Frankenstein by Mary Shelly is a science fiction novel that dives deep into human emotions, questions existence and examines good versus evil. We all know the story so I thought! But it is nothing like it has been portrayed and nothing like I expected. Frankenstein is the Scientist and his creation is “the monster”. The writing is rich with so much emotion and has so much depth. It is beautifully written and it really captivated me with the tragic storyline and language.
About the story:
Frankenstein creates this monster and the monster learns to read and speak. He reads books and observes humans. He wants to be able to express him self and be a part of the people around him. He feels alone and one day approaches cottagers to ask that he stay with them. Because of his “hideous” appearance they run and scream away from him. The monster questions his own existence. The more he learns about humanity the more he feels alienated. He possesses nothing like the people around him.
“Was I, then, a monster, a blot upon the earth, from which all men fled and whom all men disowned? I cannot describe to you the agony that these reflections inflicted upon me: I tried to dispel them, but sorrow only increased with knowledge.” Pg108
The monster fights with his emotions and his mind. He fights with nature and the elements around him. He feels so alone. He has no family, friends or loved ones. He has no recollection of being held by a mother and a father.
“But where were my friends and relations? No father had watched my infant days, no mother had blessed me with smiles and caresses;” pg.109
The book is written from different perspectives. One from the monster’s perspective and then from Frankenstein’s perspective. We also get dialogue from loved ones and other characters. Frankenstein feels sickened that he has created such a creature. The monster’s self hatred increases and he seeks to find Frankenstein to ask him to create a woman for him. Frankenstein’s discussion with the monster made me feel like I’m listening into their conversation and made me question who’s side I’m on. On one side I feel that creating yet another monster will not be a good idea and on the other hand the monster is so alone and empty inside and needs company. Frankenstein then describes how the monster is so evil and he fears that if he creates another like him it might be double the trouble. He also says that the female monster might find the original monster just as hideous and ugly.
Then the monster threatens Frankenstein. Frankenstein starts the second monster creation but stops. The monster intimidates Frankenstein and tells him that he will be there on his wedding day. Frankenstein feels that this is his doom. A destiny that can’t be avoided because he is the creator of this horrible creature.
By this point I dislike the creature because he has murdered people and now threatens Frankenstein. But then a part of me still feels bad for him because it is not his fault for looking the way he does or even for his existence. Should Frankenstein go through this torture from this monster? They both have their reasons and make decisions that challenge each other and their feelings and words create this dual friction. The monster says that his agony is superior to Frankenstein’s agony.
Mary Shelley creates this environment around each place that is so well balanced with the characters mood and feeling. I really envisioned many parts of story like the second monster laying there half created and specially the physicality of Frankenstein at the end of the book. There are so many beautiful parts to this story. It takes you on a journey and yes I cried at the end. I will not giveaway the ending. You must read this book. I listened to the book as I read along. It made it very enjoyable. This is on my list of favourite books ever!
5/5
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