“Frankenstein”: Why You Should Read This Classic

Daughter to the famous British writer and woman’s activist Mary Wollstonecraft, Mary Shelley managed to produce one of the most famous and well-discussed novel, “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.”As bearing witness to the great scientific upheaval that help give rise to the Industrial Revolution, Shelley managed to use the influence of science to explore the dangerous nature of the study.
When it released in 1818, the book soared and became an instant success. Her husband, the equally gifted poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley, famous for his poem “Ozymandias” helped her edit the original manuscript and get it published.
While the husband and wife tandem became a source of tragedy outside of literature, they both managed to experience a great deal of success as writers. Written during the Victorian era, this book continues to be released for contemporary audiences, even found online as an eBook, as it continues to shine as it once did in 1818.

 

Plot Overview

Victor Frankenstein was born to an affluent family. Raised in Geneva, the young boy loves science and looks to perfect his craft by reading all he can about the greatest scientist in the world. When he goes off to college, the young man spends his days locked away in his room, reading the works of famous scientists looking to use their works to quench his thirst for knowledge.
In his pursuit of knowledge, Victor manages to discover a method for reviving the dead and unlocking one of the greatest mysteries in life. He collects body parts – including eyes, arms, head and legs – to build his creation. When all of his parts are gathered, he brings to life his greatest creation, but before he can marvel at his creature he falls ill and the monster escapes, marking the first step of Victor’s plight.

 

Importance in Literature

Victor’s thirst for knowledge and power resonates in several cultural contexts. He represents every man’s struggle for controlling power and dealing with the unintentional consequences the misuse of this power can have. Shelley manages to layer the story well, discussing the social issues concerning her epoch as well as the struggles man will always face: the fight to understand life’s secrets and the dangers it can present.
Mixing together themes of secrecy, revenge, power and science, readers get one of the greatest American novels. The vibrant images and colorful language work well to capture the somber tone of the consequences Victor faces when dealing with family, science and his lust for understanding life’s mysteries. The themes discussed by Shelley still hold importance today and resonate throughout the works of contemporary novelist.

 

Why You Should Read This Classic

Considered one of the most important influential works in canonized literature, anyone looking to see where several science fiction and contemporary novelist get their influence from should read “Frankenstein.” Less than 200 pages, this classic is loaded with important themes that resonate today, and with so many motifs, it offers a great deal of knowledge. A quick and easy read, it’s a book that every avid reader should pick up give it a try. With most local bookstores and libraries offering the book, it’s an easy find for anyone short on new novels.

 

Sources

SparkNotes (2012)
Shmoop (2012)