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Frankenstein

Mary shelley, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

Frankenstein: Introduction

Frankenstein: plot summary, frankenstein: detailed summary & analysis, frankenstein: themes, frankenstein: quotes, frankenstein: characters, frankenstein: symbols, frankenstein: literary devices, frankenstein: quizzes, frankenstein: theme wheel, brief biography of mary shelley.

Historical Context of Frankenstein

Other books related to frankenstein.

• Full Title: Frankenstein, or, The Modern Prometheus
• When Published: 1818
• Literary Period: Switzerland and London, England: 1816–1817
• Genre: Gothic novel
• Setting: Switzerland, France, England, Scotland, and the North Pole in the 18th century
• Climax: The Monster's murder of Elizabeth Lavenza on her wedding night to Victor
• Antagonist: The Monster
• Point of View: Frankenstein is told through a few layers of first person narratives. Walton is the primary narrator, who then recounts Victor's first-person narrative. In addition, Victor's narrative contains the monster's first person story as well as letters from other characters.

Extra Credit for Frankenstein

A ghost story. On a stormy night in June of 1816, Mary Shelley, her husband, and a few other companions, including the Romantic poet Lord Byron, decided to try to write their own ghost stories, but Shelley couldn't come up with any ideas. A few nights later, she had a dream in which she envisioned "the pale student of unhallowed arts" kneeling beside his creation—the monster. She began writing the story that became Frankenstein the next morning.

The Tale of Two Frankensteins. Shelley published the first edition of Frankenstein anonymously, perhaps due to her concern that such a grim and violent tale would not be well received by her audience if they knew her gender. She revised the novel and published it under her real name in 1831. Some key differences exist between the editions, namely that in the first edition, Elizabeth is Alphonse's niece and, therefore, Victor's cousin. (In the 1831 edition, the more popular version and the one used in this Outline, the Frankensteins adopt Elizabeth from another family).

Frankenstein Essay

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Introduction & Overview of Frankenstein

Frankenstein Summary & Study Guide Description

Mary Shelley made an anonymous but powerful debut into the world of literature when Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus was published in March, 1818. She was only nineteen when she began writing her story. She and her husband, poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, were visiting poet Lord Byron at Lake Geneva in Switzerland when Byron challenged each of his guests to write a ghost story

Settled around Byron's fireplace in June 1816, the intimate group of intellectuals had their imaginations and the stormy weather as the stimulus and inspiration for ghoulish visions. A few nights later, Mary Shelley imagined the "hideous phantasm of man" who became the confused yet deeply sensitive creature in Frankenstein. She once said, "My dreams were at once more fantastic and agreeable than my writings." While many stage, television, and film adaptations of Frankenstein have simplified the complexity of the intellectual and emotional responses of Victor Frankenstein and his creature to their world, the novel still endures. Its lasting power can be seen in the range of reactions explored by various literary critics and over ninety dramatizations.

Although early critics greeted the novel with a combination of praise and disdain, readers were fascinated with and a bit horrified by the macabre aspects of the novel. Interestingly, the macabre has transformed into the possible as the world approaches the twenty-first century: the ethical implications of genetic engineering, and, more recently, the cloning of livestock in Scotland, find echoes in Shelley's work. In addition to scientific interest, literary commentators have noted the influence of both Percy Shelley and William Godwin (Mary's father) in the novel. Many contemporary critics have focused their attention on the novel's biographical elements, tracing Shelley's maternal and authorial insecurities to her very unique creation myth. Ultimately, the novel resonates with philosophical and moral ramifications: themes of nurture versus nature, good versus evil, and ambition versus social responsibility dominate readers' attention and provoke thoughtful consideration of the most sensitive issues of our time.

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Study Guide on Frankenstein

Welcome to a Frankenstein Study Guide prepared by our editorial team! In this guide, you’ll find all the essential information on the novel that will help you in your studies: short and detailed summary, characters descriptions, themes and symbols analysis, as well as essay topics.

🗺️ Frankenstein Study Guide: Navigation

• Plot Summary

A short novel’s summary with pictures and all the key events on one page.

Summary & Analysis (by Chapters)

Detailed chapter summaries of Frankenstein and analysis of every novel’s part.

Analysis and descriptions of all the Frankenstein characters and a character map.

Detailed thematic analysis of Shelley’s novel. Fate, love, revenge, family, nature, science, & more.

Literary Devices & Symbols

Complete & comprehensive information on setting, style, literary elements, & symbols in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.

The key quotations from the novel with detailed explanations.

