Frankenstein

Frankenstein, was written by Mary Shelley in 1818. It is considered a work of Gothic Fiction, which is defined as: A genre or mode of literature that combines fiction, horror, death, and at times romance. Mary Shelley is most well-known for this book. She is an Englsih novelist, short story writer, dramatist, essayist, as well as a travel writer and novelist. She wrote Frankenstein, in a cabin in the woods during a huge storm. Her and two close friends had a writing contest, and Shelley wrote this masterpiece.

Frankenstein is about a scientist Victor Frankenstein, who wants to create a creature of his own making using electricty. He succeeds in this endeavor and creates a monster, but the amok creature frightened and confused runs off, far away. Frankenstein was scared of his creation, and becomes ill for quite awile. The monster hides in the forest in a hovel next to a family's home. He observes them, and eventually learns how to read and speak the vernacular with which they speak. The monster tries to be friends with this family and other humans, but they are all frightened of him. Frankenstein sees the monster again after two years, and is in awe that the creature is still alive. They meet and the monster asks Frankenstein to create a female being, just like himself. Frankenstein agrees at first, but later decides against it. The mosnter is furious, and seeks out Frankenstein, torturing him until the scientist eventually dies.

Three of the major themes are as follows:

1. Family, Society, and Isolation - "The fallen angel becomes the malignant devil. yet even the enemy of God and man had friends and associates in his desolation; I am alone" (Shelley 223).

2. Revenge - "You can blast my other passions, but revenge remains - revenge, henceforth dearer than light of food. I may dies, but first you, my tyrant and tormentor, shall curse the sun that gazes on your misery" (Shelley 173).

3. Romansticism and Nature - "Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torment of light into our dark world" (Shelley 55).