Frankenstein
Every aspect of the book Frankenstein written by a British author Mary Shelley, is not only thrilling but also remarkable. Mary wrote this masterpiece in 1818 while she was a teenager. The book outlines many arguments with respect to varying aspects of the society and is vastly relevant to the modern reader.
The interpretation of the novel “Frankenstein” varies. While some people believe that they do not urge any lessons on morality, others feel that it is a critique of ethical guidelines in the community. According to Wijdicks (149), the book was written during the nineteenth century where industrialization was evident in most regions of Britain and Europe. Unlike the other contemporaries, Mary was able to unravel the severe complications of the newly invented technological community characterized by scientific innovation and destruction of nature. Mary was therefore mainly concerned with how humankind can use technological advancement and knowledge to destroy nature until all ethical guidelines deplete.
The book’s title is about a scientist by the name Victor Frankenstein who had the knowledge regarding life creation. The scientist, however, creates a being, similar to the normal man but with larger features and more power. Individuals refer to this creature as “Frankenstein” in the modern tradition, even though that is the scientist name. Shelley (50) postulate that Frankenstein is a book that is inspired by some aspects of the Gothic novel as well as the romantic culture and movement. The book creates a significant impact on literature and the popular culture and established an entire genre of horror films and stories. The book is considered number one completely realized fantasy or science fiction novel.
Frankenstein is characterized by death, sadness, and sufferings. The story significantly reflects Mary’s sad life occurrences, for instance, her mother died when giving birth to her. She, therefore, lived believing that she killed her own mother during childbirth. Mary ran away with a married man named Percy Shelley at the age of sixteen and his wife committed suicide after realizing the truth (Wijdicks 150). Later after marrying him, three of her children died before attaining the age of three years and Percy committed suicide later. Mary’s life experience, therefore, signifies loneliness, pain, death, and failure. Her life encounters, therefore, gave birth to essential content for her literary work.
The major theme of the book Frankenstein is the use of science by humankind. Frankenstein resulted in a new literary genre, which is science fiction. The book mostly focuses on science and the fascination that humans derive from science. Frankenstein, therefore, is characterized by the desire to create a life with good intentions. However, he is destroyed by science and he confesses that “It was a strong effort of the spirit of good, but it was ineffectual. Destiny was too potent, and her immutable laws had decreed my bitter and terrible destruction” (Shelley 37). The book outline that not all scientific applications are beneficial or neutral, some could be evil and destructive and this could lead to suffering. Frankenstein, for instance, is the creator yet he resides in the word of fear due to his unpredictable nature.
Paradoxically, Percy Shelley gives the reader a glimpse and imagination of the world of the monsters. Despite being physically repellent, his character is gentle and innocent at first. He claims, “To be a great and virtuous man appeared the highest honor that can befall a sensitive being” (Shelley 107). Percy Shelley longs for acceptance and love and thus desires a partner, however, his creator is angered by him. Frankenstein, the monster, on the other hand, loses all the people he loves most one by one. Frankenstein desires to destroy his creation but lacks the power to do so and thus all he had left was revenge. He, therefore, spends the remaining days of his life with bitterness and attempting to conquer his creation.
The book Frankenstein is haunting and despite the setting is lovely, the entire tale is dreadful. The book describes a beautiful and stable family that is systematically distorted in a rude fashion. The novel also raises significant questions regarding science. The books further suggest that various life elements are can only be left in the hands of God (Shelley 110). The book also examines the theme of love where many questions arise. Some of these questions include whether or not love cold have transformed or saved the monster and whether loves absence can create a monster. In the end, the novel makes the reader think of how God perceives His creation when they go against His teachings, for instance, become destructive and murderous. God, however, redeemed His creation through sacrificing His only Son.
Generally, Frankenstein is a book that mainly outlines elements that are practical and relevant to modern society. The major theme illustrated in this book includes the theme of science and how it fascinates humankind. It is hard to believe that the novel is written by a teenager based on its elements such as darkness. The book is definitely a masterpiece and is worth a read and a reader might even be tempted to leave a comment once they are done.
Works Cited
Shelley, Mary. “frankenstein.” Medicine and Literature, Volume Two. CRC Press, 2018. 35-200.
Wijdicks, Eelco FM. “Reflecting on the Bicentennial of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: From Novel
to Film and the 2 Brains.” JAMA neurology 75.2 (2018): 149-150.