Summary of “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus”
sunil
Introduction
“Frankenstein” by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is one of the most iconic works of Gothic literature. First published in 1818, it tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a sentient creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment. The novel explores themes of ambition, hubris, responsibility, and the consequences of defying nature.
Summary
Letters (Frame Narrative)
The novel begins with a series of letters from Robert Walton, an ambitious explorer on an expedition to the North Pole, to his sister Margaret Saville in England. Walton encounters Victor Frankenstein, who is pursuing a mysterious figure across the ice. Victor, exhausted and near death, agrees to share his tragic story with Walton.
Victor Frankenstein’s Story
Early Life
Victor Frankenstein is born in Geneva, Switzerland, to a wealthy and loving family. His childhood is filled with happiness, and he forms a close bond with his adopted sister Elizabeth Lavenza and his best friend Henry Clerval. From a young age, Victor develops a fascination with science, particularly the works of outdated alchemists like Cornelius Agrippa, Paracelsus, and Albertus Magnus.
University and Scientific Discovery
Victor goes to the University of Ingolstadt to pursue his studies in natural philosophy and chemistry. There, he becomes obsessed with the idea of creating life. After years of intense study and experimentation, he discovers the secret to animating lifeless matter.
The Creation of the Monster
Victor collects body parts from graveyards and assembles them into a human-like creature. On a stormy night, he brings his creation to life. However, horrified by the creature’s grotesque appearance, Victor flees. The monster, abandoned and confused, disappears.
The Monster’s Story
The monster, left to fend for itself, struggles to understand the world. It learns to survive in the wilderness and secretly observes a family in a cottage. Through these observations, the monster learns language, empathy, and human behavior. Despite its efforts to integrate into society, it faces rejection and cruelty due to its appearance.
Filled with anger and despair, the monster confronts Victor, demanding a female companion to alleviate its loneliness. When Victor agrees but later destroys the female creature, the monster vows revenge.
Tragic Consequences
The monster exacts its revenge by killing those closest to Victor, including his younger brother William, his friend Henry Clerval, and his beloved Elizabeth on their wedding night. Consumed by guilt and grief, Victor dedicates his life to hunting the monster.
The Pursuit in the Arctic
Victor chases the monster across Europe and eventually to the Arctic. Here, he meets Robert Walton and shares his story as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition.
Victor dies from exhaustion, and shortly afterward, the monster appears to mourn its creator’s death. The monster tells Walton of its regret and plans to end its own life. It then disappears into the icy wilderness, never to be seen again.
Key Themes and Analysis
1. Ambition and Hubris
The novel explores the dangers of unrestrained ambition and the pursuit of knowledge without considering the consequences. Victor’s desire to become a god-like figure leads to his downfall.
2. Creation and Responsibility
The novel raises ethical questions about scientific experimentation and the responsibility of creators toward their creations. Victor’s failure to take responsibility for his creature leads to tragedy.
3. Isolation and Loneliness
Both Victor and the monster experience profound loneliness and isolation. The monster’s desire for companionship highlights the fundamental human need for connection.
4. Nature vs. Nurture
The novel questions whether the monster’s violent behavior is a result of its inherent nature or the way it was treated by society. Shelley suggests that social rejection and lack of empathy contribute to its actions.
Famous Quotes
“Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.” – The Monster
“I ought to be thy Adam; but I am rather the fallen angel.” – The Monster
“Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change.” – Victor Frankenstein
“You are my creator, but I am your master; obey!” – The Monster
“I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body. For this I had deprived myself of rest and health.” – Victor Frankenstein
Lessons from the Story
The Dangers of Playing God: Victor’s attempt to defy nature’s laws leads to disastrous consequences, warning against hubris in scientific pursuits.
Responsibility Toward Creations: Creators must take responsibility for what they create, whether it is scientific, artistic, or societal.
Empathy and Compassion: The monster’s tragic fate underscores the importance of empathy and understanding toward those who are different.
Conclusion
Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” is a timeless cautionary tale about the perils of ambition, the responsibilities of creation, and the human need for empathy and companionship. The novel’s themes remain relevant today, particularly in discussions about bioethics, artificial intelligence, and the consequences of scientific advancements.
