Narrative Structure: The story is presented through a series of letters by Robert Walton, a sea captain on a North Pole expedition.
Main Characters:
Robert Walton: Ship captain, writes to his sister.
Victor Frankenstein: A scientist encountered by Walton in the Arctic.
The Monster: Created by Victor.
Plot Overview
Robert Walton's Letters
Walton writes to his sister about his expedition.
His ship is trapped by ice.
He rescues Victor Frankenstein, who tells his story.
Victor Frankenstein's Story
Early Life in Geneva:
Close to cousin/adopted sister Elizabeth Lavenza and friend Henry Clerval.
Studies at the University of Ingolstadt.
Becomes obsessed with discovering the secret of life.
Creation of the Monster:
Uses old body parts to create a living being.
Horrified by his creation and falls ill.
Family Tragedy:
Learns his brother William has been murdered.
Returns to Geneva; suspects the Monster is responsible.
Justine Moritz, a family friend, is falsely accused and executed.
The Monster's Perspective
Encounter with Victor:
Admits to killing William; seeks revenge.
Pleads for a female companion to ease his loneliness.
Victor's Dilemma:
Initially agrees to create a mate for the Monster.
Destroys the female creation out of fear.
The Monster vows revenge, threatening Victor's wedding night.
Climax and Conclusion
Murder of Henry Clerval:
Victor is wrongly accused of Henry’s murder.
Wedding Night Tragedy:
Marries Elizabeth; the Monster kills her.
Victor’s father dies from grief.
Final Pursuit:
Victor vows revenge, chases the Monster to the Arctic.
Before he can succeed, Victor dies from exhaustion.
Walton's Resumed Narrative
Walton encounters the Monster mourning Victor's death.
The Monster, filled with remorse, heads to the Arctic to die.
Themes and Motifs
Isolation and Companionship: Central to both Victor and the Monster’s experiences.
The Dangers of Ambition: Victor’s obsessive quest for knowledge leads to his downfall.
Nature vs. Nurture: The Monster's actions question the impact of environment vs. innate nature.
Important Questions
Why did Victor create the Monster?
How does the Monster influence Victor's actions?
What role does revenge play in the characters' lives?
Conclusion
The tragic consequences of Victor's ambition and the Monster's creation are explored, leading to questions about responsibility and the human condition.