Frankenstein's monster

Frankenstein Cooke 1823

Frankenstein1910

Charles Ogle In Frankenstein 1910

Error creating thumbnail:

Frankenstein 1896

Frankenstein's monster (Boris Karloff)

Frankenstein's Monster, often erroneously referred to as Frankenstein, is a fictional character who first appeared in Mary Shelley's 1818 novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. The creature is a result of an unorthodox scientific experiment conducted by the young scientist Victor Frankenstein, who creates a sapient creature by reanimating dead tissue. The novel explores themes of ambition, responsibility, and the quest for knowledge, and the monster itself has become one of the most iconic figures in horror literature.

Creation and Description

In Shelley's narrative, Victor Frankenstein is obsessed with the idea of creating life from inanimate matter. Through a combination of chemistry, alchemy, and electricity, he constructs a living being from parts of exhumed corpses. The creature is described as being eight feet tall and proportionally large, with yellow skin that scarcely covers the work of muscles and arteries beneath. Its hair is described as lustrous black, and its teeth as pearly white, but these features are contrasted sharply with its watery, glowing eyes, shriveled complexion, and straight black lips, creating a visage that is both grotesque and terrifying.

Reception by Frankenstein

Upon animating the creature, Frankenstein is horrified by his creation. The beauty of the dream vanishes, and horror and disgust fill his heart. Abandoned by his creator, the creature is left to navigate the world alone, facing fear and aggression from the humans he encounters due to his frightening appearance.

The Creature's Journey

The monster's narrative is one of loneliness and despair, as it seeks companionship and understanding from the human world, only to be met with horror and violence. It learns to speak and read over time, developing a deep appreciation for literature but also realizing the extent of its own outcast state. The creature confronts Frankenstein, demanding he create a female companion for him. Frankenstein initially agrees but later destroys the female creature before she is animated, fearing the creation of a race of monsters. This act leads to a cycle of vengeance, with the creature vowing to destroy everything Frankenstein holds dear.

Themes and Interpretations

The story of Frankenstein's Monster touches on numerous themes, including the dangers of unchecked ambition, the ethical limits of science, isolation, and the need for companionship. The creature's struggle raises questions about humanity, acceptance, and the consequences of playing God. Over the years, interpretations of the monster have varied, from a mindless beast to a misunderstood being seeking love and acceptance.

Legacy

Frankenstein's Monster has had a profound impact on popular culture, inspiring countless adaptations in film, television, literature, and other media. The character has become synonymous with the genre of horror, and its image is instantly recognizable. The story has also sparked discussions in the fields of bioethics and science, as it pertains to the creation of life and the moral responsibilities of creators.