Frankenstein Research Paper

Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus, is a novel by Mary Shelley that has become a literary and cultural icon since its publication in 1818, almost 200 years ago. The novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young student of science who creates a living creature using body parts from corpses, but then abandons it when he realizes the consequences of his actions. Throughout the novel, Shelley explores themes of ambition, ethics, responsibility, and the nature of life, death, and humanity. This paper will examine some of the key themes and ideas of Frankenstein, as well as its cultural and historical significance, its style and structure, and its critical reception.

Mary Shelley was only 18 years old when she began writing Frankenstein,

The novel was published anonymously in 1818, but soon became a bestseller and was praised for its originality and Gothic horror style. Shelley’s novel was influenced by the Romantic movement, which emphasized emotions over reason, nature over civilization, and individualism over conformity. It was also heavily influenced by the scientific and intellectual debates of the time, particularly the work of scientists like Luigi Galvani and Erasmus Darwin, who were studying the nature of electricity and the possibility of animating dead matter. Themes One of the main themes of Frankenstein is the dangers of ambition and unchecked scientific progress. Victor Frankenstein is driven by his desire to create life, but he does not fully consider the consequences of his actions. He becomes so focused on his project that he neglects his family, friends, and even his own moral and ethical values. He is also consumed by guilt and fear when he realizes the horrific nature of what he has created. The novel suggests that the pursuit of knowledge and power can be dangerous and ultimately self-destructive. Another important theme in Frankenstein is the question of what it means to be human.

The novel has been adapted into numerous films, plays, and other media, and has become an enduring symbol of Gothic horror and the dangers of unchecked ambition. The creature has become an iconic figure in popular culture, and is often portrayed as a sympathetic or tragic character who is misunderstood by society. The novel has also been read as a commentary on the social and political issues of the time. Many critics have argued that the book is a critique of the Enlightenment, which emphasized reason and rationality over emotion and instinct. The novel suggests that science and reason alone cannot create a utopian society, and that human nature is more complex and unpredictable than that. The novel also explores issues of class, gender, and power, as well as the relationship between creator and creation. Critical Reception Frankenstein was initially met with mixed reviews, with some critics praising its originality and creativity, while others criticized its gloomy and disturbing subject matter. However, the book became more popular over time, and was eventually recognized as a classic of Gothic literature and a pioneering work of science fiction. Many