• Essay Samples

Absolutely free essays & research papers on Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Examples of all topics and paper genres.

109 Outstanding Essay Topics

A huge collection of essay ideas on the novel. Literary analysis, characters, themes, & more.

• Mary Shelley: Biography

A detailed biography and a timeline of Mary Shelley, Frankenstein’s renowned author.

Questions & Answers

An extensive list of the most frequent questions about the novel.

💁 All You Need to Know about Frankenstein

Frankenstein is the first science-fiction novel of its time. It tells the story of a young scientist who created a Monster and was eventually destroyed by his creation. Frankenstein is partly written in an epistolary form. Its setting begins and ends in the Arctic Ocean, which underlines the novel’s key motives – loneliness, isolation, and the struggle between nature and science.

An English author, Mary Shelley, wrote Frankenstein . Shelley was born in London in 1797. At the age of 18, she wrote her masterpiece. In 1816, she married Percy Bysshe Shelley, who, according to many scholars, helped her to write the book. Shelley died in England in 1851.

Frankenstein was finished in May of 1817 and published on January 1, 1818. The book is also known as The Modern Prometheus. To answer the question – what is the subtitle for the novel representing – one must recall the Greek myth about Prometheus, who stole the fire of the Olympus to save people, and was condemned to eternal suffering for that.

🔑 Key Frankenstein Facts

📚 historical & literary context of frankenstein, frankenstein: the background.

Frankenstein was born in 1816 as a result of a contest proposed by Lord Byron to his friends. The participants each had to write their own horror stories and read them to the group. Mary Shelley not only won the prize but also wrote a masterpiece of great historical significance.

1816 is often referred to as the year without summer. That year a young woman, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, traveled with her lover, and later husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley, to the Swiss Alps. Their friend and famous poet, Lord Byron, also rented a villa in the region together with his personal physician, John Polidori. The group often spent time together, and since the constant rain kept them indoors, they found amusement in telling each other ghost stories from German folklore.

During one of such evenings, Byron suggested that they would each write a horror story of their own. That answers the question – why did Mary Shelly write Frankenstein . Majestic Switzerland’s scenery and romantic philosophy of that time had a significant impact on her writing. Percy Shelley, the poet, known for his advocacy of free love, also influenced the novel, as he helped Mary to gather information and edited the book.

Frankenstein & Romanticism Context

Shelley wrote Frankenstein at the beginning of the 19th century at the pick of the so-called Romantic Era . The context of Romanticism in Frankenstein is represented through the ideas of struggle for freedom and equality, isolation, resignation to destiny, and great attention to nature.Victor Frankenstein, the main character of the novel, is clearly a romantic figure. His passion for knowledge and the strive to stand out corresponds well to the ideals of romanticism. The author attaches great importance to the emotions of her characters. She describes in great detail their mental anguish and inner experiences. Exaltation of feeling over reason is one of the key characteristics of the romantic genre.

Among other romantic elements that Mary Shelley uses in her novel is a manifestation of destiny. Frankenstein and his antagonist, the Monster, both attribute everything that happens to them to the will of fate. Throughout the narrative, the author continually uses words such as “doom,” “curse,” “destiny,” “ill fate.”

The Romantic Era is also known for portraying nature as the greatest power in the universe. Its might and beauty rise above the transience of human existence. In Frankenstein , characters always turn to nature in the moments of the most intense experiences of grief or happiness. The scenery in the novel often helps to set a foreboding tone of tragedy.

Frankenstein as the First Sci-Fi Novel

Frankenstein is mostly known as a Gothic novel, but courtesy of the writer, Brian Aldiss, Shelley’s book also received the title of first sci-fi narrative . To determine whether or not Frankenstein deserves to be called science fiction, one must understand the main characteristics of the genre.

Science fiction describes the relationship between people and technology and explores how it affects our social interactions and our expectations of ourselves as humans.

The Scientific Revolution gave birth to modern science. Combined with political revolutions in Europe, it caused a great resonance in the society. People began to test their abilities to overpower nature and ponder on possibilities of the future. This change was reflected in Frankenstein ‘s quotes about science: “The modern masters … penetrate into the recesses of nature and show how she works…They have acquired… almost unlimited powers.”

Shelley’s main character disregards religious and social restrictions in his desire to penetrate the secret of life and death. Him turning a dead matter into a living creature, makes us wonder what it means to be human and what dangers the future prepares for us. The book that raises these questions perfectly fits the description of the sci-fi genre. Therefore, it is fair to call Frankenstein the first science-fiction novel of the time.

