frankenstein character analysis essay

'Frankenstein' Characters

Descriptions and Analysis

• B.A., English Literature, Cornell University

In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein , characters must reckon with the conflict between personal glory and human connection. Through the story of an alienated monster and his ambitious creator, Shelley raises themes such as familial loss, the search for belonging, and the cost of ambition. Other characters serve to reinforce the importance of community.

Victor Frankenstein

Victor Frankenstein is the main protagonist of the novel. He is obsessed with scientific achievement and glory, which drives him to discover the secret of manifesting life. He devotes all his time his studies, sacrificing his health and his relationships for his ambition.

After spending his adolescence reading outdated theories on alchemy and the philosopher’s stone, Frankenstein goes to university, where he succeeds in germinating life. However, in trying to create a being in the mold of man, he fashions a hideous monster. The monster runs off and wreaks havoc, and Frankenstein loses control of his creation.

Out in the mountains, the monster finds Frankenstein and asks him for a female companion. Frankenstein promises to create one, but he does not want to be complicit in the propagation of similar creatures, so he breaks his promise. The monster, enraged, kills Frankenstein’s close friends and family.

Frankenstein represents the dangers of enlightenment and the responsibilities that come with great knowledge. His scientific achievement becomes the cause of his downfall, rather than the source of praise he once hoped for. His rejection of human connection and his single-minded drive for success leave him bereft of family and love. He dies alone, searching for the monster, and expresses to Captain Walton the necessity of sacrifice for a greater good.

The Creature

Referred to as “the creature,” Frankenstein's unnamed monster yearns for human connection and a sense of belonging. His terrifying façade frightens everyone and he is chased out of villages and homes, leaving him alienated. Despite the creature's grotesque exterior, however, he is largely a compassionate character. He is a vegetarian, he helps bring firewood to the peasant family he lives near, and he teaches himself to read. Yet the constant rejection he suffers—by strangers, the peasant family, his master and William—hardens him.

Driven by his isolation and misery, the creature turns to violence. He kills Frankenstein’s brother William. He demands that Frankenstein should create a female creature so that the pair can live away from civilization peacefully, and have the solace of each other. Frankenstein fails to deliver this promise, and out of revenge, the creature murders Frankenstein's loved ones, thus transforming into the monster he has always appeared to be. Denied a family, he denies his maker a family, and runs to the North Pole where he plans to die alone.

Thus, the creature is a complicated antagonist —he is a murderer and a monster, but he began his life as a compassionate, misunderstood soul searching for love. He demonstrates the importance of empathy and society, and as his character deteriorates into cruelty, he stands as an example of what can happen when the basic human need for connection is not fulfilled.

Captain Walton

Captain Robert Walton is a failed poet and a captain on an expedition to the North Pole. His presence in the novel is limited to the beginning and ending of the narrative, but he nevertheless plays an important role. In framing the story, he serves as a proxy for the reader.

The novels begin with Walton's letters to his sister. He shares a primary trait with Frankenstein: the desire to achieve glory through scientific discoveries. Walton greatly admires Frankenstein when he rescues him from the sea, and he listens to Frankenstein’s tale.

At the end of the novel, after hearing Frankenstein's story, Walton’s ship becomes trapped by ice. He is confronted with a choice (which happens to parallel the thematic crossroads faced by Frankenstein): go ahead with his expedition, risking his own life and those of his crewmen, or return home to his family and abandon his dreams of glory. Having just listened to Frankenstein’s tale of misfortune, Walton understands that ambition comes at the cost of human life and relationships, and he decides to return home to his sister. In this way, Walton applies the lessons that Shelley wishes to impart through the novel: the value of connection and the dangers of scientific enlightenment.

Elizabeth Lavenza

Elizabeth Lavenza is a woman of Milanese nobility. Her mother died and her father abandoned her, so the Frankenstein family adopted her when she was just a child. She and Victor Frankenstein were raised together by their nanny Justine, another orphan, and they have a close relationship.

Elizabeth is perhaps the primary example of the abandoned child in the novel, which is populated by many orphans and makeshift families. Despite her lonely origins, she finds love and acceptance, and stands in contrast to the creature’s inability to find true familial connection. Frankenstein constantly praises Elizabeth as a beautiful, saintly, gentle presence in his life. She is an angel to him, as his mother was as well; in fact, all the women in the novel are domestic and sweet. As adults, Frankenstein and Elizabeth reveal their romantic love for each other, and get engaged to be married. On their wedding night, however, Elizabeth is strangled to death by the creature.

Henry Clerval

Henry Clerval, the son of a merchant of Geneva, is Frankenstein’s friend from childhood. He serves as Frankenstein’s foil : his academic and philosophical pursuits are humane, rather than scientific. As a child, Henry loved to read about chivalry and romance , and he wrote songs and plays about heroes and knights. Frankenstein describes him as a generous, kind man who lives for passionate adventure and whose ambition in life is to do good. Clerval’s nature is then quite in contrast with Frankenstein’s; instead of searching for glory and scientific achievement, Clerval searches for moral meaning in life. He is a constant and true friend, and he nurses Frankenstein back to health when he falls sick after creating the monster. Clerval also accompanies Frankenstein on his travels to England and Scotland, where they separate. Whilst in Ireland, Clerval is killed by the monster, and Frankenstein is initially accused of being his murderer.

The De Lacey Family

The creature lives for some time in a hovel joined to a cottage, which is inhabited by the De Laceys, a peasant family. By observing them, the creature learns to speak and read. The family is comprised of the old, blind father De Lacey, his son Felix, and his daughter Agatha. Later, they welcome the arrival of Safie, an Arabian woman who fled Turkey. Felix and Safie fall in love. The four peasants live in poverty, but the creature grows to idolize their compassionate, gentle ways. They serve as an example of a makeshift family, dealing with loss and hardship but finding happiness in each other’s companionship. The creature longs to live with them, but when he reveals himself to the peasants, they drive him away out of terror. 

