Notes on Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Overview

• Title: Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus
• Author: Mary Shelley
• Context: The novel begins with a series of letters from Robert Walton to his sister, detailing his expedition to the North Pole.

Letter 1: St. Petersburg

• Date: December 11th
• Recipient: Mrs. Saville, England
• Summary:
  • Walton is enthusiastic about his expedition to the North Pole, feeling a sense of adventure and promise.
  • He faces no disasters yet and is filled with confidence and joy.
  • He reflects on his dreams of discovery and the glory it could bring, despite the potential dangers.
  • Mentions his early fascination with voyages and exploration, inspired by his uncle's library and his neglected education.

Letter 2: Archangel

• Date: March 28th
• Summary:
  • Walton hires a vessel and gathers a crew for his expedition.
  • Expresses loneliness and the absence of friendship.
  • Describes his lieutenant and captain, noting their qualities and backgrounds.
  • Reflects on the harshness of his self-education and his philosophical musings.

Letter 3: July 7th

• Summary:
  • Walton writes in haste to assure his sister of his safety and progress.
  • Describes the high spirits and determination of his crew despite the icy dangers.
  • Resolves to continue his voyage with caution and perseverance.

Letter 4: August 5th

• Summary:
  • Describes a strange sight of a figure on a sledge in the ice.
  • Rescues a European man found on a drifting ice fragment.
  • The man is in poor health, and Walton is intrigued by his mysterious background.
  • The rescued man is Victor Frankenstein, who expresses despair and hints at a dark past.

Victor Frankenstein's Narrative

Chapters 1-3

• Background:
  • Victor describes his family background and early life in Geneva.
  • His parents' devotion and the close bond with his cousin Elizabeth.
  • His early interest in science and the philosophers like Agrippa and Paracelsus.
  • Attends the University of Ingolstadt, excited but soon mourns his mother's death.
  • His obsession with science grows as he delves deeper into forbidden knowledge.

Chapters 4-5

• Creation of the Creature:
  • Victor immerses in creating life from death, fixating on the secrets of nature.
  • The creature is brought to life, leading to immediate horror and regret from Victor due to its grotesque form.
  • Victor falls ill from the stress, and his friend Clerval nurses him back to health.

Chapters 6-10

• Consequences:
  • Victor receives a letter from Elizabeth, hinting at family concerns.
  • News of his brother William's murder reaches him.
  • Justine, a family friend, is wrongfully accused and executed for William’s murder.
  • Victor meets the creature, who admits to the murder and requests a companion.

Chapters 11-16

• The Creature’s Tale:
  • Details his lonely existence, learning language, and observing a family (De Lacey's) in secret.
  • Desires companionship and acceptance but faces rejection.
  • Vows revenge on Victor for creating him and abandoning him.

Chapters 17-20

• Demand for a Mate:
  • The creature demands Victor create a female companion.
  • Victor begins the work but destroys it, fearing the consequences.
  • The creature vows revenge, swearing to be with Victor on his wedding night.

Chapters 21-24

• Climax and Resolution:
  • Clerval is murdered, and Victor is suspected but later released.
  • Victor marries Elizabeth but she is killed by the creature on their wedding night.
  • Victor’s father dies of grief.
  • Victor resolves to hunt the creature to the ends of the earth, leading to his icy pursuit.
  • Victor dies in Walton's ship; the creature, filled with remorse, vows to kill himself.

Walton’s Continuation

• Reflections and End:
  • Walton writes to his sister about Victor’s tragic tale and his own thoughts.
  • He decides to return to England after the crew demands it.
  • The creature’s final confrontation and retreat into the Arctic, destined for self-destruction.

Themes

• Ambition and Hubris: The dangers of unchecked ambition; Victor’s quest for knowledge leads to his ruin.
• Isolation and Loneliness: Both Walton and the creature experience profound loneliness and longing for companionship.
• Responsibility and Consequences: Victor's failure to take responsibility for his creation leads to tragedy.
• Nature vs. Nurture: The creature’s transformation from benevolent to vengeful highlights the impact of societal rejection.

Important Symbols

• Light and Fire: Represent knowledge and discovery but also danger and destruction.
• The Arctic: Symbolizes isolation, the unknown, and the final frontier of man's pursuit.