🎥 Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: Movies, Plays, & Comics

Below are the most popular adaptations of Shelley’s novel.

Frankenstein in Pop Culture

For over two centuries, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein has been exerting influence on society and serving as an inspiration for plays, comics, and games. References to the novel were especially prevalent in modern connections to horror films. Most people today confuse the nameless Monster with his creator, Frankenstein. Pop culture made the creature an iconic figure.

Frankenstein play (1823)

The first Frankenstein play, also known as Presumption; or, The Fate of Frankenstein was written by Richard Brinsley Peake. It was first performed in London in 1823. From the synopsis of the play, one can notice that the storyline was changed from the original novel. The script has new characters and accentuates two main themes – community and romance.

Frankenstein 1910 (movie)

Edison Company produced the first motion version of Frankenstein in 1910. The film, a 14-minute long summary of the novel, was directed by J. Searle Dawley. The director focuses on the novel’s mystical themes instead of emphasizing horrific details. The cast included Augustus Phillips as Frankenstein, Charles Ogle as the Monster, and Mary Fuller as Frankenstein’s fiancée.

Frankenstein 1931 (movie with Boris Karloff and sequels)

Frankenstein (1931) is an American horror movie directed by James Whale. The film stars Boris Karloff as the Monster. According to movie analysis, Karloff’s performance made the Monster an iconic figure and resulted in the production of sequels. The original poster pictures the Monster as a human-like creature, far from green-skinned mutant as we know it today.

The Curse of Frankenstein 1957 (movie and sequels)

The Curse of Frankenstein (1957) is a horror movie made by the British director, Terence Fisher. Terrence was the first to create gothic horrors in full color. The cast included Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee. The title on the original poster says, “The Curse of Frankenstein will hunt you forever!” The film gained worldwide success and led to several sequels.

Frankenstein’s Monster: Marvel Comics of 1968

Frankenstein’s Monster became popular in the ’60s as a representation of a tragic hero broken by fate. In 1968, the character appeared in a comic book The X-Men #40, published by Marvel Comics. In this cartoon, the Monster is a robot built by an alien race and sent to Earth to establish contact with humans.

Dracula vs. Frankenstein 1971 (movie)

Dracula vs. Frankenstein was directed by Al Adamson in 1971. The film has several other titles including, the Blood of Frankenstein and in The Revenge of Dracula. Despite having one of the great title confrontations, the movie has very little to do with Dracula or Frankenstein’s monster pictured in the books. Both characters seem to be irrelevant to the plot.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein 1994 (movie)

Kenneth Branagh directed Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein movie in 1994. The cast included Robert De Niro and the director himself as Frankenstein. Despite Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994) being the most truthful adaptation of the novel, it received terrible reviews. Roger Ebert’s analysis suggests that “the film … is so frantic, …it doesn’t pause to be sure its effects are registered.”

Van Helsing 2004 (movie)

Van Helsing (2004) is an American horror film created by Stephen Sommers. It is an imitation of the 1930s-1940s multi-monster movies ( House of Frankenstein , House of Dracula ) produced by Universal Studios. Aside from Frankenstein’s Monster borrowed from Mary Shelley’s novel, the film has such characters as Count Dracula, monster hunter Van Helsing, Mr. Hyde, and a werewolf.

Frankenstein with Benedict Cumberbatch (play, 2011)

Frankenstein (2011) is a play written by Nick Dear and directed by Danny Boyle. The plot is very similar to the original novel. Both main actors, Jonny Lee Miller and Benedict Cumberbatch in Frankenstein , received positive reviews and many awards for their performance. In March of 2011, thanks to the National Theatre Live program, people could watch the play in cinemas.

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Bibliography

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'Frankenstein' Overview

Introduction to Mary Shelley's classic horror novel

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• B.A., English Literature, Cornell University

Frankenstein , by Mary Shelley , is a classic horror novel and a prime example of the Gothic genre. Published in 1818, Frankenstein tells the story of an ambitious scientist and the monster he creates. The unnamed creature is a tragic figure who becomes violent and murderous after being rejected by society. Frankenstein remains potent for its commentary on the potential consequences of a singleminded search for enlightenment , as well as the importance of family and belonging. 

Fast Facts: Frankenstein

• Author : Mary Shelley
• Publisher : Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor & Jones
• Year Published : 1818
• Genre : Gothic, horror, science fiction
• Type of Work : Novel
• Original Language : English
• Themes : Pursuit of knowledge, importance of family, nature and the sublime
• Characters : Victor Frankenstein, the creature, Elizabeth Lavenza, Henry Clerval, Captain Robert Walton, the De Lacey Family
• Notable Adaptions : Frankenstein (1931 Universal Studios film), Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994 film directed by Kenneth Branagh)
• Fun Fact : Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein because of a horror story competition between herself and the poets Lord Byron and Percy Shelley (her husband).