William Frankenstein

William is Victor Frankenstein's s younger brother. The creature happens upon him in the woods and tries to befriend him, thinking that the child’s youth would make him unprejudiced. However, William is terrified of the ugly creature. His reaction seems to suggest that the creature's monstrosity is too much for even the innocent. In a fit of rage, the monster strangles William to death. Justine Moritz, the orphan nanny, is framed for his death and later hanged for the alleged crime.

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Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus

88 pages • 2 hours read

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Letters 1-4

Chapters 1-4

Chapters 5-8

Chapters 9-12

Chapters 13-16

Chapters 17-20

Chapters 21-24

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Further Reading & Resources

Discussion Questions

Victor Frankenstein

Victor Frankenstein is the novel’s primary protagonist . A native of Geneva, he comes from an affluent, well-respected family. His childhood is idyllic and his parents loving and indulgent. From a young age, he expects to marry his parents’ foster daughter, Elizabeth Lavenza, whose calm demeanor soothes and calms his tempestuous moods. He also takes comfort in the company of his childhood friend Henry Clerval. The peace and happiness of his childhood contrast with the misery of the end of his life, serving as a lesson about The Dangers of Knowledge .

Frankenstein has a “thirst for knowledge” and a desire to uncover the “secret[s]” of nature (22). When he goes to the university at Ingolstadt, he dedicates himself to discovering “the principle of life” (36). He studies death and decay until, finally, he learns how to create life. He is delighted by the promise of being worshipped as a creator by a new race of beings. As he builds the creature, Frankenstein isolates himself from his loved ones and ignores the beauty of nature. This alienation illustrates how seeking this knowledge is unnatural.

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The Definitive Guide to Analysing Frankenstein for Your English Essay

Are you studying ‘Frankenstein’ for English but have no idea how to come up with an analysis for your essay? Look no further as we’ve got you covered with a summary of Frankenstein, and we’ll walk you through the key characters, context, themes and a  step-by-step guide on how to perfect your analysis.

PLUS, we’ll provide you with a sample analysis table (also called a TEE table ) and a sample paragraph for Frankenstein!

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to ace your analysis of Frankenstein — let’s jump into it!

Frankenstein Summary Key Characters in Frankenstein Context Themes Explored in Frankenstein Essay Analysis of Frankenstein Studying this Text for the HSC

Summary of Frankenstein

The text is told in an epistolary narrative form using three narrators: Robert Walton, Victor Frankenstein, and the monster. The novel begins with a series of letters by Walton, an arctic explorer, to his sister. He writes of his encounter with a weakened Victor on the ice, who he nurses back to health aboard ship.

Victor’s Perspective

The narration shifts to Victor as he begins his tale, beginning with his nurturing and idyllic childhood with Elizabeth Lavenza, his adopted sister, and Henry Clerval, his best friend. Victor attends the university of Ingolstadt where he becomes engrossed in natural philosophy and chemistry and isolate himself from his family.

He becomes consumed with the pursuit of scientific knowledge and decides to create human life by fashioning the body from corpses. After bringing the monster to life, Victor is horrified by the sight of him and runs away, falling into a hysterical fever after the monster’s disappearance.

After his recovery, Victor prepares to return home to Geneva when he receives a letter from his father telling him that his youngest brother, William, has been murdered. On his way to his family house, Victor sees the gigantic figure of the monster lurking in the woods and is certain that he is William’s murderer.

He soon discovers that Justine Moritz, the family’s trusted servant, has been accused of William’s murder and is executed after her trial. Victor becomes tortured by grief and escapes to the Alpine valley of Chamonix. The monster approaches him and eloquently proclaims that he is intrinsically benevolent but turned cruel due to his suffering.

The Monster’s Perspective

The narration turns to the monster’s perspective as he recounts the beginning of his life and his refuge at the cottage of the De Lacey’s. Seeking love and companionship, the monster yearns to learn their language and gains knowledge by reading books, learning of his creation by reading Victor’s laboratory journal.

After summoning the courage to speak to the cottagers, he is rejected and violently beaten, forcing him to flee. The monster becomes possessed by revenge and travels to Geneva to find Victor, strangling William after he screamed in terror.

The monster ends his tale by b egging Victor to create a female monster for him to have as a companion.

Access the Frankenstein Downloadable Sample Paragraph and Examples of Analysis here!

Back to Victor’s Perspective

Victor resumes his narration and initially refuses but eventually agrees. Victor and Henry travel to Scotland, where Victor isolates himself to work on creating his second monster.

One night, Victor is horrified to see the monster grinning at him through the window and destroys the half-finished creation. Furious, the monster vows that he will be with Victor on his wedding night.

Later that night, Victor disposes of the remains out at sea and is drifted into dangerous waters, but he manages to land safely near an unknown town. Upon arrival, he is arrested for the murder of Henry, who has been strangled to death by the monster. Victor suffers a feverish illness in prison before being cleared of all criminal charges.

Victor returns home to Geneva with his father and marries Elizabeth. Fearing the monster’s threat, Victor sends Elizabeth away to her bedroom, yet he hears her scream and realises his fatal mistake. Soon after Victor’s father dies of grief, he resolves to devote his life to the creature’s destruction.

Victor tracks the monster on the ice and chases after him with his dogsled , but the ice breaks and Victor is set adrift. He is near death before Walton’s ship appears and saves him.

Walton’s Letters

The end of the story is told through Walton’s letters, where it’s learned that Victor has died. Soon after, Walton discovers the monster weeping over Victor’s body, who asks him for forgiveness.

He tells Walton of his suffering and vows to kill himself, disappearing out into the ice.

Key Characters in Frankenstein

Victor Frankenstein The main narrator of the text, Victor, is responsible for creating and abandoning the monster. In contrast with his happy childhood, Victor’s obsession with scientific pursuit leads him to overstep natural boundaries and results in his family and friends’ tragic loss of lives.

The monster A gigantic hideous creature formed from dead body parts; the monster is Victor’s abandoned creation who was thrust into the unknown world. The monster is inherently good and seeks acceptance from society, but his constant rejection and hostility from humans drives him to take revenge on Victor.

Robert Walton Opening and closing ‘Frankenstein’, Walton is an arctic explorer who records the tales of Victor and the monster in a series of letters to his sister.

