Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is a groundbreaking Gothic novel that explores themes of ambition, creation, and the consequences of playing god.
The story follows Dr. Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but obsessed scientist who creates a sapient creature in his laboratory. Through his studies of chemistry and alchemy at Ingolstadt University, Victor discovers the secret of animating lifeless matter. Driven by ambition, he assembles a being from stolen body parts and brings it to life using electricity. However, upon succeeding, Victor is horrified by his creation's hideous appearance and abandons it. The creature, often incorrectly called "Frankenstein" but never actually given a name in the novel, is left to fend for itself in a hostile world.
The abandoned creature, despite its frightening appearance, develops human emotions and intelligence through observing a family and teaching itself to read. When it seeks acceptance from its creator and human society but faces only rejection and violence, the creature turns vengeful. It systematically destroys Victor's life by killing his loved ones, including his young brother William, his friend Henry Clerval, and his bride Elizabeth. The novel culminates in Victor pursuing his creation to the Arctic in an obsessive quest for revenge. The story is framed through letters written by Arctic explorer Robert Walton, who encounters Victor during this pursuit. After Victor's death, the creature expresses remorse and vows to end its own life, disappearing into the Arctic wilderness. The novel has spawned numerous Frankenstein Films and adaptations, becoming a cornerstone of both Gothic literature and science fiction. While "Gab es Victor Frankenstein wirklich" (Was Victor Frankenstein real?) is a common question, the character is fictional, though inspired by scientific discussions of the time about galvanism and the nature of life itself. The story continues to resonate with modern audiences through its exploration of scientific ethics, human nature, and the responsibility of creators toward their creations.