Overview
The novel "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley is presented as a series of letters and narratives, detailing the ambitions of Robert Walton, the tragic life of Victor Frankenstein, the creation of his monster, and the devastating consequences that unfold. The story explores themes of ambition, isolation, responsibility, justice, and the dangers of unchecked scientific pursuit.
Walton's Ambitions and Journey
- Robert Walton writes to his sister about his exploratory voyage to the North Pole.
- He expresses confidence, loneliness, and longing for a friend who shares his interests and values.
- Walton's crew encounters challenging conditions, ice, and a mysterious figure traveling by sled.
- Walton rescues Victor Frankenstein, who gradually reveals his tragic story.
Victor Frankenstein's Early Life and Aspirations
- Victor is born in Geneva to a loving, well-respected family.
- He grows up with close companions Elizabeth and Henry Clerval.
- From a young age, Victor is fascinated by science, especially alchemy and natural philosophy.
- Encouraged to study at Ingolstadt, Victor's interests shift to modern science and the secrets of life.
Creation of the Monster
- Victor becomes obsessed with discovering the principle of life.
- After intense study and isolation, he assembles and animates a creature from dead matter.
- Upon seeing the living creature, Victor is horrified and rejects it.
Immediate Aftermath and Consequences
- Victor falls gravely ill, cared for by Clerval.
- News arrives that Victor's brother William has been murdered; Justine, a family friend, is wrongfully convicted and executed for the crime.
- Victor suspects the creature he created is responsible but feels unable to confess.
The Monster’s Narrative
- The creature tells Victor of his birth, gradual awareness, and rejection by humanity.
- He learns language and morality by observing the De Lacey family but is violently driven away when he reveals himself.
- The monster seeks revenge on Victor for creating him and abandoning him to misery and loneliness.
Escalating Tragedy and Pursuit
- The creature murders William and frames Justine, vowing to destroy Victor’s happiness.
- The monster demands Victor create a female companion; Victor reluctantly agrees, then destroys the second creature out of fear.
- The monster kills Clerval in retaliation and threatens to be with Victor on his wedding night.
Collapse of Victor’s Life
- Victor returns to Geneva, marries Elizabeth, and prepares to defend himself.
- The monster murders Elizabeth on their wedding night.
- Victor's father dies from grief, and Victor swears vengeance, pursuing the monster to the Arctic.
Final Encounters and Reflections
- Walton records Victor’s demise from exhaustion and sorrow aboard Walton’s ship.
- The monster appears, mourns Victor, and declares his intention to die, ending the cycle of suffering.
- Walton decides to abandon his quest and return home, bearing witness to the tragic consequences of unchecked ambition.
Major Themes and Takeaways
- The pursuit of knowledge and ambition can lead to unintended, tragic consequences.
- Alienation and lack of compassion result in suffering for both creator and creation.
- Responsibility for one's actions and creations is a recurring moral lesson.
- Justice is flawed and often fails the innocent, as seen with Justine and the creature.
- The limits of human endeavor and the necessity of humility are underscored.
Decisions
- Victor agrees to create a female companion for the monster, then destroys her before completion.
- Walton decides to abandon his voyage and return home after witnessing the tragic outcomes.
Action Items
- TBD – Walton: Write to Margaret Saville to report the outcomes and return home.