Major Themes in “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley Mary Shelley gave life to a story that has fascinated generations through centuries. She published “Frankenstein” in 1818, however this story did not fit in any genre due to its science fiction classification. Nevertheless, it did not stop the novel from becoming a success and gain recognition as a progenitor of the science fiction genre. Mary Shelley completed “Frankenstein” before she turned twenty years of age, although she grew up without a proper education due to the inequality of woman’s rights at this time, she was surrounded by highly educated individuals such as her parents who instructed her about writing. “Frankenstein” was her first and major work and it involves numerous themes
…show more content…
Victor Frankenstein admits he has given life to the creature by stating, “Abhorred monster! Fiend that thou art! The tortures of hell are too mild a vengeance for thy crimes. Wretched devil! You reproach me with your creation, come on, then, that I may extinguish the spark which I so negligently bestowed” (Shelley). Although he accepts his creation, he despites the creature and insist it was an illusion that encourages him blindly to complete his task “I had desired it with an ardor that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart” (Shelley). The parenting theme can be interpreted as the dramatic impact a child can face due to absence of parental care. When Victor is displeased with his creation and abandons his “child”, the creature is led by feelings of resentment to become evil and blames his creator for his misery. There has clearly been a trouble of family relationship in the novel, and Victor represents the individual who has experienced trouble connections with family; there are infinity cases in the world where parental failure has a shocking effect in society. The children who are affected by this are also led by feelings of hostility, equally to the monster (Claridge). However, Victor is not unaware of the concept regarding to family connections, in the novel he recognizes his responsibility after he has listened to the creature’s tale, “His tale, and the feelings he now expressed, proved him to be a creature of fine sensations; and did I not as his maker, owe him, all the portion of happiness that it was in my power to bestow?” (Shelley). Victor, being aware of his actions, did not fulfill the creature’s requirements, therefore at the end of the novel when the desire of revenge finally consumes his life he exclaims, “Let
Victor Frankenstein admits he has given life to the creature by stating, “Abhorred monster! Fiend that thou art! The tortures of hell are too mild a vengeance for thy crimes. Wretched devil! You reproach me with your creation, come on, then, that I may extinguish the spark which I so negligently bestowed” (Shelley). Although he accepts his creation, he despites the creature and insist it was an illusion that encourages him blindly to complete his task “I had desired it with an ardor that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart” (Shelley). The parenting theme can be interpreted as the dramatic impact a child can face due to absence of parental care. When Victor is displeased with his creation and abandons his “child”, the creature is led by feelings of resentment to become evil and blames his creator for his misery. There has clearly been a trouble of family relationship in the novel, and Victor represents the individual who has experienced trouble connections with family; there are infinity cases in the world where parental failure has a shocking effect in society. The children who are affected by this are also led by feelings of hostility, equally to the monster (Claridge). However, Victor is not unaware of the concept regarding to family connections, in the novel he recognizes his responsibility after he has listened to the creature’s tale, “His tale, and the feelings he now expressed, proved him to be a creature of fine sensations; and did I not as his maker, owe him, all the portion of happiness that it was in my power to bestow?” (Shelley). Victor, being aware of his actions, did not fulfill the creature’s requirements, therefore at the end of the novel when the desire of revenge finally consumes his life he exclaims, “Let