Plot Summary

Frankenstein tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist whose main ambition is to uncover the source of life. He succeeds at creating life from death—a creature in the semblance of a man—but is horrified by the result. The creature is hideous and deformed. Frankenstein runs away, and when he returns, the creature has fled.

Time passes, and Frankenstein learns that his brother, William, has been killed. He escapes to the wilderness to mourn, and the creature seeks him out to tell his story. The creature explains that after his creation, his appearance caused everyone he encountered to either hurt him or run away from him. Alone and desperate, he settled by the cottage of a family of impoverished peasants. He tried to befriend them, but they fled from his presence, and he killed William out of rage from neglect. He asks Frankenstein to create a female companion for him so that he may not be alone. Frankenstein agrees, but doesn't keep his promise, as he believes the experiment is immoral and disastrous experiment. Thus, the creature vows to ruin Frankenstein’s life and proceeds to kill all whom Frankenstein holds dear.

The monster strangles Frankenstein’s wife Elizabeth on their wedding night. Frankenstein then resolves to destroy the creature once and for all. He follows him north, chasing him to the North Pole, where he crosses paths with Captain Walton and reveals his entire story. In the end, Frankenstein dies, and the creature vows to travel as far north as possible to end his own tragic life.

Major Characters

Victor Frankenstein is the protagonist of the novel. He is an ambitious scientist obsessed with the search for scientific truth. The consequences of his discovery leads to a life of ruin and loss.

The creature is the unnamed monster Frankenstein creates. Despite his gentle and compassionate demeanor, he is rejected by society because of his grotesque appearance. He grows cold-hearted and violent as a result.

Captain Robert Walton is the narrator who opens and closes the novel. A failed poet turned captain, he is on an expedition to the North Pole. He listens to Frankenstein's tale and mirrors the reader as the receptor of the novel's warnings.

Elizabeth Lavenza is Frankenstein's adopted "cousin" and eventual wife. She is an orphan, yet she finds love and acceptance easily because of her beauty and nobility—a direct contrast to the creature's failed attempts to find a sense of belonging.

Henry Clerval is Frankenstein's best friend and foil. He loves to study the humanities and is concerned with morality and chivalry. He is ultimately strangled to death by the monster.

The De Lacey Family lives in a cottage close to the creature. They are peasants who have fallen on hard times, but the creature idolizes them and their gentle ways. The De Laceys serve as a prime example of familial support in the novel.

Major Themes

Pursuit of Knowledge . Shelley examines the anxieties surrounding technological and scientific advancement through the character of Victor Frankenstein. Frankenstein's discovery and its disastrous consequences suggest that the singleminded pursuit of knowledge is a dangerous path.

Importance of Family . The creature is shunned by everyone he encounters. Lacking familial acceptance and belonging, his relatively peaceful nature shifts to malice and hatred. In addition, the ambitious Frankenstein alienates himself from family and friends in order to focus on his work; later, several of his loved ones die at the hands of the creature, a direct result of Frankenstein's ambition. By contrast, Shelley's depiction of the De Lacey family shows the reader the benefits of unconditional love.

Nature and the Sublime . Shelley evokes images of natural landscapes in order to put human trials into perspective. In the novel, nature stands in opposition to humankind's struggles. Despite scientific breakthroughs, nature remains unknowable and all-powerful. Nature is the ultimate force that kills Frankenstein and the creature, and it is too dangerous a force for Captain Walton to conquer on his expedition.

Literary Style

Shelley wrote Frankenstein in the horror genre. The novel features Gothic imagery and is heavily informed by Romanticism . There are countless poetic passages on the power and beauty of natural landscapes, and the language often refers to questions of purpose, meaning, and truth.

About the Author

Born in 1797, Mary Shelley was the daughter of Mary Wollstonecraft . Shelley was 21 when Frankenstein was published. With Frankenstein , Shelley set the precedent for monster novels and created an early example of the science fiction genre that remains influential to this day. 

