3 page essay on frankenstein

Frankenstein: Essay Samples

Welcome to Frankenstein Essay Samples page prepared by our editorial team! Here you’ll find a number of great ideas for your Frankenstein essay! Absolutely free essays & research papers on Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Examples of all topics and paper genres.

📝 Frankenstein: Essay Samples List

Frankenstein , by Mary Shelley, is famous all over the world. School and college students are often asked to write about the novel. On this page, you can find a collection of free sample essays and research papers that focus on Frankenstein . Literary analysis , compare & contrast essays, papers devoted to Frankenstein ’s characters & themes, and much more. You are welcome to use these texts for inspiration while you work on your own Frankenstein essay.

• Feminism in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Genre: Critical Analysis Essay Words: 2280 Focused on: Frankenstein ’s Themes Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster, Elizabeth Lavenza , Justine Moritz
• Frankenstein’s Historical Context: Review of “In Frankenstein’s Shadow” by Chris Baldrick Genre: Critical Writing Words: 1114 Focused on: Historical Context of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: the Monster
• Science & Nature in Frankenstein & Blade Runner Genre: Essay Words: Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein , Compare & Contrast Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Romanticism in Frankenstein: the Use of Poetry in the Novel’s Narrative Genre: Essay Words: 1655 Focused on: Literary analysis of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, Henry Clerval
• The Dangers of Science in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Genre: Essay Words: 1098 Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein as a Tragedy Genre: Essay Words: 540 Focused on: Literary analysis of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein
• Frankenstein: a Deconstructive Reading Genre: Essay Words: 2445 Focused on: Literary analysis of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Ethics as a Theme in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Genre: Essay Words: 901 Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’: Chapter 18 Analysis Genre: Essay Words: 567 Focused on: Literary analysis of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster, Elisabeth Lavenza
• The Role of Women in Frankenstein Genre: Essay Words: 883 Focused on: Frankenstein Characters Characters mentioned: Caroline Beaufort, Elizabeth Lavenza, Justine Moritz
• On First Looking into Chapman’s Homer vs. Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus: Compare & Contrast Genre: Essay Words: 739 Focused on: Compare & Contrast Characters mentioned: the Monster
• Macbeth & Frankenstein: Compare & Contrast Genre: Essay Words: 2327 Focused on: Compare & Contrast Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Dr. Frankenstein & His Monster: Compare & Contrast Genre: Research Paper Words: 1365 Focused on: Compare & Contrast, Frankenstein Characters Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Education vs. Family in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Genre: Essay Words: 1652 Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein
• Victor Frankenstein vs. the Creature: Compare & Contrast Genre: Research Paper Words: 1104 Focused on: Compare & Contrast, Frankenstein Characters Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Frankenstein: Monster’s Appearance & Visual Interpretations Genre: Essay Words: 812 Focused on: Frankenstein Characters Characters mentioned: the Monster
• Doctor Frankenstein: Hero, Villain, or Something in Between? Genre: Essay Words: 897 Focused on: Frankenstein Characters Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein
• Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: 1994 Movie Analysis Genre: Essay Words: 1084 Focused on: Compare & Contrast Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster, Elizabeth Lavenza
• Frankenstein vs. Great Expectations: Compare & Contrast Genre: Essay Words: 2540 Focused on: Compare & Contrast, Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster, Robert Walton
• Innocence of Frankenstein’s Monster Genre: Term Paper Words: 2777 Focused on: Frankenstein Characters Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster, Robert Walton
• Knowledge as the Main Theme in Frankenstein Genre: Term Paper Words: 2934 Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster, Robert Walton, Henry Clerval, Elisabeth Lavenza, Willian Frankenstein
• Responsibility as a Theme in Frankenstein Genre: Essay Words: 619 Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein
• Homosexuality in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Genre: Research Paper Words: 2340 Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster, Henry Clerval
• Frankenstein & the Context of Enlightenment Genre: Historical Context of Frankenstein Words: 1458 Focused on: Compare & Contrast Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Frankenstein: the Theme of Birth Genre: Essay Words: 1743 Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Frankenstein: Critical Reflections by Ginn & Hetherington Genre: Essay Words: 677 Focused on: Compare & Contrast Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Loneliness & Isolation in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein Genre: Essay Words: 609 Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein
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Study Guide Menu

