Frankenstein: or, the Modern Prometheus is a haunting tale that delves into the consequences of playing God and the darkness that can consume the human soul. Mary Shelley's masterpiece explores themes of hubris, isolation, and the destructive power of unchecked ambition.
The story follows Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who becomes obsessed with creating life from dead tissue. When he succeeds in bringing a monstrous creature to life, he is horrified by his creation and abandons it. The creature, rejected by society and tormented by loneliness, seeks revenge on its creator, leading to a tragic chain of events that culminates in despair and death.
Shelley's novel is a chilling reflection on the dangers of scientific hubris and the ethical implications of tampering with the natural order. The complex characters and moral dilemmas presented in the story make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.
Overall, Frankenstein: or, the Modern Prometheus is a thought-provoking and deeply unsettling novel that explores the dark side of human nature. Shelley's skillful storytelling and poignant themes make it a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the depths of the human psyche.
Book Description:
This is a classic horror story, and one of the earliest examples of science fiction. The main characters are Dr. Frankenstein and his creation, the daemon. Shelley called the scientist a "pale student of unhallowed arts" and his creation a "hideous phantasm of a man." This story is not only delightfully frightful, but arguably represents one of the clearest criticisms of science during a time when, like the daemon, it was leaving its own infancy and, like Dr. Frankenstein, testing its ethical boundaries. As Shelley said, "Frightful must it be; for supremely frightful would be the effect of any human endeavour to mock the stupendous mechanism of the Creator of the world. His success would terrify the artist; he would rush away from his odious handywork, horror-stricken." - Summary by jvanstan
