Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Author and Publication

• Written by Mary Shelley
• Published in 1818
• First edition was anonymous, with Shelley's name being added in the second edition in 1823

Plot Summary

• The story revolves around Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a monster from dead body parts
• The monster, who is intelligent and capable of emotions, is rejected by its creator and seeks revenge
• The novel explores the consequences of playing God and the nature of humanity

Main Characters

• Victor Frankenstein: The protagonist, a young scientist who creates the monster
• The Monster: The creature created by Frankenstein, who seeks revenge against its creator
• Robert Walton: An explorer who discovers Frankenstein's dying body and hears his story
• Elizabeth Lavenza: Frankenstein's adopted sister and fiancée
• Henry Clerval: Frankenstein's friend and university roommate
• Justine Moritz: A family servant who is falsely accused of murder

Themes

• The dangers of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of knowledge
• The nature of humanity and what makes us human
• The consequences of playing God and tampering with nature
• The destructive power of revenge and the cycle of violence

Literary Significance

• Considered one of the first science fiction novels
• Explores the Romantic idea of the sublime and the beauty of nature
• Influenced the development of the horror genre
• Has been adapted countless times for film, stage, and other media

Historical Context

• Written during the Industrial Revolution, when there were concerns about the impact of technology on society
• Reflects the fears and anxieties of the time, including the rise of science and the decline of traditional values
• Draws on the myth of Prometheus, who defied the gods by stealing fire and giving it to humanity

Author and Publication

• Mary Shelley is the author of the novel
• Published in 1818, initially anonymously, with her name added in the second edition in 1823

Plot Summary

• The story centers around Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a monster from dead body parts
• The monster, intelligent and capable of emotions, seeks revenge against its creator after being rejected

Main Characters

• Victor Frankenstein: The protagonist, a young scientist who creates the monster
• The Monster: The creature created by Frankenstein, seeking revenge against its creator
• Robert Walton: An explorer who discovers Frankenstein's dying body and hears his story
• Elizabeth Lavenza: Frankenstein's adopted sister and fiancée
• Henry Clerval: Frankenstein's friend and university roommate
• Justine Moritz: A family servant falsely accused of murder

Themes

• Dangers of unchecked ambition and pursuit of knowledge
• Nature of humanity and what makes us human
• Consequences of playing God and tampering with nature
• Destructive power of revenge and the cycle of violence

Literary Significance

• Considered one of the first science fiction novels
• Explores the Romantic idea of the sublime and the beauty of nature
• Influenced the development of the horror genre
• Adapted countless times for film, stage, and other media

Historical Context

• Written during the Industrial Revolution, reflecting concerns about technology's impact on society
• Reflects fears and anxieties of the time, including the rise of science and decline of traditional values
• Draws on the myth of Prometheus, who defied the gods by stealing fire and giving it to humanity