Everything you need to know to read "Frankenstein" - Iseult Gillespie

Summary

In 1815, Mary Shelley, inspired by a literary challenge at Lord Byron's villa, began writing 'Frankenstein,' a gothic tale exploring the tension between creator and creation. The novel tells the story of Dr. Victor Frankenstein, who brings a monster to life through science, only to abandon it in horror. Shelley intertwines themes of creation, destruction, and the consequences of human ambition, referencing the myth of Prometheus. The novel's gothic elements and personal tragedies from Shelley's life, such as loss and childbirth, are reflected in its haunting narrative, blending emotion, nature, and science.

Takeaways

• 🌋 The eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815 led to 'The Year Without a Summer,' influencing Mary Shelley and others to spend their vacation indoors.
• 📚 Lord Byron proposed a ghost story writing challenge during this time, which sparked the idea for Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein.'
• 🧟‍♂️ Contrary to popular depictions, Frankenstein's monster in the novel is nameless, while 'Frankenstein' refers to Dr. Victor Frankenstein, the creator.
• ⚡ The book explores Dr. Frankenstein's quest to create life from dead matter, which results in a monster that he immediately regrets creating.
• 🔥 'Frankenstein' is subtitled 'The Modern Prometheus,' referencing the Greek myth of Prometheus, who suffered for giving knowledge to humanity.
• 🌱 The Romantic movement, of which Mary Shelley was part, often viewed nature as pure and held suspicion toward modern science.
• 👻 Gothic themes like eerie settings, unease, and the grotesque are central to the novel, blending with Shelley's personal trauma.
• 👩‍👧 Mary Shelley lost her mother at birth and faced her own tragic experiences with childbirth, which some critics believe influenced the novel's themes.
• 🌀 The monster in 'Frankenstein' is a distorted reflection of the natural life cycle, representing the consequences of corrupting nature.
• 💡 The novel explores themes of creation and destruction, warning about the ethical dangers of seeking knowledge and power without regard for consequences.

Q & A

What event in 1815 influenced the atmosphere in which Mary Shelley created 'Frankenstein'?

The eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815 led to a period known as 'The Year Without a Summer,' which caused a gloomy and dark environment, influencing the setting where Mary Shelley began writing 'Frankenstein.'

How did Mary Shelley come up with the idea for 'Frankenstein'?

Mary Shelley was inspired to write 'Frankenstein' during a vacation with Lord Byron and Percy Shelley at Lake Geneva. Lord Byron proposed a challenge to write the most chilling ghost story, sparking the idea in 18-year-old Mary.

What is the common misconception about Frankenstein's monster?

A common misconception is that the monster is named Frankenstein. In reality, Frankenstein is the name of the monster's creator, Dr. Victor Frankenstein, while the monster itself remains nameless in the book.

What is the main conflict in the relationship between Dr. Frankenstein and his monster?

The main conflict is the struggle between creator and creation. Dr. Frankenstein is horrified by the monster he has made, and the monster, abandoned, seeks revenge on his creator, leading to a chilling chase between the two.

Why did Mary Shelley subtitle 'Frankenstein' as 'The Modern Prometheus'?

Mary Shelley subtitled 'Frankenstein' as 'The Modern Prometheus' to reference the Greek myth of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity. Like Prometheus, Dr. Frankenstein tampered with nature's power, and both suffered consequences for defying natural limits.

How did the Romantic period influence the themes in 'Frankenstein'?

As a prominent Romantic, Mary Shelley incorporated themes from the Romantic movement, including an appreciation for nature, emotion, and art. The Romantics viewed science with suspicion, and 'Frankenstein' is one of the first cautionary tales about the dangers of unchecked scientific experimentation.

What personal tragedies in Mary Shelley's life influenced 'Frankenstein'?

Mary Shelley's personal tragedies, including the death of her mother shortly after her birth and the loss of several of her own children, influenced the themes in 'Frankenstein.' The story explores themes of birth, creation, and destruction, reflecting Shelley's grief and trauma.

How does 'Frankenstein' reflect the gothic genre?

'Frankenstein' incorporates gothic elements such as eerie settings, a sense of unease, grotesque imagery, and the fear of oblivion. These elements create a dark and haunting atmosphere throughout the novel.

What is Dr. Frankenstein's fatal flaw, or hamartia, in the novel?

Dr. Frankenstein's fatal flaw is his god complex and his desire for glory. He attempts to break the boundaries between life and death, but his pursuit of knowledge and power leads to disastrous consequences.

What symbolic significance does fire hold in 'Frankenstein'?

Fire in 'Frankenstein' symbolizes both knowledge and destruction, reflecting the myth of Prometheus and the consequences of playing with dangerous forces. It also represents the power of radical ideas to illuminate and expose dark truths in life.