Elizabeth Lavenza Elizabeth is Victor’s adopted sister and wife, described as a caring young woman who is wholly devoted to Victor. She is murdered by the monster on their honeymoon.

Henry Clerval Victor’s best friend and intellectual foil, Henry supports Victor in his times of need and nurses him back to health. The monster kills him after Victor destroys the second monster.

Context of Frankenstein

Frankenstein is set during the 18th century and engages with many of the important ideas and thinkers of the Romantic period . This literary and philosophical period was marked by political, economic, scientific, and social enlightenment that emphasised reason and individualism.

How Frankenstein Came to Be

Considered one of the first science-fiction novels, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein began as a simple ghost story.

In 1816, the revolutionary lyrical poet Percy Bysshe Shelley travelled with his wife Mary to visit his friend Lord Byron in Switzerland. Due to the constant rain that kept them indoors, Byron suggested a ghost story contest to entertain themselves.

Based on a nightmare, Mary’s story won the contest, and she was encouraged to turn it into a full-length novel , which she did.

The daughter of the radical feminist Mary Wollstonecraft and radical philosopher William Godwin, Mary’s writing was heavily influenced by her parent’s writing and exposure to revolutionary thinkers . Frankenstein draws upon various philosophical ideas about childhood development, identity, and education, notably through the works of Jean-Jacques Rosseau and John Locke.

Other Influences

The prominence of scientific rationalism in Frankenstein was influenced by Luigi Galvani’s reanimation of dead tissue by applying electricity to a dead frog . Shaped by contemporary developments in scientific progress and discovery, Frankenstein serves as a cautionary tale for relying on scientific education divorced from moral values.

Frankenstein also draws upon the ideals of the Romantic Movement and the French Revolution during the 18th and 19th centuries. Victor’s creation of the monster implies defiance towards religion and a push towards enlightenment and rationality.

The novel is linked to two creation texts: the Greek myth of Prometheus and the Biblical creation story recounted in Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’.

Image sourced from BBC Science Focus Magazine

Themes Explored in Frankenstein

As a novel, several structural, contextual, and literary elements aid in deconstructing the major themes of the text.

In Frankenstein, the use of multiple narrators, foreshadowing, symbolism, intertextuality, and allusions create parallels and connections to fundamental ideas of significant social and political upheaval.

Below are some of the key themes from Frankenstein that make for a strong starting point to structure your essay analysis:

• Pursuit of knowledge
• Sublime nature
• Responsibility

How to Analyse Frankenstein in 3 Steps for Your Essay

Students often try to start with their thesis while attempting to answer an essay question. Instead, you should use your analysis as the starting point!

Analysing your text is a great way to gain an in-depth understanding of its meaning before you begin to answer anything about it.

After you’ve analysed your text, you will be able to build on its themes and construct a strong thesis!

We’re going to walk you through creating an essay analysis for Frankenstein in three simple steps!

Step 1: Choose your example

When choosing your example, a pro tip is to search for an excerpt that contains a technique. Techniques are the key to helping you dig deeper into what meaning the composer is trying to convey.

We have chosen to look at two quotes that compare Victor to God:

“Wretched devil! You reproach me with your creation, come on, then, that I may extinguish the spark which I so negligently bestowed.”

“Remember, that I am thy creature: I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed.”

Step 2: Identify your technique(s)

When trying to locate a technique within your example, the best method is to identify a technique that enables you to uncover a deeper subtext of your work and elevate your argument and analysis.

Rather than referencing simple language techniques like alliteration and rhyme, try searching for techniques that unveil symbolic meanings like metaphors, motifs, allusions, and intertextuality.

We have identified three techniques in the two quotes above for our Frankenstein essay analysis: allusion, symbolism and metaphor.

It’s always better to try and find multiple techniques in your quotes rather than just one, so you can really show off your analysis skills!

Check out our list of literary techniques here!

Step 3: Write the analysis

When you write your analysis, the key focus should be on what effect the technique has. Simply labelling what technique you’re using is not analysing and will award you minimal marks.

Technique labelling would look like this:

The allusion of Victor to Prometheus and God is shown through Victor’s threat to “extinguish the spark” as symbolic of Prometheus’s forbidden power and the metaphor of the monster as “the fallen angel” as a reference to Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’.

Instead of labelling, we need to flesh out how each technique allows a closer reading of the text.

Firstly, the allusions are important as they provide a familiar narrative in which we can view the characterisation of Victor as God and the monster as his creation.

The symbolism of Victor’s threat to ‘extinguish the spark which I so negligently bestowed’ is important because it parallels Prometheus as a representation of a figure that disrupts the natural order.

The metaphor of the monster as “the fallen angel” is significant because it alludes to Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’ and suggests that Victor has failed in his moral duty and responsibility as the creator.

So if we included all that in our analysis, it looks like:

Victor’s characterisation as God serves as an allusion to the creation texts of the Prometheus myth and the Biblical creation story referenced in Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’. Victor’s threat to “extinguish the spark which I so negligently bestowed” parallels Prometheus and symbolises Victor’s challenging of the natural order and transgression of forbidden territory by playing God. The monster’s plea to Victor that “I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel” is a metaphor that alludes to Adam’s lament to God referenced in Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’. The monster’s likening to Adam prompts Victor to evaluate his moral duty and responsibility as the creator.  

Studying this text for HSC Extension English

If you’re studying this text for the HSC Extension English , when writing an essay on Frankenstein, you’ll need to connect your ideas to the rubric. We’ve included the rubric below to refresh your memory!

Link #1: Seeking unity, certainty, solace, justice or restoration

The monster’s experience in Frankenstein is wholly based on his journey to seek unity, certainty, solace, justice and restoration. The monster begins his life seeking unity and companionship, with his pursuit for knowledge and humanity displaying his genuine desire to participate in society .

However, the hostile responses of individuals exemplify his rejection and isolation from society.

The monster’s inability to find acceptance fuels his desire for destructive justice against his creator to restore his world of upheaval.

