A monster assembled by a scientist from parts of dead bodies develops a mind of his own as he learns to loathe himself and hate his creator.
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My paperback edition of Frankenstein opens with a chronology of Mary Shelley's life. Talk about a dark and stormy life: her mother dies 10 days aft... (show more)
My paperback edition of Frankenstein opens with a chronology of Mary Shelley's life. Talk about a dark and stormy life: her mother dies 10 days after giving birth to her; at 16, she has an affair and elopes with Percy; Percy's first wife subsequently commits suicide; her half-sister also commits suicide; her first two children die young; and oh she writes a little story, Frankenstein--all by the ripe old age of 21. As I rescan the milestones that marked Shelley's young life, I can imagine the deep well of inspiration that she drew upon as she penned this dark but remarkably rich novel. While the book has a simple plot, it touches on themes that are incredibly complex and vast, including gender roles, ethics in science, philosophy, colonialism, parenthood, alienation, to name just a few. To boot, it's a chilling tale that keeps you captivated until the very end. Framed as a story within a story within a story, Frankenstein takes you on a terrifying journey to core of what it means to be human...and not. (show less)
This classic novel is nothing like the movies. For years I have watched old Frankenstein movies and now I realize that the movies are only loosely... (show more)
This classic novel is nothing like the movies. For years I have watched old Frankenstein movies and now I realize that the movies are only loosely based on the book. I had both the audio version and a printed version to listen/read. It took me forever to get through them. I was very boring and dragged on and on with useless information.
I think that Shelley wanted to bring out the darker side of life and the inner workings of the minds of two people. But the story was not gripping or exciting or could even be considered realistic.
She did not go into any detail of the actual creation of the monster, but did go into great detail of the thoughts of Dr. Frankenstein. And since he was supposed to be half mad over the creation, it was more like his rantings and ravings.
I think the idea of the creation of Frankenstein's monster is what has kept this book alive and not the actual story itself. (show less)
Mindblowing, intense, enotionally hard work. Should be a set text in all schools to teach kids about empathy and compassion for others. A masterpiece of literature. And Mary Shelleys life was very very interesting.
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Having read and taught this book multiple times, it keeps unfolding in deeper shades of meaning. What is the relationship and responsibility between a creator and the created? What is the relationship between man and nature? So much to think, so little time!
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Great idea with some haunting passages, but I'm not a fan of how the book was written.
Sean Michael Chick about 1 month agoif victor was so repulsed by the creature, why didn't victor kill him?
did anybody ever wonder why?
Sofia Webster about 1 year agoWho is the monster and who is the man?
Haha. Hunchback of Notre Dame quote.
Anyways, I personally think the monster is a much nicer being (not sure what word fits both human and creation) than Victor. He saves a little boy from drowning and helps his "family" while living in the barn. He's sweet! I always feel so badly for him when he gets shunned by humanity.
Which brings me to Victor. Victor turned away from his creation, denying care to the thing he created. He abandons the monster and runs away from him when he tries to meet his daddy.
Victor is awful.
poor creature!
After reading the book to its entirety, I realize how lonely the creature truly is. Even the cold weather and polar icebergs convey the loneliness that the creature experiences every day. This rejection results in the horrors of isolation and pity. Shelley depicts a horrifying picture of isolation, which really classifies her as a Romantic writer. Not only does she use nature's forces to draw isolation in, she draws in a cold, murky tone with the create's emptiness. This truly shows how acceptance and love truly are necessary elements in the human spirit.
William Blomfelt about 1 year agoThis book has been added to these lists:
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