Frankenstein by Mary Shelley tells the tragic story of ambitious scientist Victor Frankenstein and his infamous creation.
The novel begins with explorer Robert Walton finding Victor Frankenstein in the Arctic, where the scientist shares his life story. As a young student in Ingolstadt, Victor becomes obsessed with unlocking the secrets of life and death. Through extensive scientific experiments, he successfully creates a living being from assembled body parts. However, upon animating his creation, Victor is horrified by its hideous appearance and abandons it. The creature, intelligent but shunned by society due to its appearance, becomes lonely and bitter. It learns language and reason by secretly observing a family, but when they reject him too, he seeks revenge on his creator.
The creature murders Victor's younger brother William and frames the family servant Justine, who is executed for the crime. When Victor meets his creation in the mountains, the creature demands that Victor make him a female companion. Victor initially agrees but later destroys the female creature, fearing they might reproduce. In retaliation, the monster kills Victor's best friend Henry Clerval and his new bride Elizabeth on their wedding night. The story culminates in Victor pursuing his creation to the Arctic, where he dies on Walton's ship. The creature, finding Victor dead, expresses remorse and vows to end its own life. The novel explores profound themes of ambition, responsibility, and the dangers of unchecked scientific progress. Through its complex narrative, Frankenstein raises enduring questions about the nature of humanity, the relationship between creator and creation, and the moral implications of scientific advancement. The story has become a cornerstone of Gothic literature and continues to resonate with modern readers, spawning countless adaptations and interpretations across various media.