• Plot Summary
• Summary & Analysis
• Literary Devices & Symbols
• Essay Samples
• Essay Topics
• Questions & Answers
• Mary Shelley: Biography
• Chicago (A-D)
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Frankenstein - Free Essay Samples And Topic Ideas

Frankenstein is a novel by Mary Shelley, often heralded as one of the first pieces of science fiction, exploring themes of creation, ambition, and the moral implications of scientific advancement. Essays on “Frankenstein” could delve into these themes, the character analysis of Victor Frankenstein and the Creature, and the novel’s enduring legacy in literature and popular culture. Moreover, discussions might extend to the novel’s influence on the genre of science fiction and horror. A substantial compilation of free essay instances related to Frankenstein you can find at Papersowl. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Novel “Frankenstein” : Roles of Gender

Throughout reading the novel Frankenstein, I thought it was indeed interesting how Mary Shelley incorporated themes of gender and the aspect of creation. Mary Shelley uses her own life experiences to shape her works and to gain ideas to integrate social issues into her work. Mary Shelley portrays the problems and incorporates them throughout the book and touches on the aspect of social hierarchies of gender, which inherently value men over women. In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, issues of gender and […]

Who is the Real Monster in Frankenstein

Monsters in literature are normally characterized as a creature that possesses some type of inhuman qualities or deformities, is perceived as evil, and has no compassion for mankind. The term monster can also refer to a person who has done a terrible thing in life that poorly affects others around them. In literature, outcasts are people who are not wanted and are rejected by society. In the novel Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, many readers label the creature as a monster […]

The American and the French Revolutions

The right of revolution was an idea proposed by Enlightenment Philosopher John Locke, which inspired and challenged the colonies in America and the people of France to revolt. Displeased with their current positions with their governments, they mustered up the courage and strength to challenge authority. Through their battles and hardships, both revolutions sought a government that mirrored the Enlightenment beliefs of natural rights, power of the people, and equality. With those goals in mind, they demonstrated the idea that […]

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Gothic Elements in Frankenstein

Mary Shelley lived and wrote her novel Frankenstein during the peak of the romantic era of literature in the early 1800's. She shows this as her work reflects many of the key elements that are associated with romanticism. In Frankenstein, Shelley also utilizes many of the elements of gothic literature. Shelley uses many of the conventions aligned with romantic and gothic literature in Frankenstein's setting, subject matter, characterization, and plot to portray her overall tone and mood in the novel. […]

Physical Appearance in Frankenstein

The main theme in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is the importance of appearance which correlates to the idea of acceptance in modern society. Today's society, as well as in the society of Frankenstein, people judge one often solely on their looks. Social prejudice is often based on looks, whether it be the pigments that make up someone's skin color, the facial features that one has and the clothes that a person wears. Society makes rapid judgments based on these and other […]

Differences between French, Russian and American Revolutions

A revolution is a successful attempt made by a large group of people to change / challenge the political system of their country. People who are willing to engage and take action in a revolution are trying to fix the struggles in justice, reminding people not to forget the future against the past. People who want to change the political system are looking out for the future of their country. Revolution was the only way average people or citizens felt […]

Frankenstein Revenge

In her novel ?Frankenstein?, Mary Shelley shows that both Frankenstein and his creature are obsessed with revenge through their strong emotional language and obsessive actions, yet neither of them wins and gets revenge in the end. After Victor Frankenstein is threatened by the creature after destroying his nearly complete bride, Frankenstein states that he “?burned with rage to pursue the murderer of my peace and precipitate him into the ocean. I walked up and down my room hastily and perturbed, […]

Family Relations and Alienation in “Frankenstein”

In today's fast-paced world, it is important to build connections and relationships with people and society. Being able to bond with surroundings, is key for living a healthy and happy life. Family is what helps humans build their foundations and are able to learn and succeed with the support of them. In Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein, the lack of connection the characters have to either their family or society leads them to murder, hopelessness and tragedy. Specifically Victor and his […]

