In the realm of classic literature, few works are as popular as Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Published in 1818, this novel has captivated readers for over two centuries, thanks to its timeless themes, gothic setting, and Shelley's mastery of romantic storytelling. With its haunting prose and thought-provoking narrative, Frankenstein continues to resonate with readers, exploring the depths of human ambition, the consequences of unchecked scientific progress, and the natural wanting for acceptance and belonging.
At its core, Frankenstein is one of the original horror stories, warning against the dangers of playing God and tampering with what is natural. Victor Frankenstein, a young and ambitious scientist who gets his beginnings in studying old-world alchemists and philosophers, obsesses over the secrets of life and death. One night, when Victor’s experiments prove a success, he finally has the chance to reflect upon himself and the horror of what he has just created: "I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart." Says Victor in chapter five of the story.
Through this, Shelley invites readers to contemplate the consequences of unchecked ambition and the ethics that arise when scientific progress outpaces our understanding of our world as a whole. The loneliness and remorse experienced by Victor serve as a reminder that knowledge, without compassion and responsibility, can lead to truly horrific consequences.
One of the novel's most significant strengths lies in its exploration of the human condition. The Creature, Victor's misguided creation, grapples with his identity and place in the world, and readers are confronted with themes of rejection and the universal quest for acceptance: "I am an unfortunate and deserted creature; I look around and I have no relation or friend upon earth. These amiable people to whom I go have never seen me and know little of me. I am full of fears, for if I fail there, I am an outcast in the world forever,” says the creature in Chapter sixteen.
The Creature's tale takes place from chapters ten through seventeen. Throughout it, we see the creature repeatedly try to connect with the people around him, including a blind man, who does have empathy for the Creature until his children arrive home to see the monster and chase it away. Shelley encourages the reader to reflect on our own capacity for empathy and compassion, as well as what it means to be superficial and care only for appearance. Despite his monstrous appearance, the Creature displays emotions and desires, just like any ordinary human, which evokes sympathy in the reader as he is repeatedly rejected by society. This exploration of the nature of humanity and the consequences of prejudice remains as relevant today as it was during Shelley's time.
Moreover, Shelley's attention to detail immerses readers in a world of Gothic horror and atmospheric beauty that is entirely unique and completely different from today's literature. From the Swiss Alps to Victor's laboratory, every setting is meant to instill a sense of unease and discomfort. As Victor confronts the Creature in chapter ten, Shelley's writing captivates the sense of utter horror that Victor experiences, as well as the conflicting feelings of being the maker of the monster that has done such horrible things to him and his family.
Shelley's ability to create a palpable sense of tension and dread draws readers deeper into the narrative, heightening the impact of the novel's moral dilemmas.
In conclusion, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein stands as a testament to the endurance of Gothic literature. Through its exploration of ambition, responsibility, and the complexities of the human condition, Shelley's novel continues to hit close to home with readers across many generations. By seamlessly blending elements of horror, science fiction, and ethical questions that apply both in 1818 and today, in 2023, Frankenstein transcends mere entertainment, leaving readers to grapple with questions about the nature of scientific progression and the consequences of our actions.
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