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Frankenstein - Free Essay Samples And Topic Ideas

Frankenstein is a novel by Mary Shelley, often heralded as one of the first pieces of science fiction, exploring themes of creation, ambition, and the moral implications of scientific advancement. Essays on “Frankenstein” could delve into these themes, the character analysis of Victor Frankenstein and the Creature, and the novel’s enduring legacy in literature and popular culture. Moreover, discussions might extend to the novel’s influence on the genre of science fiction and horror. A substantial compilation of free essay instances related to Frankenstein you can find at Papersowl. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Novel “Frankenstein” : Roles of Gender

Throughout reading the novel Frankenstein, I thought it was indeed interesting how Mary Shelley incorporated themes of gender and the aspect of creation. Mary Shelley uses her own life experiences to shape her works and to gain ideas to integrate social issues into her work. Mary Shelley portrays the problems and incorporates them throughout the book and touches on the aspect of social hierarchies of gender, which inherently value men over women. In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, issues of gender and […]

Who is the Real Monster in Frankenstein

Monsters in literature are normally characterized as a creature that possesses some type of inhuman qualities or deformities, is perceived as evil, and has no compassion for mankind. The term monster can also refer to a person who has done a terrible thing in life that poorly affects others around them. In literature, outcasts are people who are not wanted and are rejected by society. In the novel Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, many readers label the creature as a monster […]

The American and the French Revolutions

The right of revolution was an idea proposed by Enlightenment Philosopher John Locke, which inspired and challenged the colonies in America and the people of France to revolt. Displeased with their current positions with their governments, they mustered up the courage and strength to challenge authority. Through their battles and hardships, both revolutions sought a government that mirrored the Enlightenment beliefs of natural rights, power of the people, and equality. With those goals in mind, they demonstrated the idea that […]

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Gothic Elements in Frankenstein

Mary Shelley lived and wrote her novel Frankenstein during the peak of the romantic era of literature in the early 1800's. She shows this as her work reflects many of the key elements that are associated with romanticism. In Frankenstein, Shelley also utilizes many of the elements of gothic literature. Shelley uses many of the conventions aligned with romantic and gothic literature in Frankenstein's setting, subject matter, characterization, and plot to portray her overall tone and mood in the novel. […]

Physical Appearance in Frankenstein

The main theme in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is the importance of appearance which correlates to the idea of acceptance in modern society. Today's society, as well as in the society of Frankenstein, people judge one often solely on their looks. Social prejudice is often based on looks, whether it be the pigments that make up someone's skin color, the facial features that one has and the clothes that a person wears. Society makes rapid judgments based on these and other […]

Differences between French, Russian and American Revolutions

A revolution is a successful attempt made by a large group of people to change / challenge the political system of their country. People who are willing to engage and take action in a revolution are trying to fix the struggles in justice, reminding people not to forget the future against the past. People who want to change the political system are looking out for the future of their country. Revolution was the only way average people or citizens felt […]

Frankenstein Revenge

In her novel ?Frankenstein?, Mary Shelley shows that both Frankenstein and his creature are obsessed with revenge through their strong emotional language and obsessive actions, yet neither of them wins and gets revenge in the end. After Victor Frankenstein is threatened by the creature after destroying his nearly complete bride, Frankenstein states that he “?burned with rage to pursue the murderer of my peace and precipitate him into the ocean. I walked up and down my room hastily and perturbed, […]

Family Relations and Alienation in “Frankenstein”

In today's fast-paced world, it is important to build connections and relationships with people and society. Being able to bond with surroundings, is key for living a healthy and happy life. Family is what helps humans build their foundations and are able to learn and succeed with the support of them. In Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein, the lack of connection the characters have to either their family or society leads them to murder, hopelessness and tragedy. Specifically Victor and his […]

Shelley about Romanticism Versus the Enlightenment

In the novel, "Frankenstein," Mary Shelley uses various elements of both mysterious and romantic literature to convey her indictment of the Enlightenment thinking over the use of her characters displayed throughout the novel. Being written in the time of the Romantic era, Shelley uses vivid language to portray her objection of the Enlightenment age as it influenced many people to use logical reasoning and science to disregard barbarism and superstition from the World. In Frankenstein, Shelley's response to this ideology […]

Frankenstein Dangerous Knowledge

Isolation is a dangerous act. Whether it is forced by the ones around us or a choice made by us to be alone isolation separates the victim from society damaging them emotionally. In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the monster, Frankenstein's monster, comes to know the true act of isolation. The monster was not only cast out by the townspeople but by his creator. Their prejudiced views of the monster as only that, a monster, turned him into what they truly sought […]

