Tolog Review: Frankenstein

Frankenstein
by Mary Shelley
reviewed by Genevieve Zix 

Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, is a chilling science fiction novel by Mary Shelley that highlights the consequences of human carelessness. This infamous story was brought to life by Shelley as a young teenager after having a horrific dream: “I saw the pale student of unhallowed arts kneeling beside the thing he had put together. I saw the hideous phantasm of a man stretched out, and then, on the working of some powerful engine, show signs of life, and stir with an uneasy, half vital motion. Frightful must it be.” What also might have prompted her to right such a gory novel was the amount of deaths in her family that was happening at the time. Despite her sorrowful past, Shelley’s novel went on to be one of the most successful horror stories known to this day. There have been seventeen adaptions of her novel, dating from 1910 to 2010, the most famous being the 1931 film distributed by Universal Pictures. Although the story has been changed, modified, and rearranged throughout the years, one could never forget its classic origin. Frankenstein, first published in 1818, is an unforgettable tale that is loved by readers everywhere.

The novel begins with a young adventurer, Captain Walton, sailing through the Arctic Ocean. He suddenly sees a man rapidly sledding across the ice, as if he were pursuing something. Walton decides to bring the man aboard the ship due to his sickly, frostbitten appearance. The man’s name is Victor Frankenstein. Frankenstein proceeds to tell Captain Walton his woeful tale that has lead him to be where he is now. Victor was born in Geneva, Switzerland, to a healthy and successful family. He had a father, a mother, a little brother, and an adopted sister of the same age named Elizabeth. His mother unfortunately died of Scarlet fever when he was young. When he grew older, he attended a famous university in Ingolstadt and studied natural philosophy, later discovering the secret to bringing a being to life. One November night, he brought a body, which he constructed out of limbs that he took from a graveyard, to life. Unfortunately, once he saw his creation, he was disgusted with its grotesque features and decided to abandon the monster he had brought to life. Soon after, Frankenstein became ill with the horror stricken into his soul from the monstrous mistake he had made. He decided to return to Geneva, to spend time with his family and close friends. However, once he was about to leave, he received a letter of bad news informing him of his little brother being murdered. He immediately rushed home, almost certain that his monster murdered his little brother. However, upon arriving home, he was told that their servant was accused of the murder. After going through trial she was declared guilty and sentenced to death. Frankenstein is heartbroken at the fact that he had lost two loved ones due to his own creation. The remainder of the book travels through the journey he takes, his relationship with his monster, the sacrifices he makes, the people he loses, and the revenge he seeks.

Mary Shelley’s writing style in Frankenstein is very persuasive and easily flows throughout the book. When describing Frankenstein’s past, she explains every aspect in detail, which could make readers easily forget that Captain Walton is actually the primary narrator. She articulates Victor Frankenstein’s darkest thoughts and feelings in a way that leaves readers wanting more. Although Shelley’s Frankenstein is a very distinct and prominent story in English and American culture, there have been many misconceptions about it through the years. This may be because of the countless ways it has been adapted by the film industry. For example, many people think that “Frankenstein” is the name of the monster, when it is actually the creator’s name. There has also been the misunderstanding that Frankenstein has a deranged assistant, often called “Igor” or “Fritz”. Aside from these misinterpretations, Frankenstein is an original story loved by all and will be enjoyed for years to come.