Lecture Notes: Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus

Introduction

• Title: Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus
• Author: Mary Shelley
• Presented by: Gates of Imagination
• Read by: Arthur Lane

Preface

• The story is based on a concept that, while impossible, allows for exploration of human emotions.
• Inspiration from Paradise Lost, Iliad, Greek tragedies, and Milton's works.
• Written during a rainy summer in Geneva; inspired by ghost stories.

Letters I-IV: Robert Walton's Journey

• Letter I: Walton writes to his sister, Mrs. Saville, from St. Petersburg, excited for his Arctic expedition.
• Letter II: From Archangel, expresses loneliness and longing for a friend.
• Letter III: Voyage progresses, encounters no significant incidents.
• Letter IV: Rescues Victor Frankenstein from an ice floe, begins his tale.

Victor Frankenstein's Narrative

Early Life and Education

• Family Background: Genevese, respected family.
• Childhood: Close with Elizabeth Lavenza, an adopted cousin.
• Friendship: Henry Clerval, mutual love for literature.
• Education: Interest piqued by Cornelius Agrippa, leading to fascination with natural philosophy.

Creation of the Creature

• University of Ingolstadt: Studies chemistry and natural philosophy.
• Experimentation: Begins an experiment to create life; becomes obsessed.
• The Creature: A being is brought to life, but Victor is horrified by its appearance.

Aftermath of Creation

• Fever and Recovery: Suffers a breakdown; Clerval nurses him back to health.
• Return to Geneva: Learns of his brother William's murder.

The Creature's Tale

• Experiences: Learns about humanity by observing a cottager family.
• Desire for Companionship: Seeks friendship and understanding, but is rejected.
• Request: Asks Victor to create a female companion.

Consequences and Pursuit

• Refusal: Victor destroys the female creature he began creating.
• Revenge: The creature vows vengeance, leading to the deaths of Victor's loved ones.
• Pursuit: Victor chases the creature to the Arctic, determined to destroy him.

Walton's Continuation

• Final Letters: Walton reflects on Victor's story and struggles with his crew's demands to return home.
• Victor's Death: Victor dies on Walton's ship; Walton encounters the creature one last time.
• Creature's Farewell: Creature laments his actions and departs to die alone.

Themes and Analysis

• Isolation and Loneliness: Explored through both Walton's and Victor's narratives.
• Consequences of Ambition: Victor's tragic downfall due to his pursuit of forbidden knowledge.
• Nature vs. Nurture: The creature's development as a reflection of societal rejection.
• Existential Questions: The creature's search for identity and purpose.

Conclusion

• Legacy of the Novel: Frankenstein is a seminal work on the dangers of unchecked ambition and the ethical implications of scientific exploration.