Frankenstein, the Novel
Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein follows the journey of a man creating a monster. The novel starts as diary entries (as a flash forward) from Robert Walton to his sister, explaining and describing his trip on a boat. Walton then meets Frankenstein, who is disheveled, and Frankenstein tells Walton his story about the monster. Dr. Frankenstein creates another being from machinery and brings him to life. However, the initial reaction of society towards the monster is not ideal, so the monster feels ashamed and eventually becomes very angered at his creator and decides to get revenge by murdering Frankenstein's family and friends, leaving Victor to live with the guilt of his creation.
Characters
Victor Frankenstein, or Dr. Frankenstein, is the protagonist and narrator of the novel. Victor became interested in life and science while studying in Ingolstadt. Frankenstein then creates the monster, but is instantly horrified by his creation. He keeps this project a secret because he feels guilt that he cannot help the monster or protect his friends from what the monster might do.
The monster, created by Frankenstein, does not understand at first why his master runs away and hides from him. But after a few more attempts, he goes to hide in the woods where he stays near a cabin filled with a family. After studying this family and learning to speak from them, he finally musters up the courage to talk to the blind man that lives there (in hopes that he would not judge Frankenstein for his looks) while the rest of the family goes out. But the family comes back early and instantly discard of the monster, leaving him scarred and angry. He understands that humans will never understand him, and sets out to seek revenge against his creator.
Robert Walton opens and closes the novel with letters to his sister recounting his run-in with Frankenstein, after rescuing him from the ice and hearing about his story. Walton acts as a foil to Victor by paralleling his character but learning from Frankenstein's mistakes in order to secure a positive future for himself.
Elizabeth Lavenza is Victor's cousin and love interest whom the Frankensteins took in after her mother- and Alphonse's (Victor's father) sister- had passed. Elizabeth provides the novel with input into the topic of feminism because she is a strong willed female character who waits around for Victor's love. She also acts as a foil to Victor by representing compassion and endearment, qualities that Frankenstein lacks.
Henry Clerval can be described as Victor's best friend and exact foil. Henry takes care of Victor in his ghastly days and eventually follows Frankenstein's interest in pursuing science. Clerval is Frankenstein's main foil because he embodies elements of romanticism- concerned with nature and literature, but also joyful and sure of himself- an exact opposite of Frankenstein's sullen attitude.
The monster, created by Frankenstein, does not understand at first why his master runs away and hides from him. But after a few more attempts, he goes to hide in the woods where he stays near a cabin filled with a family. After studying this family and learning to speak from them, he finally musters up the courage to talk to the blind man that lives there (in hopes that he would not judge Frankenstein for his looks) while the rest of the family goes out. But the family comes back early and instantly discard of the monster, leaving him scarred and angry. He understands that humans will never understand him, and sets out to seek revenge against his creator.
Robert Walton opens and closes the novel with letters to his sister recounting his run-in with Frankenstein, after rescuing him from the ice and hearing about his story. Walton acts as a foil to Victor by paralleling his character but learning from Frankenstein's mistakes in order to secure a positive future for himself.
Elizabeth Lavenza is Victor's cousin and love interest whom the Frankensteins took in after her mother- and Alphonse's (Victor's father) sister- had passed. Elizabeth provides the novel with input into the topic of feminism because she is a strong willed female character who waits around for Victor's love. She also acts as a foil to Victor by representing compassion and endearment, qualities that Frankenstein lacks.
Henry Clerval can be described as Victor's best friend and exact foil. Henry takes care of Victor in his ghastly days and eventually follows Frankenstein's interest in pursuing science. Clerval is Frankenstein's main foil because he embodies elements of romanticism- concerned with nature and literature, but also joyful and sure of himself- an exact opposite of Frankenstein's sullen attitude.
Themes
There are many themes introduced in the novel, but the one that sticks out the most is dangerous knowledge. The main inspiration for Frankenstein to create the monster was his fascination on life and what life can hold. He studied the subject intensely and finally was able to produce another being out of his knowledge, which can be considered very dangerous. With his intelligence and skill, he could create anything that could be harmful to human nature and society. Ultimately, Victor's brain and obsessive behavior led the monster to his breaking point, showing that too much knowledge (and applying that knowledge) can be destructive.