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A review by sidharthvardhan
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
5.0
I think we should read it more like a thought experiment rather than a horror story. It doesn't scare you and it may not seem most logical at times. As in children's stories, you have to believe author when she says that monster speaks up or can quote Paradise Lost or the many coincidences that could make guys at Disney feel shy.
The author tries to raise some questions regarding duties of a creator of which may be read as allegory on god, government or parents; depending on what angle you pick. Author doesn't give a explanation as to how monster was given life and makes Frankenstein to repeatedly reject any requests to declare his secret - his little victory over his short comings.
The monster gains' one's compassion rather then fear. The fact that he should stay unnamed goes on to symbolize the injustice he met, at the hands of his creator. The creature despite his appearances is not born monster but is made one by creator's abandonment and social prejudice. The part where he narrates his story is the best one. Such as when he is slowly learning about the concept of beauty and his own monstrous nature:
He is almost human, with the need for love or for friends and tries to fit into the society but falls prey to social perception and is only then turned into a monster.
Even after becoming a monster, he demands from Frankenstein that later should make him a female companion -promising in return, a retreat to forests.
As far as science is concerned, the book argues against blind passion for curiosity sake.Frankenstein comes out as true villain of the story for his blind obsession. It is easier to feel for monster than for the scientist. Through out the book he is lead by his emotions rather than reason. Annoyingly, he keeps getting ill every few pages and giving accounts of travels, unnecessarily prolonging the book and at times making it boring. However Mary would have wanted you to feel for both Frankenstein and monster.
The author tries to raise some questions regarding duties of a creator of which may be read as allegory on god, government or parents; depending on what angle you pick. Author doesn't give a explanation as to how monster was given life and makes Frankenstein to repeatedly reject any requests to declare his secret - his little victory over his short comings.
The monster gains' one's compassion rather then fear. The fact that he should stay unnamed goes on to symbolize the injustice he met, at the hands of his creator. The creature despite his appearances is not born monster but is made one by creator's abandonment and social prejudice. The part where he narrates his story is the best one. Such as when he is slowly learning about the concept of beauty and his own monstrous nature:
"Sometimes I tried to imitate the pleasant songs of the birds but was unable. Sometimes I wished to express my sensations in my own mode, but the uncouth and inarticulate sounds which broke from me frightened me into silence again."
He is almost human, with the need for love or for friends and tries to fit into the society but falls prey to social perception and is only then turned into a monster.
"If I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear!”
Even after becoming a monster, he demands from Frankenstein that later should make him a female companion -promising in return, a retreat to forests.
As far as science is concerned, the book argues against blind passion for curiosity sake.Frankenstein comes out as true villain of the story for his blind obsession. It is easier to feel for monster than for the scientist. Through out the book he is lead by his emotions rather than reason. Annoyingly, he keeps getting ill every few pages and giving accounts of travels, unnecessarily prolonging the book and at times making it boring. However Mary would have wanted you to feel for both Frankenstein and monster.