Link #2: Represent shifting values, contexts and attitudes

Containing elements of Romanticism, Gothicism and Science Fiction, Frankenstein is a revolutionary novel that heavily draws upon the shifting values, contexts, and attitudes of society during the Age of Enlightenment. The novel reflects the growth of ideas centred on reason, progress, and liberty during a period of significant scientific and technological advancement.

Rather than simply celebrating these values, Shelley critically represents attitudes of concern towards rapid scientific development by warning of the danger of overstepping human potential.

Need some help analysing other texts?

Check out other texts we’ve created guides for below:

• Romeo and Juliet
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Ashley Sullivan is a Content Writer for Art of Smart Education and is currently undertaking a double degree in Communications (Journalism) and a Bachelor of Laws at UTS. Ashley’s articles have been published in The Comma and Central News. She is a film, fashion and fiction enthusiast who enjoys learning about philosophy, psychology and unsolved mysteries in her spare time.

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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).

• Quizzes, saving guides, requests, plus so much more.

109 Outstanding Frankenstein Essay Topics

Welcome to the Frankenstein Essay Topics page prepared by our editorial team! Here, you’ll find a selection of top ideas, questions, and titles for any academic paper. We have topics about Frankenstein’s literary analysis, characters, themes, and more.

• 🔬 Literary Analysis
• 🎭 Characters
• 📊 Compare & Contrast
• 🗺️ Navigation

🎓 References

Frankenstein is a famous novel, and students will often have to write papers about it. If you have received such an assignment, this article is for you! When writing a Frankenstein literary analysis essay , there are many areas you can consider, such as characters, themes, and context. Below, we have provided 99 outstanding ideas that you can use for your assignment or to find inspiration. Don’t forget to illustrate your arguments with quotes from text when writing your Frankenstein literary analysis.

🔬 Frankenstein Literary Analysis Essay Topics

• What are the literary devices used to create the image of Victor Frankenstein ?
• What literary devices are used to create the image of the Monster?
• What is the importance of setting in Frankenstein ?
• Romanticism in Frankenstein : the use of poetry in the novel’s narrative
• Who is the narrator of Frankenstein , and why is the narration important?
• Narrative technique in Frankenstein .
• Nature symbolism in Frankenstein .
• Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein as a tragedy
• How does weather reflect the narrative of Frankenstein ? Give examples.
• What does fire symbolize in Frankenstein ?
• How is the power of nature depicted in Frankenstein ?
• What is the purpose of letters in Frankenstein ?
• The importance of allusions in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein .
• Biblical symbolism in Frankenstein .
• Why is Frankenstein called Modern Prometheus?
• Point of view in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
• Frankenstein : a deconstructive reading
• Analyze the romantic elements in Frankenstein .
• Is Frankenstein a gothic novel?
• What literary devices are used to create fear in Frankenstein ?
• What is the writing style of Frankenstein ?
• Examine the role of suspense and foreshadowing throughout Frankenstein . Do you think these devices are effective?
• How does foreshadowing differ among the three main narrators of Frankenstein (Walton, Victor, and the Monster)?
• What is the purpose of the ring composition of Frankenstein ?
• How does Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein allude to the myth of Prometheus?
• How is Frankenstein a romantic and horror novel?
• What role do letters from Elizabeth play in Frankenstein ‘s narrative?
• What would the novel be like if it was narrated by only Frankenstein or only the monster ?
• What does the novel gain from having so many levels of narration? Why do you suppose it might have been structured with so many embedded narratives?
• In what ways and for what ends does Mary Shelley utilize the myth of Prometheus in her novel, Frankenstein ?
• Three Separate Narratives within Shelley’s Frankenstein
• Frankenstein : Weather, Seasons, and Emotional Symbolism

🎭 Frankenstein Essay Topics: Characters

• How are women depicted in Frankenstein ? How does Shelley make them look passive?
• Why isn’t Frankenstein ’s monster given a name?
• Who is the real monster in Frankenstein ?
• Is Frankenstein ’s monster responsible for the characters’ deaths ?
• What did the childhood of Victor Frankenstein look like? What role does it play in the narrative?
• Does the monster’s eloquence and persuasiveness make it easier for the reader to sympathize with him? Why do you think most film versions of the story present the monster as mute or inarticulate?
• Trace the similarities between Victor Frankenstein and the Monster . Consider their respective relationships with nature, desires for family , and any other important parallels you find.
• Do Victor and the Monster become more similar to Frankenstein ‘s plot? How does their relationship with each other develop?
• Victor attributes his tragic fate to his relentless search for knowledge. Do you think that this is the true cause of his suffering?
• Why does Shelley describe all female characters in Frankenstein as self-sacrificing and passive?
• Who is more human, the Monster of Frankenstein ?
• Analyze the motivations of the main characters in Frankenstein .
• Victor and the Monster feature radically different perspectives on the events of Frankenstein . Whose viewpoint do you support?
• Is the Creature’s demand for a female companion a valid request? Examine the pros and cons of Victor’s compliance.
• After watching the she-monster torn to pieces, the Creature vows that Victor will “repent of the injuries (he) inflicts. Is the Creature justified in his feelings? Why or why not?
• What role does Elizabeth play in Frankenstein ?
• What is the motivation behind Victor’s vow to find and destroy his creature? Has he learned any lessons?
• Discuss the humanity of Frankenstein ‘s Monster.
• What role does Justine Moritz play in the novel?
• What is the Monster’s experience of meeting people? How do they react? Why is it so?
• How does the Monster learn to read and speak? What is his motivation?
• What role does Safie play in Frankenstein ? Look at her situation from the feminist perspective. She considers marrying a Christian as the only way to become a freer woman. What does this fact tell us about the society she lives in?
• Why does the Monster kill William Frankenstein?
• Examine the relationship between Victor Frankenstein and his monster. How do they interact and communicate with each other?
• How does the creature of Frankenstein form the archetypal monster/horror character?
• “Victor Frankenstein and the Monster share the same personality: like father, like son”. Defend or attack this statement.
• How does Walton’s narration affect the story? How does it affect your interpretation of characters and events?
• Do you think that the monster has free will? Provide textual examples in support of your claim.

