Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is an early 19th-century novel that delves into themes of ambition, the thirst for knowledge, and the devastating consequences of human arrogance. The story unfolds through the perspectives of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist driven by an obsessive pursuit of forbidden knowledge, and his tragic creation, a being brought to life through unnatural means.
The novel begins with Robert Walton, an ambitious Arctic explorer, writing letters to his sister Margaret. Walton describes his relentless desire to uncover new frontiers and the isolation he feels in his quest. During his journey, he encounters a gaunt and tormented stranger who shares a haunting story of creation, despair, and ruin. This stranger is Victor Frankenstein, whose reckless experiments led to the birth of a being he could neither love nor control.
As Victor recounts his tale, the novel examines the emotional and ethical conflicts of transcending natural limits, highlighting the disastrous effects of unchecked ambition. Shelley’s timeless work offers a profound meditation on the responsibilities of creators and the human cost of pursuing knowledge without considering its moral implications.
- Pages: 280
- Published: 1818
- Author: Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
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