Frankenstein Isolation

One theme presented in Marry Shelley's book Frankenstein is the theme of isolation. Right from the beginning, someone has felt isolated from someone else. The three characters consistently developed the theme of isolation are Victor, the Creature, and Elizabeth. Though the three experience isolation, their isolation experience differs. Unlike the Creature and Elizabeth, Victor chose to isolate himself from people. This is evidenced from right when he was working on his research and when he tries to create a life. […]

Dark Romanticism

“Words have no power to impress the mind without the exquisite horror of their reality” (Edgar Allan Poe). Dark Romanticism is a literary movement that made waves that still resonate today within modern horror and pop culture, from Frankenstein to Dracula many recognizable names came from this era of writing. From the subjects covered by the many influential authors of the era to how it still has a place within modern writing, Dark Romanticism, a writing movement that began in […]

Feminism Represented through Frankenstein Characters

Frankenstein is known all over for being about a monster that loses control and kills people, but no one talks about some of the topics that Mary Shelley portrays in the novel. This book seems male dominant. The females play a big role, but not in the way that big roles are usually played. Women seem to hide from playing a part in Frankenstein, but Mary Shelley finds a way to display feminism in the book and that is how […]

Discrimination and Prejudice in Frankenstein

During our human history, prejudice and discrimination have existed. Prejudice refers to the irrational and inflexible attitudes that members of a particular group hold about members of another group (Sibley and Duckitt 248). Prejudices are either harmful or positive. Both forms of prejudice are usually preconceived by the people who hold them and are extremely difficult to alter (Stephan, Cookie and Stephan 33). The negative form of prejudices leads to discrimination- unjust behaviors that holders of negative prejudice direct against […]

Philosophy of Dualism and Materialism in “Frankenstein”

In Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein, the philosophies of dualism and materialism can be found through the story's main characters, Victor Frankenstein and the Creature. Throughout the novel, the decisions that both make and their justifications for those decisions are rooted in both dualistic and materialistic ideas. In the scene leading up to the creation to the Creature as well as the scene itself, much of Victor's decision to even try such a feit stems from a materialistic standpoint, using science […]

The French Revolution Within Frankenstein

Almost twenty years after the end of the French Revolution, Mary Shelley published her gothic horror novel, Frankenstein, in 1818. Shelley grew up with parents who were intellectual radicals (Sterrenburg 143). Yet, she was detached from radicalism and opted for a more conservative perspective (Sterrenburg 143). She did a vast amount of readings on the French Revolution (Sterrenburg 143). By extensively studying the ideas around the revolution, it is not a surprise that they appear embedded through her work, more […]

American, French and Mexican Revolutions

When it comes to the American Revolution, there was one individual that gave American people an idea of what they should be fighting for. John Locke’s idea of “life, liberty, and estate” heavily inspired Thomas Jefferson’s “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” when fighting against the British. So why did the Americans revolt? What beliefs did they have? One thing the American, French, and Mexican revolutions have in common is that their governments were corrupt. The Colonists called for […]

The Role of Science in Frankenstein

Mary Shelley tells a story of a scientist who creates a hideous creature in the novel Frankenstein. Victor Frankenstein is an amazing, smart scientist who admired human anatomy, and soon decided to create his own creature. Who is more at fault for the monsters behavior, Victor or the monster? If you were in the monsters position would you become a murderer for revenge? The monster is often viewed as the antagonist, however is Victor Frankenstein the reason many people in […]

Frankenstein and Gothic Literature

The character's identity and outward appearance interferes with the norms of the hierarchical societies in which they live. Thus, preventing them from experiencing life outside of the isolated confinement they are subjected to. While experiencing a constant conflict with acceptance it strikes the curiosity inside them. In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the experience of loneliness and obsession of science drives Victor Frankenstein to assume the role of God by reanimating a corpse. The horror presented derives from the source of control […]

Creation of Life in “Frankenstein”

The next major aspect of the novel that I would like to focus on is the creation of Frankenstein. This will include dissecting the experience into pieces, such as the use of technology, the role of God and religion and the reason behind creating the monster. In the novel, technology is used in correlation with the creation of Frankenstein. Victor says, I collected bones from charnel houses; and distributed, with profane fingers, the tremendous secrets of the human frame (Shelley […]

Foster’s Chapter “Every Trip is a Quest” in “Frankenstein”

In Foster's Chapter, Every Trip Is A Quest , he implies that every journey is a quest and every quest has to have a quester, a place to go, a stated reason to go there, challenges and trials along the way, and a real reason to go. When a character goes on a quest, he goes with intentions on fulfilling the originally stated reason, but once he is on the quest, he never ends up going for that originally stated […]