Shelley about Romanticism Versus the Enlightenment

In the novel, "Frankenstein," Mary Shelley uses various elements of both mysterious and romantic literature to convey her indictment of the Enlightenment thinking over the use of her characters displayed throughout the novel. Being written in the time of the Romantic era, Shelley uses vivid language to portray her objection of the Enlightenment age as it influenced many people to use logical reasoning and science to disregard barbarism and superstition from the World. In Frankenstein, Shelley's response to this ideology […]

Frankenstein Dangerous Knowledge

Isolation is a dangerous act. Whether it is forced by the ones around us or a choice made by us to be alone isolation separates the victim from society damaging them emotionally. In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the monster, Frankenstein's monster, comes to know the true act of isolation. The monster was not only cast out by the townspeople but by his creator. Their prejudiced views of the monster as only that, a monster, turned him into what they truly sought […]

Frankenstein Isolation

One theme presented in Marry Shelley's book Frankenstein is the theme of isolation. Right from the beginning, someone has felt isolated from someone else. The three characters consistently developed the theme of isolation are Victor, the Creature, and Elizabeth. Though the three experience isolation, their isolation experience differs. Unlike the Creature and Elizabeth, Victor chose to isolate himself from people. This is evidenced from right when he was working on his research and when he tries to create a life. […]

Feminism Represented through Frankenstein Characters

Frankenstein is known all over for being about a monster that loses control and kills people, but no one talks about some of the topics that Mary Shelley portrays in the novel. This book seems male dominant. The females play a big role, but not in the way that big roles are usually played. Women seem to hide from playing a part in Frankenstein, but Mary Shelley finds a way to display feminism in the book and that is how […]

Discrimination and Prejudice in Frankenstein

During our human history, prejudice and discrimination have existed. Prejudice refers to the irrational and inflexible attitudes that members of a particular group hold about members of another group (Sibley and Duckitt 248). Prejudices are either harmful or positive. Both forms of prejudice are usually preconceived by the people who hold them and are extremely difficult to alter (Stephan, Cookie and Stephan 33). The negative form of prejudices leads to discrimination- unjust behaviors that holders of negative prejudice direct against […]

Philosophy of Dualism and Materialism in “Frankenstein”

In Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein, the philosophies of dualism and materialism can be found through the story's main characters, Victor Frankenstein and the Creature. Throughout the novel, the decisions that both make and their justifications for those decisions are rooted in both dualistic and materialistic ideas. In the scene leading up to the creation to the Creature as well as the scene itself, much of Victor's decision to even try such a feit stems from a materialistic standpoint, using science […]

The French Revolution Within Frankenstein

Almost twenty years after the end of the French Revolution, Mary Shelley published her gothic horror novel, Frankenstein, in 1818. Shelley grew up with parents who were intellectual radicals (Sterrenburg 143). Yet, she was detached from radicalism and opted for a more conservative perspective (Sterrenburg 143). She did a vast amount of readings on the French Revolution (Sterrenburg 143). By extensively studying the ideas around the revolution, it is not a surprise that they appear embedded through her work, more […]

American, French and Mexican Revolutions

When it comes to the American Revolution, there was one individual that gave American people an idea of what they should be fighting for. John Locke’s idea of “life, liberty, and estate” heavily inspired Thomas Jefferson’s “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” when fighting against the British. So why did the Americans revolt? What beliefs did they have? One thing the American, French, and Mexican revolutions have in common is that their governments were corrupt. The Colonists called for […]

The Role of Science in Frankenstein

Mary Shelley tells a story of a scientist who creates a hideous creature in the novel Frankenstein. Victor Frankenstein is an amazing, smart scientist who admired human anatomy, and soon decided to create his own creature. Who is more at fault for the monsters behavior, Victor or the monster? If you were in the monsters position would you become a murderer for revenge? The monster is often viewed as the antagonist, however is Victor Frankenstein the reason many people in […]

Frankenstein and Gothic Literature

The character's identity and outward appearance interferes with the norms of the hierarchical societies in which they live. Thus, preventing them from experiencing life outside of the isolated confinement they are subjected to. While experiencing a constant conflict with acceptance it strikes the curiosity inside them. In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the experience of loneliness and obsession of science drives Victor Frankenstein to assume the role of God by reanimating a corpse. The horror presented derives from the source of control […]

Creation of Life in “Frankenstein”

