Critical Analysis of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

“Frankenstein” is a novel written by Mary Shelley and published in 1818. The novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a living being from reanimated body parts. The creature, rejected by Frankenstein and society, becomes increasingly angry and vengeful, leading to a tragic conclusion. The novel explores themes of ambition, knowledge’s dangers, and humanity’s nature.

One of the novel’s central themes is the dangers of knowledge and the consequences of playing God. Frankenstein’s ambition to create life ultimately leads to his downfall, as he is unable to control the creature he has created. The novel raises important questions about the ethics of scientific experimentation and the limits of human knowledge, and it explores the idea that there are some things that should not be meddled with.

Another important theme in the novel is the nature of humanity and the idea that all beings, regardless of their appearance, have a right to be treated with dignity and respect. Frankenstein’s rejection of the creature he has created leads to a tragic cycle of violence and revenge, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding in human relationships.

The novel also explores the role of society in shaping individual identity, as the creature’s experience of rejection and isolation leads to a sense of alienation and despair. Shelley uses the character of the creature to examine the idea that social norms and expectations can be oppressive and dehumanizing, and that we must be careful not to judge others based on superficial characteristics.

One of the most striking features of “Frankenstein” is Shelley’s vivid and evocative portrayal of the natural world. The novel is set against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps, and Shelley’s descriptions of the landscape are often breathtaking in their beauty and power. Shelley uses the natural world as a symbol of the sublime, a concept that was popular in Romantic literature, and she imbues the novel with a sense of awe and wonders that is both captivating and unsettling.

In conclusion, “Frankenstein” is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores important themes of ambition, knowledge’s dangers, and humanity’s nature. Shelley’s masterful use of language and her vivid portrayal of the natural world combine to make the novel a timeless classic in English literature. The novel’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to capture the complexities of the human experience and to raise important questions about the role of science, society, and individual identity in our lives.