Lecture Notes: "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley

Introduction

• Presentation by Sparky Sweets
• Celebratory theme: Halloween
• Focus: "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley

Plot Overview

• Narrative Frame: Walton meets Frankenstein at the North Pole and Victor shares his life story.
• Victor Frankenstein: Obsessed with science ("natural philosophy") and his cousin, Elizabeth.
• Creation of Life: Victor's college experiments lead to the creation of a monster.
• Monster's Loneliness: After being abandoned, the monster learns from a village family but is rejected by society.
• Monster's Demand: The monster asks Victor to create a mate.
• Victor's Refusal: Fears of "monster babies" lead Victor to refuse the monster's request.
• Consequences: The monster kills Victor's bride, Elizabeth.
• Pursuit and Death: Victor chases the monster but dies before fulfilling his quest.
• Monster's Realization: Lonely and despairing, the monster accepts death.

Themes and Symbolism

• Modern Prometheus: Reference to Greek mythology and parallels between Victor and Prometheus.
  • Prometheus created humans and stole fire from the gods.
  • Victor's creation brings suffering to him and others—analogous to Prometheus' punishment.
• Biblical Allusions:
  • Comparison of the monster's creation with Adam's in Eden.
  • The monster's experiences parallel the biblical "fall" from paradise.
• Milton's "Paradise Lost":
  • The monster identifies with Satan's despair and anger.
  • Quotes reflecting acceptance of evil due to despair.
• Ethics and Morality:
  • Examination of good vs. evil.
  • Nature vs. nurture debate regarding the monster's actions.
  • Question of responsibility between creator (Victor) and creation (the monster).

Conclusion

• Reflection on the similarities between Victor and the monster.
• Thematic question: Are individuals inherently good or evil?
• Societal influences versus innate tendencies.
• Responsibility of creation and consequences.

Closing

• Prompt for future content: Tune in next week.
• Halloween farewell from Sparky Sweets.