🌻 Frankenstein Essay Topics: Themes

• How is the theme of loneliness depicted in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley?
• Discuss the role of sickness in the novel. Victor often seems to fall ill after traumatic events. Is this a means of escape, and, if so, is it effective?
• In what ways does Frankenstein present science and knowledge as dangerous and destructive ?
• How is the idea of exploration revealed in Frankenstein ?
• Responsibility as a Theme in Frankenstein
• How are the dangers of obsession shown in Frankenstein ?
• What ethical concerns the use of animal and human bodies by Victor Frankenstein might raise?
• Analyze Frankenstein through the prism of feminist theory
• Describe the theme of kindness and compassion in Frankenstein
• Frankenstein : the theme of birth
• To what extent does Frankenstein support Mary Wollstonecraft’s claim that women were treated as inferior to men?
• Homosexuality in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
• Science is portrayed in a bad light in the novel Frankenstein . The author implies that the direction that civilization moves in is determined by what it understands about power. Analyze this statement in relation to the current society.
• Does Frankenstein present the value of the domestic circle?
• Describe how the theme of ambition is presented in Frankenstein .
• Throughout the novel, Victor Frankenstein states that he had no choice, that he was destined, that it was fate that he created the monster. Were his actions really a matter of fate? Or is he simply using fate as an excuse for his actions?
• Critical analysis of human Nature in Frankenstein , as it Connects to Freudian Psychology
• Scientific inquiry in Frankenstein
• Frankenstein as a feminist novel
• Desire and revenge in Frankenstein and Prometheus
• The theme of knowledge portrayed in Frankenstein

⌛ Frankenstein Essay Topics: Context

• Describe how Mary Shelley’s life experiences influenced the story of Frankenstein
• What is the historical relevance of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley? Find in the text the examples of reactions to the historical movements of the Enlightenment , industrial revolution, and romanticism.
• How are the ideas of Shelley’s parents presented in Frankenstein ?
• How does Frankenstein rely on the ideas, beliefs, and issues presented in other texts?
• How might Frankenstein be read as a commentary on scientific progress?
• Historical Context in Frankenstein
• Frankenstein : the autobiography of Mary Shelley?

📊 Compare & Contrast Frankenstein Essay Questions

• Compare and contrast Frankenstein and The Last Man by Mary Shelley
• Science & Nature in Frankenstein & Blade Runner
• How is the theme of revenge shown in Frankenstein and Hamlet ?
• Frankenstein : compare the novel with the movie of 1937
• Compare Frankenstein and The Picture of Dorian Gray
• On First Looking into Chapman’s Homer vs. Frankenstein : compare & contrast
• Compare Frankenstein and Macbeth
• Make a comparison of The Handmaid’s Tale and Frankenstein
• Which Frankenstein movie is most like the book?
• Macbeth & Frankenstein : compare & contrast
• Discuss the differences and similarities between Victor Frankenstein and Beowulf
• Compare and contrast Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Robert Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde .
• How has Frankenweenie , a film by Tim Burton, transformed Frankenstein by Mary Shelley to appeal to modern audiences?
• Frankenstein vs. Great Expectations : compare & contrast
• From superhuman to posthuman: The gothic technological imaginary in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Octavia Butler’s Xenogenesis
• Science, gender and otherness in Shelley’s Frankenstein and Kenneth Branagh’s film adaptation
• Compare and contrast the theme of appearances in Frankenstein to the same theme in other literary works.
• Monstrous characters in Frankenstein and Hedda Gabler
• Pity and revenge in Frankenstein and The Cry of the Children
• Technology’s effect on human relationships: comparing Station Eleven and Frankenstein
• Gender roles in Frankenstein and Fantomina
• Choosing a Topic: Purdue OWL
• Selecting a Topic: UM-Flint
• Introduction to Research: Cornell University
• Find a Topic Idea: Questia
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• Literary Devices & Symbols
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Bibliography

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Frankenstein Summary: Themes, Symbols, FAQs & More!

"Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful." These haunting words from Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" encapsulate the essence of a novel that has captivated readers for over two centuries. First published in 1818, "Frankenstein" tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist whose ambitious quest to create life leads to catastrophic results. Through its gripping narrative, the novel explores profound themes such as the consequences of unchecked ambition, the ethical boundaries of scientific discovery, and the deep-seated human need for connection.

In this article, you will gain a comprehensive summary of the story of Victor Frankenstein and his tragic creation. We will examine the complex characters, explaining their motivations and struggles. Additionally, we will provide an insightful analysis of the novel's major themes and its enduring relevance.

Mary Shelly Bio

Mary Shelley, born on August 30, 1797, in London, England, was a trailblazing author who made an indelible mark on the literary world. The daughter of renowned philosopher and political writer William Godwin and famed feminist Mary Wollstonecraft, Shelley was immersed in an environment of intellectualism and radical thinking from an early age. Her upbringing fostered a deep love for literature and an acute awareness of societal issues, shaping her into a writer of remarkable insight and depth.

Shelley's most famous work, "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus," published when she was just 20 years old, revolutionized the literary landscape. It is widely considered the first true science fiction novel, blending elements of Gothic horror with speculative science to explore complex themes of creation, responsibility, and the human condition. "Frankenstein" not only introduced a new genre but also posed critical questions about the ethical limits of scientific exploration, the nature of humanity, and the consequences of playing God. This seminal work has influenced countless writers and continues to be a cornerstone of literary study, demonstrating Shelley's profound impact on literature and culture.

Frankenstein Summary

Victor Frankenstein, born into a wealthy and supportive family in Geneva, develops an early interest in the sciences. His fascination with the secrets of life intensifies during his studies at the University of Ingolstadt, where he becomes obsessed with the idea of conquering death. Driven by ambition and a thirst for knowledge, Victor dedicates himself to mastering the laws of nature, hoping to create life from inanimate matter.

Victor's relentless pursuit leads him to assemble a creature from stolen body parts, using his knowledge of chemistry and alchemy to animate it. However, upon bringing the Creature to life, Victor is horrified by its grotesque appearance and abandons it in a fit of revulsion and fear. The Creature left to fend for itself, experiences isolation and rejection from society due to its monstrous form.

