Frankenstein

Definition

Frankenstein is a novel written by Mary Shelley, published in 1818, that tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a sentient creature through an unorthodox scientific experiment. The narrative explores themes of ambition, isolation, and the quest for knowledge while delving into the consequences of playing God, which resonates deeply within Gothic literature and religious symbolism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The full title of the novel is 'Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus,' highlighting the connection between Victor Frankenstein and the myth of Prometheus.
2. The creature in Frankenstein is often mischaracterized as 'Frankenstein,' but it is actually Victor who is the true creator and bearer of that name.
3. Gothic elements in the novel include dark settings like graveyards and abandoned castles, which evoke fear and mystery throughout the narrative.
4. The theme of isolation is prevalent as both Victor and his creature experience profound loneliness and alienation from society due to their choices and actions.
5. Religious symbolism is woven throughout the story, particularly in how Victor's ambition mirrors the act of creation traditionally attributed to a divine being.

Review Questions

• How does Mary Shelley's Frankenstein reflect the characteristics of Gothic literature?
  • Frankenstein embodies Gothic literature through its use of dark settings, emotional intensity, and supernatural elements. The novel creates an atmosphere filled with dread and foreboding, especially through Victor's haunted psyche and the creature's tragic existence. The eerie landscapes and haunting themes of isolation contribute to its Gothic nature, immersing readers in a world where horror intertwines with profound existential questions.
• Analyze how the character of Victor Frankenstein serves as a representation of Prometheus and what this reveals about the dangers of unchecked ambition.
  • Victor Frankenstein mirrors Prometheus as both figures defy natural boundaries through their quests for knowledge and creation. This parallel emphasizes how Victor's unchecked ambition leads to catastrophic consequences not only for himself but also for those around him. His desire to play God results in a creature that embodies suffering and rejection, highlighting the moral implications of overreaching ambition and the responsibilities that come with creation.
• Evaluate the significance of religious symbolism in Frankenstein, particularly regarding themes of creation and responsibility.
  • Religious symbolism in Frankenstein plays a crucial role in exploring themes of creation and responsibility. Victor's act of creating life can be seen as a challenge to divine authority, echoing Biblical narratives about humanity's relationship with God. This tension raises questions about moral responsibility towards one's creations. The suffering experienced by both creator and creature serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of neglecting ethical obligations that accompany acts of creation, suggesting that true understanding comes with acknowledging one's limits.

Related terms

Gothic Literature: A genre characterized by dark settings, supernatural elements, and emotional extremes, often exploring themes of horror and the human psyche.

Prometheus: In Greek mythology, Prometheus is the Titan who stole fire from the gods to give to humanity, symbolizing the quest for knowledge and the risks of defiance against divine authority.

The Sublime: A concept in aesthetics that refers to an overwhelming sense of beauty or terror in nature, often evoking awe and reflecting the relationship between humanity and the divine.