During the summer, I like to read literary classics. They often offer a great commentary on the human condition, and they have exerted enormous impact on western thought. One classic I had never read was Frankenstein, and I recently decided to change that.
Mary Shelley penned the masterpiece in 1818 when she was still a teenager. Though she wrote much more over the years, Frankensteinis considered her greatest work. She grew up in a literary family. Her father, William Godwin, had at one time studied theology, but he eventually became an atheist. He was a philosopher and the author of The Adventures of Caleb Williams (aff). Shelley’s mother was Mary Wollstonecraft, a well-known feminist who wrote A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (aff). Famous writers of the day regularly visited Mary Shelley’s home to discuss literature and philosophy. At one point, Lord Byron suggested they all engage in a ghost story writing competition. Frankenstein emerged from that challenge.
Frankenstein is filled with sadness, suffering, and death. In some ways, the story reflects Mary Shelley’s own tragic life. Her mother died from childbirth complications shortly after Mary was born. Mary lived knowing her birth had caused her mother’s death. Mary eloped with a married man, Percy Shelley, when she was 16. Consumed with grief, Percy’s pregnant first wife drowned herself. Percy drowned several years later. Three of Mary’s four children died before their third birthday. Mary spent most of her adult life enduring pain, loneliness, failure, and death. Her own life experience certainly produced a fertile seedbed for her literary work.
Frankenstein launched an entirely new literary genre: science fiction. The novel examines science and humanity’s fascination with it. Frankenstein becomes consumed with the idea of creating life. He has good intentions, but the science ultimately destroys him. He confesses, “It was a strong effort of the spirit of good; but it was ineffectual. Destiny was too potent, and her immutable laws had decreed my bitter and terrible destruction” (37). Frankenstein grows up in a loving and happy family. His parents adore and nurture him. He meets his soulmate and future wife during childhood. He lives in the flourishing city of Geneva. Yet in his youthful zeal, Frankenstein immerses himself in his life’s work. He believes that creating life will eventually enable him to prolong and save life.
But the creature Frankenstein creates is a monster. The scientist states, “Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how much happier man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow” (47). Frankenstein attempts to take on the role of God the Creator. In typical human pride, he assumes he is capable of handling and controlling science. He also fails to imagine how his experiments in the laboratory could have devastating consequences outside his lab: “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. Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created, I rushed out of the room . . . “ (51). That night he claims, “. . . I beheld the wretch – the miserable monster whom I had created” (52).
Frankenstein learns the horrifying truth that humankind ought not to attempt what only God can do. He tries to create a masterpiece but gives birth to a monster: “Alas! I had turned loose into the world a depraved wretch, whose delight was in carnage and misery; had he not killed my brother?” (69). He adds, “I had been the author of unalterable evils; and I lived in daily fear, lest the monster whom I had created should perpetrate some new wickedness” (81).
A major theme of this book is humanity’s use of science. Not all science is good or neutral. It can create untold evil and unleash unimaginable suffering. Frankenstein is the creator, but he lives in fear and dread of his unpredictable creation. The monster challenges his creator: “You are my creator, but I am your master: obey!” (149).
Paradoxically, Shelley offers a glimpse into the monster’s world as well. Although he is physically repulsive, his nature is innocent and gentle at first. He states, “To be a great and virtuous man appeared the highest honor than can befall a sensitive being” (107). He longs for love and acceptance and desires a companion. But his own creator is repulsed by him. The monster states, “Life, although it may only be an accumulation of anguish, is dear to me, and I will defend it” (89). He tells Frankenstein, “Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous” (89). The monster moans, “. . . accursed creator! Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust?” (116).
After being painfully rejected by people he sought to love and help, he states, “from that moment I declared everlasting war against the species, and more than all, against him who had formed me . . .” (121). He continues, “The mildness of my nature had fled, and all within me was turned to gall and bitterness” (124). He ultimately decides, “. . . if I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear” (129). The monster insists that his creator create a companion for him: “My companion must be of the same species and have the same defects. This being you must create” (128). At first, Frankenstein is swayed by the monster’s pitiful plea for justice. But he eventually grows alarmed that he might unleash an even more frightening monster on an unsuspecting population. Though he has almost completed his second monster, he destroys it before the first monster’s eyes. As a result, the monster devises evil revenge on his creator.
It is hard to believe a teenager wrote this book! It is filled with dread and darkness. One by one, Frankenstein loses the people he loves most. Though he desperately wants to destroy his creation, he lacks the power or foresight to do so. After Frankenstein loses his brother, sister, best friend, wife, and father, he has nothing left but revenge. He spends the remainder of his bitter life trying to subdue his creation.
This book is haunting. The setting is lovely, yet the tale is horrific. The story describes a beautiful family that is systematically destroyed in a cruel fashion. In a sense, it is the tale of the Tower of Babel. People wanted to make a name for themselves by reaching heaven, but they had no idea of what they were attempting. This novel certainly raises questions about science. Frankenstein suggests that certain aspects of life are best left in God’s hands. It also examines love. Could love have saved or even transformed the monster? Can the absence of love create a monster? Ultimately, the novel makes one think about how God viewed His creation when they became murderous, destructive monsters. God redeemed His creation but doing so cost Him His own Son.
This literary masterpiece is well worth reading. You just might need to leave a nightlight on after you’re finished!
Rating: 4