Victor's creation sets off a chain of tragic events, highlighting the dire consequences of his hubris. As Victor returns home to Geneva, he learns that his younger brother William has been murdered. The family servant, Justine, is wrongfully accused and executed for the crime. Victor soon realizes that his Creature is responsible for these deaths, seeking revenge for its suffering and abandonment.

The Creature, intelligent and articulate, confronts Victor and recounts its experiences of rejection and loneliness. It demands that Victor create a female companion to alleviate its misery. Initially agreeing, Victor begins the project but ultimately destroys the female Creature, fearing the potential consequences of creating another monster. Enraged, the Creature vows to exact revenge, leading to the deaths of Victor's close friend, Henry Clerval and his beloved wife, Elizabeth, on their wedding night.

Devastated by the loss of his loved ones, Victor becomes consumed by a desire for vengeance and pursues the Creature across Europe and into the Arctic. In the desolate, icy wilderness, Victor collapses from exhaustion and is found by a ship's crew. He recounts his tragic story to the ship's captain, Robert Walton, before succumbing to his ailments. The Creature, mourning the death of its creator, expresses its intention to end its own life and disappears into the Arctic, leaving behind a tale of ambition, loss, and the profound consequences of defying nature.

Confused About Frankenstein's Symbols?

Our literature experts ensure you understand every symbol with the right analysis!

Frankenstein Essay Sample

In "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley, the discussion of nature versus nurture is a key theme. This debate asks whether people's traits are more influenced by their inherent qualities (nature) or by their surroundings and experiences (nurture). Here's an essay sample that explores how "Frankenstein" portrays this ongoing debate and what it reveals about human behavior and society.

Analyzing Main Characters in Frankenstein

Victor Frankenstein

Victor Frankenstein, the protagonist, comes from a privileged family in Geneva. His upbringing is marked by curiosity and a deep passion for understanding the natural world. Motivated by the desire to learn the secrets of life and defy death, Victor's ambitions drive him to study at the University of Ingolstadt, where he delves into the realms of chemistry and alchemy.

Victor is characterized by his obsessive ambition, intelligence, and determination. As the story progresses, his single-minded pursuit of knowledge leads to devastating consequences, highlighting his inability to foresee the repercussions of his actions. His initial enthusiasm and pride gradually transform into guilt and despair as he faces the fallout from his creation.

Victor's role as the creator of the Monster sets the entire narrative in motion. His abandonment of the Creature results in a cascade of tragedies that affect everyone around him, including his family and friends. Victor's actions and their consequences drive the novel's exploration of themes such as responsibility, the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the moral limits of scientific inquiry.

Why Does Frankenstein Create the Monster?

Victor's creation of the Monster stems from his insatiable quest for knowledge and his desire to achieve greatness by conquering the boundaries of life and death. He seeks to prove himself as a pioneer in the scientific world, but his failure to consider the ethical implications of his work leads to his downfall.

The Monster

The Monster, brought to life through Victor's scientific experiments, begins its existence with an innocent and childlike nature. Despite its grotesque appearance, it initially seeks love, acceptance, and understanding from its creator and society.

The Monster's transformation from innocence to vengefulness is fueled by repeated rejections and harsh treatment from humans. Its growing sense of isolation and abandonment by Victor leads it to embrace a path of revenge against its creator.

The Monster is intelligent, articulate, and capable of deep emotional reflection. Throughout the novel, it evolves from a naive being into a figure of profound tragedy, driven by its longing for companionship and its frustration with constant rejection.

The Monster symbolizes the consequences of irresponsible scientific experimentation and the darker aspects of human nature. It embodies themes of isolation, the need for acceptance, and the impact of societal rejection on individuals.

The Monster kills William, Victor's younger brother, as an act of revenge against Victor. The Creature hopes that by inflicting pain on Victor's loved ones, it will force Victor to understand the suffering and loneliness it has endured.

Elizabeth Lavenza

Elizabeth Lavenza, Victor's beloved cousin and fiancée, plays a significant role in his life. Their relationship is marked by deep affection and loyalty, and she represents a source of comfort and stability for Victor. Elizabeth's presence in the story highlights the themes of love and domestic happiness. Her tragic fate on their wedding night serves as the ultimate consequence of Victor's actions, emphasizing the far-reaching impact of his creation.

Why Does Frankenstein Leave Elizabeth Alone on Their Wedding Night?

Victor leaves Elizabeth alone on their wedding night because he fears that the Monster will come to kill him. He fails to anticipate that the Creature's true target is Elizabeth, leading to her untimely death and adding to Victor's anguish and guilt.

Henry Clerval

Henry Clerval, Victor's childhood friend, serves as a moral contrast to Victor. He is compassionate, empathetic, and grounded, embodying the humanistic values that Victor overlooks in his obsessive quest for knowledge.

Clerval's role in the story is to highlight the importance of balance between ambition and humanity. His friendship provides Victor with moments of respite and reflection, but his eventual murder by the Monster underscores the inescapable consequences of Victor's actions.

Alphonse and Caroline Frankenstein

Alphonse and Caroline Frankenstein, Victor's parents, provide a loving and nurturing environment that shapes Victor's early values. Their emphasis on education and moral responsibility contrasts with Victor's later abandonment of these principles in his scientific pursuits.

Robert Walton

Robert Walton, an Arctic explorer, serves as the frame narrator of the novel. His letters to his sister Margaret provide the outer layer of the story, introducing and concluding Victor's tragic tale.

Walton's own ambition and desire for glory mirror Victor's. His encounter with Victor and hearing his story serves as a cautionary tale, prompting Walton to reconsider the limits of his own pursuits and ultimately choose a different path, emphasizing the novel's message about the dangers of unrestrained ambition.

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Themes and Symbols in Frankenstein

In "Frankenstein," Shelley explores deep themes and symbols that add richness to the story and create a narrative that prompts us to reflect on profound questions about science, society, and human nature. Here, we discuss some of these key Frankenstein symbols that make the book a powerful and enduring work of literature.

