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A review by geofrog
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
4.0
“I do know that for the sympathy of one living being, I would make peace with all. I have love in me the likes of which you can scarcely imagine and rage the likes of which you would not believe. If I cannot satisfy the one, I will indulge the other.”
I tried to focus on this story while reading but I couldn’t stop thinking about how the author factually lost her virginity on her mother's grave and kept her late husband's heart in a desk drawer. Mary Shelley’s life is almost as interesting as her fiction and the genre her writing created. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is a novel that explores the consequences of unchecked ambition and the nature of humanity. The story follows Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who becomes obsessed with creating life. He successfully brings a creature to life, but is horrified by its appearance and abandons it. The creature, seeking companionship and understanding, is rejected by society and becomes vengeful. The novel raises questions about the limits of science, the responsibilities of creators, and the essence of being human. It is a powerful and thought-provoking work that continues to captivate readers with its themes of creation, isolation, and the search for identity. It’s easy to see why this story has held up and inspired countless works since its publication. The nature of creator and creation and the complexities of that relationship, it’s almost biblical.
“Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge, and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be his world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow.”
Frankenstein’s influence on pop culture and stories within the science fiction genre cannot be overstated. I wonder how Mary Shelley would have felt if she had known her stories would go on to become the foundations to an entire genre of fiction. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is a timeless classic that delves into profound themes of creation, ambition, and the human condition. Shelley's narrative explores the consequences of scientific experimentation and the dangers of playing god. Through the character of Victor Frankenstein and his creation, Shelley examines the complexities of human nature, highlighting the importance of compassion, understanding, and acceptance. The novel is masterfully crafted, with Shelley's evocative prose drawing readers into a world of both beauty and horror. The character of the Creature is especially compelling, as Shelley portrays him not as a mindless monster, but as a sentient being capable of deep emotion and longing for connection. I was very surprised to find that “The Bride of Frankenstein” storyline was featured in the original novel, for some reason I had always thought that was something the Universal Monsters movies made up. Overall, Frankenstein is a novel that resonates with readers of all ages, offering a gripping story that forces us to confront our own humanity. Shelley's exploration of the ethical implications of scientific advancement remains relevant today, making Frankenstein a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of science, morality, and society.
“Heavy misfortunes have befallen us, but let us only cling closer to what remains, and transfer our love for those whom we have lost to those who yet live. Our circle will be small, but bound close by the ties of affection and mutual misfortune. And when time shall have softened your despair, new and dear objects of care will be born to replace those of whom we have been so cruelly deprived.”
I tried to focus on this story while reading but I couldn’t stop thinking about how the author factually lost her virginity on her mother's grave and kept her late husband's heart in a desk drawer. Mary Shelley’s life is almost as interesting as her fiction and the genre her writing created. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is a novel that explores the consequences of unchecked ambition and the nature of humanity. The story follows Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who becomes obsessed with creating life. He successfully brings a creature to life, but is horrified by its appearance and abandons it. The creature, seeking companionship and understanding, is rejected by society and becomes vengeful. The novel raises questions about the limits of science, the responsibilities of creators, and the essence of being human. It is a powerful and thought-provoking work that continues to captivate readers with its themes of creation, isolation, and the search for identity. It’s easy to see why this story has held up and inspired countless works since its publication. The nature of creator and creation and the complexities of that relationship, it’s almost biblical.
“Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge, and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be his world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow.”
Frankenstein’s influence on pop culture and stories within the science fiction genre cannot be overstated. I wonder how Mary Shelley would have felt if she had known her stories would go on to become the foundations to an entire genre of fiction. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is a timeless classic that delves into profound themes of creation, ambition, and the human condition. Shelley's narrative explores the consequences of scientific experimentation and the dangers of playing god. Through the character of Victor Frankenstein and his creation, Shelley examines the complexities of human nature, highlighting the importance of compassion, understanding, and acceptance. The novel is masterfully crafted, with Shelley's evocative prose drawing readers into a world of both beauty and horror. The character of the Creature is especially compelling, as Shelley portrays him not as a mindless monster, but as a sentient being capable of deep emotion and longing for connection. I was very surprised to find that “The Bride of Frankenstein” storyline was featured in the original novel, for some reason I had always thought that was something the Universal Monsters movies made up. Overall, Frankenstein is a novel that resonates with readers of all ages, offering a gripping story that forces us to confront our own humanity. Shelley's exploration of the ethical implications of scientific advancement remains relevant today, making Frankenstein a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of science, morality, and society.
“Heavy misfortunes have befallen us, but let us only cling closer to what remains, and transfer our love for those whom we have lost to those who yet live. Our circle will be small, but bound close by the ties of affection and mutual misfortune. And when time shall have softened your despair, new and dear objects of care will be born to replace those of whom we have been so cruelly deprived.”