Economic Crisis Druing the French Revolution

The economic issues made by the French kings additionally added to the Revolution. Amid the eighteenth century, the French government spent more cash than it gathered in expenses. By 1788, the nation was bankrupt. Arthur Young, an Englishmen, and spectator, who ventured out to France from 1787 to 1789 furiously portray the living conditions of the workers in his book Travels in France (Campbell, 18). The measure of expense every individual must pay is out of line. Landholders found in […]

The History of Frankenstein in Film

From the dawn of the cinematic age, both horror and science fiction films have been shown throughout every cinema available. More common, however, were films based upon previously written works such as books or plays as they were easy to adapt from one medium to another. In 1910, Edison studios released what would inevitably lead to a cultural shift around the plot of one of the most famous, if not the most famous gothic novels: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1818). The […]

Isolation: Frankenstein and the Heart of Darkness

As humans we are naturally inclined to socialize with each other. There are times when we don’t want to be surrounded by others and just by ourselves, but prolonging that isolation can be detrimental to one’s psyche. Isolation can lead to stress levels rising, poor sleep, immune system dysfunction, and even cognitive depreciation (Psychology Today). In Heart of Darkness ?by Joseph Conrad, we see through Marlow’s eyes the descent of the antagonist Kurtz due to prolonged isolation in the wild […]

Technology and Morality in Shelley’s “Frankenstein”

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How To Write an Essay About Frankenstein

Introduction to mary shelley's frankenstein.

Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" is a seminal work of Gothic literature that explores themes of creation, responsibility, and the nature of humanity. In the introduction of your essay, set the stage by briefly summarizing the novel's plot, which centers around Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a sentient creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment. Highlight the novel's key themes, such as the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition, the quest for knowledge, and the moral implications of playing God. This introduction should provide a snapshot of the novel’s key elements and the thematic explorations you will delve into, laying the groundwork for a critical examination of Shelley's work.

Analyzing Themes and Characters

In the body of your essay, focus on a detailed exploration of the novel's central themes. Discuss the theme of creation and the consequences of Victor Frankenstein's pursuit of scientific discovery without ethical boundaries. Analyze the creature’s development and his quest for identity and companionship, which turns into a desire for revenge against his creator. Explore the novel's exploration of isolation, both self-imposed and societal, as experienced by Victor and his creature. Additionally, examine the characters' relationships and how they contribute to the novel's themes, using specific examples from the text to support your analysis. Each paragraph should focus on a different theme or character, weaving a comprehensive understanding of Shelley’s narrative.

The Novel's Context and Shelley's Writing

It's important to contextualize "Frankenstein" within its historical and literary background. Discuss the significance of the novel being written during the early 19th century, a time of significant scientific advancement and romantic literary movement. Explore how Shelley’s personal experiences and the scientific context of her time influenced the themes and style of "Frankenstein." Additionally, consider the novel's structure, narrative technique, and use of symbolism and imagery. This part of the essay should demonstrate an understanding of how "Frankenstein" not only reflects the time in which it was written but also contributes to the genre of science fiction.

Concluding Reflections

Conclude your essay by summarizing the key points of your analysis and reaffirming the novel's significance in literary history. Reflect on the enduring relevance of "Frankenstein" in modern times, particularly in discussions about scientific ethics, the boundaries of human endeavor, and the consequences of technological advancement. Consider the novel's impact on readers and its role in shaping subsequent literary and cultural narratives. A strong conclusion will not only encapsulate your insights but also underscore the novel's continued importance, encouraging readers to reflect on its themes in the context of today's world.

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Writing a Stunning Frankenstein Essay: How To Get A+

The novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelly is one of the most read books across the globe because of its romantic and engaging plot. And this masterpiece has not just made a name for the plot, but also for its characters. This is why many literature teachers like to give Frankenstein essay prompts to their students. So how do you go about writing winning Frankenstein essays? Here is your complete guide.

Common Frankenstein Essay Topics

When your teacher gives you a Frankenstein assignment, it can focus on different areas, such as the setting or themes. The book was set in the Age of Enlightenment and the Romantic Era. So, Shelley wisely used Frankenstein as a premise to criticize and warn people about the values that were deeply held during the era. If your teacher asked you to identify Frankenstein essay topics , here are some great suggestions:

• Exploring the nature of revenge in the book Frankenstein.
• A closer look at Victor Frankenstein Creature as a Mirror.
• The role of parenting in the novel Frankenstein.
• Screams of children and pity in the Novel Frankenstein.
• Paradise: Frankenstein’s viewpoint.