Literary Devices and Style

Literary devices and stylistic techniques used in the novel contribute to its depth and help convey the themes more effectively. Let's examine some of these devices and styles used in "Frankenstein."

Narrative Structure

The novel employs a frame narrative, beginning and ending with letters from Robert Walton, an Arctic explorer. This structure is effective because it provides multiple perspectives and layers to the story. Walton's letters introduce Victor Frankenstein and, eventually, the Monster's tale, giving readers a broader view of the events and their impact. By using the perspectives of Walton, Victor, and the Monster, Shelley allows readers to understand different sides of the story, making the motivations and emotions more relatable and complex of the characters in Frankenstein.

Shelley uses several key symbols to deepen the novel's themes. Light symbolizes knowledge and discovery; Victor's pursuit of scientific enlightenment leads to his downfall. Fire represents both the gift and danger of knowledge; the Monster's experience with fire illustrates its power to both sustain and destroy. The Monster's physical appearance symbolizes the unnatural and the consequences of playing God, reflecting society's fear and rejection of the unknown.

Imagery and Descriptive Language

Shelley's use of gothic elements and vivid descriptions creates a dark, eerie atmosphere that enhances the reader's experience. Descriptions of gloomy settings, like the desolate Arctic or the dreary laboratory, evoke a sense of dread and foreboding. These gothic elements amplify the horror of the Monster's existence and Victor's tragic story, making the novel more immersive and emotionally charged.

Foreshadowing and Irony

Foreshadowing and irony are used throughout "Frankenstein" to build tension and enhance the plot. An example of foreshadowing is Victor's recurring nightmares and the ominous weather, hinting at the impending doom. Irony is evident in Victor's creation, which he believes will be a triumph but instead becomes his greatest curse. These devices are significant because they add layers of meaning to the story, highlighting the unintended consequences of Victor's actions and the tragic twists of fate.

10 Frankenstein Quotes

Here are the quotes from "Frankenstein" that capture the novel's profound themes of ambition, creation, responsibility, and the complexities of human emotions, making them pivotal to understanding Mary Shelley's enduring masterpiece.

Frankenstein Movie

There have been quite a few movie adaptations of "Frankenstein" that bring something unique to the table. Universal Studios produced a series of iconic Frankenstein films during the 1930s and 1940s, starting with the 1931 classic directed by James Whale. These films, starring Boris Karloff as the Monster, set the standard for horror cinema and introduced many tropes associated with Frankenstein's Monster.

Also directed by James Whale, "Bride of Frankenstein" (1935) delves deeper into the Monster's desire for companionship, leading to the creation of the Bride of Frankenstein. It introduces Elsa Lanchester as the Bride and further develops the Monster's character.

A more recent 1994 adaptation by Kenneth Branagh takes a more faithful approach to Shelley's novel, emphasizing the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by Victor Frankenstein. It strives to capture the dangers of ambition and the consequences of creation. Branagh's film uses lavish period settings and costumes, aiming to evoke the Gothic atmosphere of the original novel.

Another notable adaptation in 1994, "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein" (1994), directed by Kenneth Branagh, focuses on Mary Shelley's own life and the events that inspired her to write "Frankenstein." It offers a unique perspective by blending biography with fiction, shedding light on the author's motivations and the cultural milieu in which the novel was conceived.

"Victor Frankenstein" (2015), directed by Paul McGuigan, is a modern reinterpretation of the classic tale that focuses on the relationship between Victor and his assistant Igor. The film takes a lighter, more action-oriented approach, exploring the dynamic between Victor and Igor as they push the boundaries of science. It introduces new elements to the story while maintaining the core themes of creation and responsibility.

"Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley remains a powerful and enduring story that has fascinated readers and moviegoers alike for centuries. Through its exploration of ambition, responsibility, and the consequences of playing God, Shelley's novel continues to resonate with audiences.

From the chilling horror of early films to modern interpretations that delve into the complexities of scientific ethics, "Frankenstein" has evolved on screen while staying true to its timeless themes. Each adaptation brings new perspectives and visual styles, captivating audiences with its portrayal of Victor Frankenstein's ambition and the Monster's tragic quest for acceptance.

As we reflect on "Frankenstein," we are reminded of its enduring message about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the profound impact of our creations. It challenges us to consider the ethical implications of scientific progress and the fundamental questions of what it means to be human.

What is the Main Point of Frankenstein?

What is the summary of the story of victor frankenstein.

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• Key plot details - Plot summary - AQA - GCSE English Literature Revision - AQA . (n.d.). BBC Bitesize. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z2s3j6f/revision/2
• SparkNotes: Frankenstein: Plot Overview . (2019). Sparknotes.com. https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/frankenstein/summary/
• Frankenstein — Study Guide — CliffsNotes . (n.d.). Www.cliffsnotes.com. https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/frankenstein

Frankenstein

Background of the novel, historical context.

This genre was originated by Horace Walpole with the publication of his novel The Castle of Otranto in 1764. The novel was subtitled as “A Gothic Novel” in the second edition. The main characteristic of the gothic literature is that it focuses on the emotions and terror (pleasurable terror).

The writers of the “Age of Reason” had sometimes started believing in the “infinite perfectibility of man.” However, gothic literature presented man as miserably imperfect and dependent on the mercy of higher and powerful forces of nature and death.

Literary Context

Frankenstein summary.

In Switzerland, Frankenstein has been living a perfect childhood. He has a loving family that adopts needy orphans. Among the orphans, there was a beautiful Elizabeth who then became the closest friend, love, and confidant of Victor Frankenstein. Frankenstein also has another best friend, Henry Clerval, who was also wonderful and caring. His mother died due to scarlet fever when Victor turned seventeen years old and went to the University of Ingolstadt. 

Frankenstein Characters Analysis

Victor frankenstein.

The Monster kills his brother, best friend, and newly wedded wife. The Monster also indirectly kills two other people: Justin Moritz and Victor’s father. Victor was highly ashamed of his act of creating the Monster; however, he does not tell anyone about the horror he has created even when it is getting out of control.

