Frankenstein was written by Mary Shelly (1797-1851) in 1818 and was one of the earliest works depicting a scientific experiment gone wrong. It is an early science fiction and horror novel and has become one of the classic horror stories of all time. Contrary to current popular belief, Frankenstein is not the name of the monster, but rather of the doctor who created him. The monster was never given a name. Frankenstein only calls him such things as demon, thing, monster or it.

The story begins aboard the ship of Captain Walton who, on an expedition to the North Pole, finds Victor Frankenstein stranded in the frozen arctic. They take him aboard the vessel and he proceeds to tell them a fascinating story. Frankenstein was a wealthy doctor who became obsessed with finding out the secrets of life. After a series of experiments, he creates a living being. We are never told in great detail as to how the creature was made, only that various chemicals were used. The unnamed living being created by Frankenstein was much larger and stronger than an average man, but was hideous in appearance. Frankenstein immediately became filled with anguish and guilt at what he had done. He was also afraid of the creature so he fled.

A short time later, Frankenstein learns of the murder of his young brother and he leaves England to return home to his family's Geneva home. In the mean time, the creature left the doctors laboratory and disappeared. Upon arrival at Geneva, Frankenstein sees his creation and believes that the creature was responsible for the murder. The doctor is filled with grief and guilt. He leaves the home of his family and tries to find peace in the wilderness. Once there, he is again approached by his creation. The creature tells Frankenstein of his unpleasant existence. Frankenstein is told of the way the creature was treated by humanity. Anyone he came in contact was frightened by his shocking appearance. He was alone and unhappy. He also demanded that the Frankenstein create a female companion for him.

Frankenstein agrees and proceeds to travel back to his laboratory in England. When a second creation was partially complete, Frankenstein becomes filled with guilt and concern. He destroys the creature's unfinished mate. The monster becomes angry and murders Frankenstein's assistant. For revenge, he also kills Frankenstein's new bride, Elizabeth. It is at this point that Frankenstein pursues the monster with the hopes of putting an end to the reign of terror. The pursuit leads Frankenstein to the Arctic, where he is picked up by Walton. After recounting his story, Frankenstein dies on the ship and the monster proceeds to travel further north to kill himself.

While this is one of the best known horror stories of all time, the novel did not age well. It was written in the form of a series of letters from Captain Walton to his family. The letters recite the narrative given by doctor Frankenstein. This literary form makes the story a little more difficult to follow and understand.

This novel has been adapted to cinema numerous times. Several movies and sequels were made from this story. Frankenstein (1910 and 1931), Bride of Frankenstein (1935), Son of Frankenstein (1939), Ghost of Frankenstein (1942) among others all were horror movies depicting the unnamed creature. There were also several light-hearted adaptations of the story, such as Abbot and Costello meet Frankenstein (1948) and the Munsters (1964-1966). This novel is without doubt, one of the most famous horror stories ever written. Even though it was written in a unique literary style, it is recommended for fans of classic horror literature.

Learn more about this author, Mark Askeda.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Book reviews: Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley?
We want to hear your view. Write now!