FRANKENSTEIN 

Written by MARY SHELLEY

-SUMMARY

-THEME

-GOTHIC ELEMENTS

QUESTION: Why does Frankenstein create the Monster?Why does the Monster 

want revenge?

OR

Discuss the major themes present in "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley 

and explain how they contribute to the overall message of the novel.

Answer: Frankenstein is an 1818 novel by Mary Shelley that was republished in 1831 in a more widely read edition. It is often considered to be the first science fiction novel because of how it combines real scientific research with some speculative elements. 

The novel also has elements of the horror and gothic genres. Frankenstein opens with a sailor named Robert Walton writing letters to his sister about his voyage to the North Pole. While in the Arctic, Walton finds Victor Frankenstein who has been trying to travel across the ice using a dogsled but has grown weak and sick. Victor tells Walton his life story, starting with his upbringing in Geneva and his choice to attend medical school.

At medical school, Frankenstein became obsessed with the idea of life and death and eventually figured out how to create life from death by using electricity to reanimate dead tissue. He spent many months creating a being using this method. It worked one night, and he managed to bring his creation to life. When he saw the creature move, however, he was horrified by how monstrous it  looked, and he abandoned the being before falling into a months-long fever. When he recovered, Victor learns that his younger brother William-had been murdered by his creature, and an innocent woman was executed for the crime.During a walk in the mountains, Victor encountered his creature. The monster told Victor about what had happened since his abandonment. He talked about learning to survive on his own and spending many months living in a lean-to beside a family's house. He tried to connect with the family members, but they, like Victor, shunned him. He encountered William and murdered him when William responded to him with fear as well. The creature, who understands that he will never be accepted by human society, asks Victor to create a female companion for him. Victor reluctantly agrees.When the female creature is almost complete, Victor suddenly changed his mind, fearing what might happen if his creature should reproduce. He destroys his new creation, and the monster, infuriated, vows revenge. In his anger, he killed both Victor's friend, Henry Clerval, and Victor's bride, Elizabeth. Victor began to track his creature so that he could get revenge and followed him all the way to the Arctic.However, he dies on board Walton's ship. Shortly thereafter, the monster arrives. Though he hates Victor, he still mourns his death. The monster tells Walton that he is going out onto the ice to die so that his suffering can end.There are several important themes in Frankenstein that help pull the story together and create a meaningful narrative. These themes include the role of technology and knowledge, the value of appearances, and the importance of familial responsibility.

QUESTION: Explore the characteristics and themes of Gothic literature, providing examples from the novel "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley to illustrate its Gothic elements.

Answer: Here are some key characteristics of Gothic literature:

1. The atmosphere of Mystery and Terror: Gothic literature creates an eerie and unsettling atmosphere through vivid descriptions of gloomy and foreboding settings. It relies on elements such as haunted castles, dark forests, and isolated landscapes to evoke a sense of mystery and terror.

2. Supernatural and Paranormal Elements: Gothic literature often incorporates supernatural and paranormal elements, such as ghosts, vampires, or other creatures of the night. These elements blur the line between the natural and the  supernatural, adding a sense of the inexplicable and the uncanny.

3. Emphasis on Emotions and Psychology: Gothic literature explores intense emotions, often focusing on characters who experience extreme states of fear, terror, and passion. The psychological struggles of the characters and their inner torments play a significant role in creating the Gothic atmosphere.

4. Damsels in Distress and Heroes: Gothic literature often features vulnerable, innocent, and persecuted female characters known as "damsels in distress." These characters are often pursued by menacing figures or trapped in oppressive situations. Heroes, on the other hand, are often flawed and conflicted individuals who must confront dark forces to save the damsel or resolve the conflict.

5. Exploration of Taboo and Forbidden Subjects: Gothic literature delves into taboo subjects and themes, such as madness, death, the supernatural, and the grotesque. It pushes the boundaries of societal norms and confronts the darker aspects of human nature.

6. Uses of Symbolism and Imagery: Symbolism and vivid imagery are prominent in Gothic literature. Objects, settings, and events are often imbued with symbolic meanings, contributing to the overall mood and themes of the story.

7. Setting and Architecture: Gothic literature frequently utilises Gothic architecture or decaying, atmospheric settings such as haunted castles, graveyards, or isolated mansions. These settings enhance the sense of mystery and provide a backdrop for the unfolding events.

8. Exploration of the Sublime: Gothic literature often engages with the concept of the sublime - the awe-inspiring and overwhelming experience of nature's power and grandeur. The sublime evokes a sense of both fear and fascination, and it is frequently used to heighten emotions and create a sense of awe in the reader.