Frankenstein Literary Analysis Essay

Gweneth Ellingson

Heather Yarber

AP English Literature and Composition 8 April 2023

Literary Analysis

What makes a monster? Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a classic Gothic novel that explores the theme of monstrosity through the characters of Victor Frankenstein and his creation. Throughout the novel, Shelley examines what makes something a monster, how society views monsters, and how monstrosity functions within the narrative. Through the characters in the novel Frankenstein, as well as the structure of the narrative, Mary Shelley demonstrates that monstrosity is not solely defined by physical appearance, but rather by the actions and intentions of an individual and that society’s perception of monsters is often based on fear and ignorance.

Victor Frankenstein is often viewed as the original monster of the tale due to his reckless pursuit of knowledge and his creation of the “monster.” Although Frankenstein is physically human, his actions and intentions are what make him monstrous. As he states “I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body. For this I had deprived myself of rest and health” (Shelley 38). His ambition and lack of concern for the consequences of his actions ultimately lead to the destruction of those around him, making him a monster.

Frankenstein’s creation is first seen as a monster due to his physical appearance. His features are so frightening that even his creator cannot bear to look at him. However, as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that the creature’s actions and intentions are what make him monstrous. Despite his initial attempts to be accepted by society, he is rejected and forced to live

Ellingson

The author developed many layers of storytelling throughout the novel. The book starts by introducing the reader to an “R. Walton.” (Shelley 4). Walton is a passionate man, who writes letters to his sister about his explorations of the Arctic. Walton then introduces the reader to Dr. Frankenstein, when he decides to transcribe Frankenstein’s story to send to his sister. Frankenstein’s tale eventually includes a retelling of his creation’s story. The creation’s story also includes the life story of a family he spied on. All of these layers to the method of storytelling add up to a tangled and confusing knot, reminiscent of a chain of gossip. R. Walton writes in anticipation of sharing Frankenstein’s story, “This manuscript will doubtless afford you the greatest pleasure;” (Shelley 17). Walton’s phrasing shows a sort of disconnect from the weight of Frankenstein’s story. He describes it as something to entertain his sister, which diminishes any sympathy he provides for the doctor later in his letters. The characters each view the story they tell as something of a spectacle. This aspect of gossip in the structure of the narrative allows Shelley to make a more subtle commentary on society’s treatment of those they view as “monsters.” The creation is so dehumanized it does not even receive a real name from any one of the storytellers. People ostracize those they are initially afraid of, yet are endlessly