“Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley is an English classic, widely recognised as one of the origins of science fiction literature. The novel employs Gothic and Romantic elements while transforming fictional material into real subjects —human values and social critique—. Shelley describes the unfortunate tale of Victor Frankenstein and his creation, an unnamed monster. Together, they develop a toxic relationship charged with guilt, anger, revenge, and oblivion.
The author uses a frame narrative. The external frame is Captain Walton, communicating the story to his sister through letters. The second frame is Victor Frankenstein exploring his biography and vision of the world. Finally, the deepest frame is the monster, experiencing life, human necessities, and confronting rejection from everyone, even those he loves. Considering the time of its writing—after the French Revolution but before the Second World War—, it is noteworthy that our sense of fear has changed so much from then to now. Among the themes, first, it is interesting that Shelley allows the monster —a horrific creature— to develop feelings, to seek education denied by his creator, and to yearn for community acceptance and romantic love. Second, the fate of the monster serves as a social critique: social groups create their monsters through rejection. Finally, not less important is the creator-creation conflict, which involves guilt, responsibility, and the quest to be close to love and community.
This book is a classic. Classics transcend time through their universal values. I appreciate its profound beauty and recommend it to everyone. 5 out of 5
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