How to Write an Essay on Frankenstein

Now that we have looked at the main Frankenstein essays topics, the next question is, “how do you write the essay?” Here is a step-by-step guide on how to write a Frankenstein essay.

• Read the novel and note the key points. For example, if you are writing a Victor Frankenstein character analysis essay, you need to carefully analyze the characters, including the Monster, Robert Walton, Henry Clerval, and Elizabeth Lavenza.
• Develop a good Frankenstein essay outline. This is very crucial because it will guide you on how to write every part of the paper. For example, the outline will be able to show you where to place the Frankenstein essay questions , how to write a Frankenstein essay introduction and framing the body. The best essay outline include:
• Introduction: Highlight a brief introduction to the novel and finish the paragraph with a thesis statement.
• Body: Break the body into several paragraphs. In each paragraph, discuss a different point and support it with evidence – quotes and details from the novel. For example, if you are analyzing the themes, every theme should go into its own paragraph.
• Conclusion: In conclusion, start by restating the thesis statement (use different language to avoid looking repetitive). Then, summarize the main points in one paragraph. If the essay was long, two paragraphs should be okay.
• Proofread your essay: After writing your essay, make sure to carefully proofread it to identify and correct any mistakes to make the final paper.

A Frankenstein Theme Essay Sample

Now that we have demonstrated the main steps you should follow when writing a Frankenstein analysis essay, can you craft a winning piece? Here is a Frankenstein essay example that you can refer to fine-tune your skills further:

The Mirror Victor Frankenstein and his Creature Characterized by key similarities between the created and creator, the novel Frankenstein uses Doppelganger’s impact to tell the story of a man, Victor Frankenstein’s, relentless quest for knowledge. But the journey has key issues. From the beginning to the end, Victor passed through many emotions and experiences, almost the same as his creator experiences. When developing the character of Frankenstein, Shelley utilizes the creature, as the Doppelganger to further dramatize what is difficult to put through explicitly. The determination of Victor, the creature’s obsession, and isolation help to bring out every character of Frankenstein. Starting from his first days to the last, Frankenstein demonstrates passion for sciences. This obsession is as a result of sciences- the thing (call it creature) that creates Frankenstein’s emotion. The emotions first become anger before turning into revenge. Starting from the initial post-animation meeting, the creature starts developing a lot of anger for the person who created it. But this feeling of anger appears mutual. “All men hate the wretched; how then must I be hated, who am miserable all living things! Yet you, my creator, detests and spun me, thy creature, to whom thou art bound by ties only dissoluble by the annihilation of one of us” (95). It appears that the creature is unable to comprehend the rejection, the same way Frankenstein is unable to comprehend the detestable thing right in front of him. The misguided passion makes the creature give many threats to Frankenstein. The creature vows to “revenge (his) injuries; if (he) cannot inspire love, then (he) will causes fear, and chiefly towards (victor does he) swear inextinguishable hatred” since he is the creator (48). As Frankenstein continues with his anger, from the creature, it seeks revenge for what it is impossible to control. When the creature encounters Felix, it goes out searching for Frankenstein with questions that his “feelings were those of rage and revenge” (137). This confusion escalates the matter, as the creature’s anger ranges, especially after witnessing Frankenstein destroying partner seeking to animate end with a “devilish despair and revenge” as well as murder to another person close to Frankenstein (171). Frankenstein’s determination to succeed looks similar to that of the creature, although they have different goals. The main request made by the creature to Frankenstein is being happy by getting a mate. When Frankenstein agrees with the creature, he promises to design another one that will also be displeasing, the creature also promises to “depart to your home and commence your labor; I shall watch with progress with unutterable anxiety; and fear not but that when you are ready, I will appear” (151). The creature and Frankenstein, highlight the worst of each other, but without one, the other would never be human. As the story unfolds, Frankenstein, and creature, merge to represent one individual, as well as their Doppelganger connection, to demonstrate the complexity of Frankenstein’s self. This line blurs between these characters and helps to expound the purpose of Frankenstein’s character. Further, it dramatizes the character that highlights the purpose of fighting with the creature.

Seek Writing Help Of The Professionals

One thing that we need to indicate at this point, is that writing a Frankenstein essay is never easy. Whether it is a task of who is the real monster in Frankenstein essay or character analysis, many students find it a serious challenge to complete their papers. Some lack the right writing skills while others have other engagements. So if you find yourself in this situation, do not worry; consider seeking custom writing help . The services are cheap and offered by professionals who are very fast and guarantee you top grades. Let professionals assist you!

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