What is the book Frankenstein about?
Frankenstein is a novel by Mary Shelley that tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who brings a creature to life through unusual experiments. As the creature experiences violence and loneliness, the tale examines scientific ethics, the repercussions of playing god, and the impact of societal rejection. The events lead to tragic outcomes for Victor and his loved ones. This book is an important part of both Gothic and science fiction literature.
What genre is the Frankenstein by Mary Shelley?
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is primarily a Gothic novel, rich in mystery, horror, and suspense. It also reflects elements of science fiction and draws from the Romantic literary movement, highlighting emotions and the natural world. The story's deep themes fit well with both Gothic and tragic genres, making it a complex and layered work.
How many chapters are in Frankenstein?
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein originally has 23 chapters in the 1818 edition, which was published in three volumes; the revised 1831 edition includes 24 chapters due to changes in the story structure and some added elements.
Frankenstein summary
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein begins with Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist from Geneva, whose life changes after his mother's death. Eager to unlock the secrets of life, he enrolls in the University of Ingolstadt. There, he becomes obsessed with natural philosophy and his studies in chemistry lead him to a shocking discovery: the ability to create life itself. Fueled by ambition, Victor gathers body parts from graveyards, ultimately animating a massive humanoid creature.
Upon beholding his creation, Victor is overwhelmed with horror at the sight of the grotesque being he has brought to life. In revulsion, he flees from it, abandoning the creature to a cold and cruel world. Left alone and confused by its creation and betrayed by its creator, the creature escapes into the wilderness, seeking shelter and basic survival amidst its isolation.
While wandering, the creature suffers from cold and hunger but unexpectedly finds a hidden refuge near a poor family. Observing them through a secretive window, it learns about human emotion, speech, and their stories, becoming fascinated by literature, especially Paradise Lost. Despite its growing intelligence and desperate yearning for companionship, the fearsome appearance of the creature leads to brutal rejection from all who cross its path, increasingly deepening its misery and anger.
Back in Geneva, tragedy strikes when Victor learns that his youngest brother, William, has been murdered. In a flash of horror, Victor spots the creature near the area where the crime occurred and believes it to be the killer. The family's servant, Justine Moritz, unjustly faces accusations when a locket belonging to William is found in her possession. Unable to speak about the monster that he is sure is responsible, Victor watches guilt consume him as Justine is tried and executed for a crime she did not commit.
In search of peace, Victor retreats to the mountains, but is soon confronted by the monster he created. The creature recounts its story of suffering: molded into life but quickly abandoned, it recounts tales of heartbreak and betrayal while longing for connection. Frustrated and tormented by its solitude, the creature demands that Victor provide it with a companion to ease its loneliness. Torn, Victor eventually agrees to create a female counterpart for the monster.
Victor travels to England and then Scotland, under the guise of pleasure but actually meant to gather the necessary materials for this new creation. He isolates himself on a remote island, focusing solely on crafting the second creature. However, horrified by the idea of another being like the first, Victor finds himself shaken by thoughts of potential danger and ultimately destroys the unfinished female, enraging the monster for this act of betrayal.
Soon after, Victor faces grim consequences; he is arrested for the murder of his friend Henry Clerval, although the creature is the true culprit. Eventually freed after falling ill is prison, he returns to Geneva, only to marry Elizabeth soon after. Unfortunately, their happiness is cut short when the monster strikes again, murdering Elizabeth on their wedding night. Overcome with grief, Victor's father soon dies as well, leaving Victor more alone than ever.
Now motivated only by revenge, Victor becomes obsessed with tracking down the creature, ultimately leading him to the Arctic. There, he faces the brink of death as breaking ice traps him until he is rescued by Captain Walton’s expedition. The story concludes with Victor's passing aboard Walton's ship, while the monster appears to mourn. In its final moments, the creature vows to end its own sorrow
How does Frankenstein end?
At the end of Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein finds himself on Walton’s ship in the Arctic, consumed by fatigue and sorrow. He displays despair over his failure to eliminate the creature he brought to life. As he succumbs to his weakness, Victor dies, marking the tragic culmination of his obsessive quest for revenge.
After Victor's demise, the creature arrives, mourning over his creator's lifeless body. In this moment of reflection, the monster reveals his deep regrets and feelings of guilt for the lives he has taken. He shares his heartbreaking loneliness, illuminating his inner turmoil and past actions driven by vengeance.
In a poignant declaration, the creature decides he will end his own life now that Victor is gone. He retreats into the dark, drifting away on an ice floe. This closing scene leaves the creature's fate unclear but indicates his intention of ending his suffering. The story culminates in the shared demise of creator and creation, deeply exploring themes of isolation, remorse, and the dire results of unbridled ambition.
Who are the main characters in Frankenstein?
- Victor Frankenstein: A passionate and ambitious scientist, he creates the Creature, motivated by a strong desire for knowledge.
- The Creature: Often referred to as the Monster, he is Victor's creation, facing constant rejection, which leads to feelings of loneliness and tragedy.
- Elizabeth Lavenza: Victor's adopted cousin and fiancée, she represents kindness and the ideals of womanhood.
- Henry Clerval: Victor's loyal childhood friend, known for his optimistic and humane nature, which contrasts Victor's darker tendencies.
- Alphonse Frankenstein: Victor’s caring father, devoted to protecting his family's well-being.
- Caroline Frankenstein: Victor's mother, showcasing love and generosity.
- William Frankenstein: Victor’s youngest brother, whose murder serves as a significant turning point in the story.
- Justine Moritz: A servant victimized by false accusations, leading to her execution for William’s murder.
- Ernest Frankenstein: Victor’s younger brother, the last surviving member of the family by the end of the narrative.
Frequently asked questions
When was Frankenstein written?
Frankenstein was written by Mary Shelley in 1816, when she was just 18. It was published anonymously on January 1, 1818; her name appeared in the second edition that came out in 1821.
How old was Mary Shelley when she wrote Frankenstein?
Mary Shelley was 18 when she began writing Frankenstein. She finished it by the time she was 19, and the novel was published anonymously when she turned 20.
Why did Mary Shelley write Frankenstein?
Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein during a 1816 challenge with friends, fueled by her fascination with science, personal losses, and a nightmare in Geneva. The story examines themes like life, death, and the risks that come with scientific ambition, making it a profound reflection on creation and responsibility.
Where does Frankenstein take place?
Frankenstein primarily takes place in Geneva, Switzerland, where Victor Frankenstein is born and raised. The story expands to other European locations as Victor travels, but Geneva is central to the novel's key events and themes.