Frankenstein

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Rothwell.

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Punch Anti-Irish propaganda (1882) Irish Frankenstein (cropped)

Frontispiece to Frankenstein 1831

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Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus is a novel written by English author Mary Shelley that tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a sapient creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment. Shelley started writing the story when she was 18, and the first edition was published anonymously in London on 1 January 1818, when she was 20. Her name first appeared on the second edition, published in France in 1823.

Plot

The novel is framed as a series of letters from Captain Robert Walton to his sister, Margaret Saville. Walton is a failed writer who sets out to explore the North Pole in hopes of expanding scientific knowledge. During the journey, the crew spots a dog sled driven by a gigantic figure. A few hours later, the crew rescues a nearly frozen and emaciated man named Victor Frankenstein. Frankenstein has been in pursuit of the gigantic man observed by Walton's crew. Frankenstein starts to recover from his exertion; he sees in Walton the same obsession that has destroyed him and recounts a story of his life's miseries to Walton as a warning.

The narrative shifts to Frankenstein's story, which involves the creation of a creature that Frankenstein describes as hideous but intelligent and sensitive. Frankenstein abandons the creature, and the creature seeks revenge, killing Frankenstein's younger brother William. The creature demands that Frankenstein create a female companion for him, but Frankenstein destroys the female creature before she is alive, fearing that the pair would breed and lead to the destruction of humanity. The creature vows revenge on Frankenstein's upcoming wedding night. True to his word, the creature kills Frankenstein's bride, Elizabeth. Frankenstein's father dies of grief soon after. Frankenstein then pursues the creature to the Arctic Circle, leading to the encounter with Walton.

Themes

Frankenstein is infused with elements of the Gothic novel and the Romantic movement and is also considered to be an early example of science fiction. It has had a considerable influence in literature and popular culture and spawned a complete genre of horror stories, films, and plays.

Since its publication, the novel's narrative, themes, and characterisation have been the subject of extensive analysis. It deals with complex themes such as the dangers of unchecked scientific progress, the nature of life, and the ethics of creation, making it a precursor to discussions about genetic engineering and biotechnological advancements. The relationship between creator and creature explores themes of parental neglect and responsibility. Additionally, it addresses the pursuit of glory and the human need for companionship and love.

Legacy

Frankenstein has had a profound impact on literature and popular culture, leading to numerous adaptations in film, television, and theatre. The image of Frankenstein's monster has become iconic in horror. The novel has also sparked discussions in the realms of ethics, science, and philosophy, particularly in relation to the creation of artificial life.

Adaptations

The story of Frankenstein has been adapted across various media, including films, television series, and radio. These adaptations vary in their faithfulness to the original novel, with some focusing on the horror elements, while others explore the philosophical and ethical questions raised by the text.

See also

• Gothic novel
• Romantic movement
• Science fiction
• Mary Shelley