The next major aspect of the novel that I would like to focus on is the creation of Frankenstein. This will include dissecting the experience into pieces, such as the use of technology, the role of God and religion and the reason behind creating the monster. In the novel, technology is used in correlation with the creation of Frankenstein. Victor says, I collected bones from charnel houses; and distributed, with profane fingers, the tremendous secrets of the human frame (Shelley […]

Foster’s Chapter “Every Trip is a Quest” in “Frankenstein”

In Foster's Chapter, Every Trip Is A Quest , he implies that every journey is a quest and every quest has to have a quester, a place to go, a stated reason to go there, challenges and trials along the way, and a real reason to go. When a character goes on a quest, he goes with intentions on fulfilling the originally stated reason, but once he is on the quest, he never ends up going for that originally stated […]

Economic Crisis Druing the French Revolution

The economic issues made by the French kings additionally added to the Revolution. Amid the eighteenth century, the French government spent more cash than it gathered in expenses. By 1788, the nation was bankrupt. Arthur Young, an Englishmen, and spectator, who ventured out to France from 1787 to 1789 furiously portray the living conditions of the workers in his book Travels in France (Campbell, 18). The measure of expense every individual must pay is out of line. Landholders found in […]

The History of Frankenstein in Film

From the dawn of the cinematic age, both horror and science fiction films have been shown throughout every cinema available. More common, however, were films based upon previously written works such as books or plays as they were easy to adapt from one medium to another. In 1910, Edison studios released what would inevitably lead to a cultural shift around the plot of one of the most famous, if not the most famous gothic novels: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1818). The […]

Isolation: Frankenstein and the Heart of Darkness

As humans we are naturally inclined to socialize with each other. There are times when we don’t want to be surrounded by others and just by ourselves, but prolonging that isolation can be detrimental to one’s psyche. Isolation can lead to stress levels rising, poor sleep, immune system dysfunction, and even cognitive depreciation (Psychology Today). In Heart of Darkness ?by Joseph Conrad, we see through Marlow’s eyes the descent of the antagonist Kurtz due to prolonged isolation in the wild […]

Technology and Morality in Shelley’s “Frankenstein”

In Frankenstein, Shelley addresses her concerns regarding human advancement by using a framed narrative that includes parallels, foils, and allusions in order to express that many people are unaware of the consequences of their actions because their hubris and ambition blinds them. This tends to disrupt the balance of society. Shelley’s framed structure leads us gradually to the central ideas of her novel and has us question our own society as a whole. The intention of each narrative in the […]

Victor Frankenstein in “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley

Frankenstein tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist in the 18th century. The story begins with a letter from Captain Walton to his sister. The first letter is dated 17--. In Walton's letters, he tells his sister of his encounter with the scientist Victor Frankenstein. Victor becomes consumed with discovering the secret of creating life. In his pursuit of this knowledge, Victor creates a living creature made of body parts of corpses. Victor is successful in creating life, but […]

How Technology Changed Society

Technology has dramatically changed society in ways people never imagined. Before the dawn of modern-day technology, life was troublesome and everyday tasks like chores or transport consumed too much of humans’ effort and time. Now, because of technology human can communicate, transport, and work faster than ever. Due to the efficiency of tech, humans’ lives have been eased tremendously and almost all humans live in comfort. In the 21st Century, technology and human life are inseparable; society these days depends […]

Frankenstein Book Review

In the book “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley, it is clear to lay the blame upon Victor Frankenstein. The definition of blame is the assignation of responsibility towards someone/something for a fault or wrong. Victor’s love and passion for science led to a monstrous idea and ended up killing three people. While his pride was a driving force, abandoning the creature was not a smart move. Due to the fact that his idea was matched with the act of doing gives […]

Frankenstein: the Cruelty he Faced

For centuries, society has placed stereotypes on those individuals who are different. Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein is an example of one specific stereotype, which is the discrimination of a person because of a physical deformity. Frankenstein shows how social prejudices against physical deformities can automatically classify a person as bad or monstrous. In gothic novels, visual codes were used to identify good from bad and socially acceptable from socially unacceptable. By using these codes, it was possible to tell if […]

