he ultimately becomes alienated from the gods. This mirrors the dual identity of the Creature, who is both monstrous and sympathetic. The irony is that Frankenstein's tragedy stems from his inability to love and accept his creation, despite his success in creating a natural man.
Mary Shelley's prowess lies in making the Creature more human and relatable than its creator. This is evident in the Creature's longing for acceptance and kindness, which is met with rejection and fear due to his physical appearance.
Ultimately, Frankenstein serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of playing God and defying the laws of nature. Shelley's exploration of the duality within individuals and the dangers of knowledge make Frankenstein a timeless and thought-provoking novel.
In her analysis of Frankenstein, literary critic Ann Kostenaletz Mellor suggests that the novel reflects two halves of Percy Shelley's own personality: embodied by the characters of Henry Clerval and Victor Frankenstein. While Henry Clerval portrays the nurturing, curious, and empathetic side of Shelley, Victor represents the more ambitious and reckless aspects of the author.
Overall, Frankenstein is a multifaceted and captivating novel that breaks the conventions of traditional gothic literature. Its exploration of science, duality, and human nature make it a timeless piece of literature that continues to captivate readers to this day.
Upon reading Frankenstein, one cannot help but wonder about the true intentions of its protagonist, Victor Frankenstein. As he takes his last breaths, he warns against the dangers of ambition and encourages finding contentment in tranquility. However, is this truly the ultimate message of the book?
After the death of Percy Shelley, Mary Shelley became reclusive, leading a quiet and introverted life. While her journals and writings reveal a love for writing, they do not suggest a desire for fame or recognition. Yet, Frankenstein, with its theme of Prometheus, delves deeper into issues beyond just the avoidance of ambition. While curiosity may lead to great discoveries, Victor Frankenstein's lack of basic humanity and empathy ultimately leaves him unable to cope with the consequences of his own creation.
Victor Frankenstein is a character blinded by self-deception. He constantly justifies his actions, believing he is not responsible for abandoning and rejecting the Creature. Even in his dying moments, he fails to acknowledge his own shortcomings and continues to refuse to face the truth.
Additionally, literary critic Harold Bloom points out that the Creature, having been left to fend for himself by his creator, actually exhibits more human traits than Victor. Despite facing cruelty from both his creator and nature, the Creature ultimately becomes a product of his environment. This raises important questions about the responsibility of a creator towards their creation and the consequences of neglect.
While reading Frankenstein, one may find themselves sympathizing with either the Creature or Victor Frankenstein. The book presents multiple layers of complexity, making it open to interpretation. However, one cannot ignore the underlying themes of ambition, responsibility, and the dangers of playing God.
Mary Shelley employs the use of a frame narrative in Frankenstein, where the story is told within a story. This literary device allows the author to introduce multiple narrators and reveal information gradually, adding to the mystery and suspense of the story.
Imagine a painting on a wall, framed by an intricate frame. In the same way, the frame narrative acts as an introduction to the main story. In Frankenstein, we have Walton, the explorer, as the first narrator who sets the scene and introduces us to Victor Frankenstein. From there, Frankenstein becomes the main narrator until the final chapter, where Walton takes back the reins and recounts his encounter with the Creature.
Within the main narrative of Frankenstein, there is another frame narrative, as the Creature tells his own story to Victor. This adds yet another layer of complexity to the story and allows for the revelation of new information.
Literary devices like the frame narrative are commonly used in stories of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural as they add depth and intrigue to the plot.
Abandoned and rejected by his creator, a monstrous being sets out on a path of revenge, unleashing chaos and destruction upon those who have wronged him. This classic tale serves as a powerful commentary on the impact of neglect and mistreatment on both individuals and society as a whole.
The novel, Frankenstein, is a thought-provoking masterpiece that delves into themes of creation, duality, and the dangers of pursuing knowledge without empathy. Its timeless narrative structure and exploration of the darker aspects of human nature continue to captivate readers to this day.
