Novel Review; Frankenstein

An early 19th century novel, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, famously introduces the concept of Science Fiction to literature, as well as maintains Romanticism and Gothic elements throughout the story. Shelley’s novel has inspired several other works, such as several Frankenstein movie or play renditions, to include childhood films or cartoons, such as Frankenweenie. Seventeen years old at the time, Mary Shelley wrote a novel exhibiting controversial subjects, primarily the creation of  human life by a human; thus, displaying several “god-like” qualities. The novel begins with a frame story about a ship captain, Robert Walton, interested in adventure and scientific exploration; writing frequent letters to his sister, Walton describes his journey thus far and introduces the reader to the primary protagonist, Victor Frankenstein, depicted as the “stranger” that comes aboard the ship. From that point, the reader follows Victor Frankenstein from childhood to young adulthood, on his personal journey toward the studying the field of science. The reader is encompassed with eerie scenes of Frankenstein’s obsession with creating human life, and finally succeeding; creating a “being of a gigantic stature; that is to say, about eight feet in height, and proportionably large” (Shelley 32). A few chapters following, we are introduced to the creature’s point of view struggling with his abandonment and settlement into this new existence. Following the perspective of both these protagonists, which are in turn each other’s antagonist, flips back and forth resulting in several murders with motive of revenge and mental decay with broken spirits.

The beautifully woven novel contains an intricate frame story, setting both the scene and mood for the remainder of the tale. Similarly, Frankenstein induces the reader to think and sympathize with a creature that throughout the duration of the story is labeled a monster; thus the internal struggle that Victor experiences is also put in the reader’s hands. Likewise, the intermingled plot lines of Robert Walton meeting Victor on the ship and having the story narrated by Victor himself, creates multiple levels of depth; creating a near tangible experience for the reader. Additionally, Shelley includes several biblical allusions, such as “I allowed my thoughts, unchecked by reason, to ramble in the fields of Paradise and dared to fancy amiable and lovely creatures sympathising with my feelings and cheering my gloom; their angelic countenances breathed smiles of consolation. But it was all a dream; no Eve sooth my sorrows nor shared my thoughts; I was alone. I remembered Adam’s supplication to his Creator. But where was mine?” (Shelley 94). These allusions creates a stronger bond between the reader and usually the creature, since that is when they are often used the most. Having the reader contemplate whether or not the creature should be defined as a monster is the greatest strength Shelley incorporated due to the common feeling humans tend to experience during our lowest of low points.

Hence, while Mary Shelley constructed a magnificent work of literature, I found that throughout her tale, she lacked any strong, active or even leading female role. Although there are several novels not including intense female roles, the passive character of Elizabeth seemed to be strange and irrelevant almost to the tale itself. Similarly, Elizabeth did not seem to fit into the storyline with such strong and compelling characters. With feminism on the rise during the time period, the lack of strength or even importance in Elizabeth’s being was rather shocking; especially due to Mary Wollstonecraft, Mary Shelley’s mother, being an activist of the feminist movement. To exemplify Elizabeth’s characterization, she is described as merely “devoted”, particularly to “whom she had been taught to call her uncle and cousins” (Shelley 24). I felt that Elizabeth’s character melted into the background of the chaos throughout the novel when often I perceived she could have played vital roles in the story telling.

I found Shelley’s novel Frankenstein to be a heart wrenching and stunning portrayal of the human condition, as well as an in depth depiction of what it truly means to be human. With the opening of the tale, the great contrast of both Walton and Victor, intermingled with comparison is a wonderful frame within the frame story, as if a parallel is being drawn within a parallel. Concurrently, I believed the minor character’s in Victor’s life, primarily Henry and Elizabeth, to be sort of reflections of himself; establishing yet again, a mirror element. Likewise, I found the deep and raw human emotions expressed in the creature made his entire experience extremely representative of the human condition while he is especially noted as not being a human. For example, the creature states “the disquisitions upon death and suicide were calculated to fill [him] with wonder” (Shelley 91), creating a smaller gap between what the creature is portrayed to be and what he truly is, which is spectacularly close to human. Reading this novel, ripped my heart and soul; wishing to be more sympathetic to those who feel out casted or utterly alone.

Finally, any notion of Shelley not being a magnificent writer is entirely false in my eyes. She created a piece of art that moved and tore at the edges of my mind; her novel Frankenstein may be seen as a superb example of what it is to write literature. With the introduction of science fiction, as well as incorporating romanticism and gothic elements, Frankenstein appeals to readers on several levels of genre and emotion. Her riveting, suspenseful novel is detailed yet candid in value; again, creating a marvelous contrast with intricacy and simplicity. Her perfectly written words bleed through the pages and seep into the hearts of the readers. I would recommend this novel to anyone and everyone, it is a complete must read and an easy five out of five stars.