The Monster

It is the mad scientific creation of Victor Frankenstein. Victor creates him from the old body and parts and chemicals. When he is born, he is eight feet tall and immensely strong; however, he has a mind of a newborn. Victor abandoned him for his horrifying looks. He is highly confused and tries to assimilate into the society of humans, but society also rejected him. When he looks into the mirror, he realizes his ugliness that prevents society from looking deep into his inner goodness.

Robert Walton

He is the main narrator of the story. He narrates the story through letters to his sister. He is the captain of the ship bound to the North Pole. The ship is entrapped between the ices. When they are waiting for the ice to melt, he and his crew members rescue Victor, entrapped in the braking ice, while chasing the Monster for revenge. When Victor recovers from his illness, he tells his account of his life to Walton and then soon dies. Walton’s meaningful and strong friendship with Victor is about to form that he dies, and he laments over his death.

Elizabeth Lavenza

She is the adopted sister of Victor Frankenstein. She turns into his best friend, confidant, lover, and, ultimately, his wife. In the novel, she is the mother figure. When the mother of Frankenstein is dying, she wishes for Elizabeth to replace her place.

Henry Clerval

Alphonse frankenstein, william frankenstein.

He is the youngest brother of Frankenstein. He is dear to everyone in the family. He is killed by the Monster in the woods outside Geneva to seek revenge from Frankenstein for creating him and then abandoning him. The death of William makes Frankenstein very guilty for creating the Monster.

Justine Moritz

Caroline beaufort  , themes in frankenstein, treacherous knowledge, sublime nature, miscreation and monstrosity.

For most of the critics, the novel itself is monstrous as it is the combination of the multiple texts, voices, and tenses.

Family, Society, Isolation

In the preface of the novel, Shelly claims the novel to be a pleasing representation of “domestic affection.” In the novel, full of tragedy, murder, and despair, this claim seems to be strange and weird. In fact, in the novel, all these murders, despair, and tragedy occur because of the lack of association with both family and society. 

In other words, the real evil in the novel is neither the Monster nor Frankenstein; it is the alienation and isolation. Victor isolates himself from his family and society in the pursuit of knowledge; therefore, he does not realize his responsibilities towards the society and the consequences of his actions.

Similarly, the evil nature of the Monster is nor by birth but by his abandonment by society. He is filled with anger and hate and wants to isolate Victor the way he is isolated. Therefore, isolation from society and family is the worst fate that a person can have and is the root cause of evilness in the world.

Determination and Failure

However, he fails to fulfill his responsibility as a creator, thus highlighting his failure. He thinks to be like a god; however, he ends up being the father of a devil. Walton soon realizes the danger of his determination and prevents himself and his crew from dying; however, he does not give up on his ambition in a positive mood but says that his glory is robbed. This suggests that all people who try to seek ambitions above anything, they are nothing but “unfashioned creatures” who have faulty and weak natures. 

When Victor creates the Monster, he has horrible looks but is innocent and has an open heart. When he receives the mistreatment from his creator Victor and from society, he becomes angry and vengeful. This behavior of the Monster is understandable as he gets hurt by the unfair treatment and rejection and wants to hurt them back. When Felix attacks the monster and escapes with the peasants, he says that his heart is now filled with the feeling of hatred and revenge, and “I bent my mind towards injury and death.” The monster wants to isolate Victor from society as he is isolated. For him, revenge is more dear to him than food and light.

Lost Innocence

The novel Frankenstein is the illustration of the loss of youthful innocence. The most apparent case is Victor, the protagonist of the novel. Victor is a highly ambitious man and wants to change the world with his creation. He wants to explore the mysterious powers and gain knowledge of the hidden mysteries of creation.

Frankenstein Literary Analysis

However, Victor reignites the conflict when he gives up on creating the female monster and throws away the remains of his works in the sea. Unaware of the consequences of his action, his reckless choice makes the Monster vow revenge against him. The Monster killed his friend Henry Clerval and his newly wedded wife, Elizabeth.

Abstract ideas and concepts in a literary text are represented by objects, characters, and figures. Following are the symbols in the novel Frankenstein by Merry Shelley

Fire and Light

Passive women, setting of the novel.

The story of the novel Frankenstein is set in Switzerland. The country is in central Europe. Mary Shelley was living in Switzerland when she started writing the novel.

Gothic Novel

With the employment of elements of secrecy, mystery, and disturbing psychology, the novel Frankenstein belongs to the genre of Gothic literature. The novel is an account of the doomed monster of Dr. Frankenstein. The Gothic novel initiated as a literary genre in the 1750s. The genre has the characteristics of secretive and mysterious events, supernatural elements, ancient setting, isolated locations, and mental undercurrents that are associated with the repressed sexuality or family dynamics.

The novel provides an obscure description of the procedure that Victor uses to create the Monster. His dialogue “Who shall conceive the horrors of my secret toil” increases the horror instigating the reader to imagine the procedure itself. The action of the novel mostly took place in the nighttime with mysterious circumstances. 

Frankenstein also falls short of the traditions of Gothic literature. In contrast to traditional Gothic elements like ghosts, etc., the birth of the Monster is not mysterious but deliberate. The questions of his birth and creation are known to the readers.

Science Fiction

Frankenstein also initiates the genre of science fiction. According to many critics, Frankenstein is the first novel of science fiction. The genre of science fiction deals with the speculations about the possible applications of scientific advancement and technology. The rules necessary to maintain order in life have lapsed in the science fiction novels.

For instance, in science fiction, the common practice is the existence of life out of the earth. Science fiction novels can be used to criticize contemporary society implicitly through scientific developments and fictional technologies.

Point of View

After listening to the story of Victor, Walton admires his experiences. When Victor reaches in the story to the episode in which he meets the Monster, the narration shifts to the Monster. The Monster narrates his miseries in the first person.

Initially, the readers and Victor both assume the monster to be inhumane and barbaric; however, listening to his perspective, both realize the kindness and innocence of the monster. The narration again changes to Victor, who continues his story. The novel ends with the narration of Walton, who ends the story from the first-person point of view.

More From Mary Shelley

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