Frankenstein Critical Analysis

In Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein, isolation is a motif, or recurring idea with symbolic importance, revealed throughout the story between two characters, Victor Frankenstein, and his scientifically animated monster, the Creature. They both engage in acts and narratives of projecting the consequential dogma of isolation, that inevitably isolation results negatively and perpetuates misanthropy. Victor on one hand is an obsessive personality, lost in his studies he removes himself from very much human contact and engaging society. It results in his […]

Feminism in Frankenstein

When you hear the name Frankenstein you immediately think of a tall green monster, yet the name that the monster was called by everyone today is not the real name of this monster, it doesn't even have an actual name, Frankenstein is the name of the creator Victor. It may be questioned that why is this long time ago when the monster was created, in 1818 still talked about today. Many people today recreate the story of Frankenstein and tell […]

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How To Write an Essay About Frankenstein

Introduction to mary shelley's frankenstein.

Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" is a seminal work of Gothic literature that explores themes of creation, responsibility, and the nature of humanity. In the introduction of your essay, set the stage by briefly summarizing the novel's plot, which centers around Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a sentient creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment. Highlight the novel's key themes, such as the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition, the quest for knowledge, and the moral implications of playing God. This introduction should provide a snapshot of the novel’s key elements and the thematic explorations you will delve into, laying the groundwork for a critical examination of Shelley's work.

Analyzing Themes and Characters

In the body of your essay, focus on a detailed exploration of the novel's central themes. Discuss the theme of creation and the consequences of Victor Frankenstein's pursuit of scientific discovery without ethical boundaries. Analyze the creature’s development and his quest for identity and companionship, which turns into a desire for revenge against his creator. Explore the novel's exploration of isolation, both self-imposed and societal, as experienced by Victor and his creature. Additionally, examine the characters' relationships and how they contribute to the novel's themes, using specific examples from the text to support your analysis. Each paragraph should focus on a different theme or character, weaving a comprehensive understanding of Shelley’s narrative.

The Novel's Context and Shelley's Writing

It's important to contextualize "Frankenstein" within its historical and literary background. Discuss the significance of the novel being written during the early 19th century, a time of significant scientific advancement and romantic literary movement. Explore how Shelley’s personal experiences and the scientific context of her time influenced the themes and style of "Frankenstein." Additionally, consider the novel's structure, narrative technique, and use of symbolism and imagery. This part of the essay should demonstrate an understanding of how "Frankenstein" not only reflects the time in which it was written but also contributes to the genre of science fiction.

Concluding Reflections

Conclude your essay by summarizing the key points of your analysis and reaffirming the novel's significance in literary history. Reflect on the enduring relevance of "Frankenstein" in modern times, particularly in discussions about scientific ethics, the boundaries of human endeavor, and the consequences of technological advancement. Consider the novel's impact on readers and its role in shaping subsequent literary and cultural narratives. A strong conclusion will not only encapsulate your insights but also underscore the novel's continued importance, encouraging readers to reflect on its themes in the context of today's world.

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Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: Critical Essay

A Critical Essay on Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: A Balance of Spheres

Mary Shelley explores the contrast between isolation and society throughout her novel, Frankenstein. This stark dichotomy revolves around the concept of friendship and how characters treat their friends. By juxtaposing Captain Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein, Shelley critiques isolationism and promotes companionship as vital to humanity’s prosperity. Her message condemns gender roles within Romantic society and ultimately provides a paradigm for the malign consequences of isolation.

The characters of Walton and Frankenstein are almost entirely alike. Unbeknownst to each other, both men share a strikingly similar childhood. In letters to his sister, Mrs. Saville, Walton recounts, “I am self-educated: for the first fourteen years of my life I ran wild on a common and read nothing but our Uncle Thomas’ books of voyages… I was passionately fond of reading. These volumes were my study day and night” (19, 16). Later in the novel, Frankenstein recalls, “I was, to a great degree, self-taught with regard to my favourite studies… I read and studied the wild fancies of… writers with delight” (41). Almost identical, these self educations gave rise to similar curiosities. While Frankenstein “desire[s] to divine…the secrets of heaven and earth,” Walton desires to “ascertain the secret of the magnet” (38, 16). These ambitions to scientifically probe nature are driven by a common thirst for glory. Walton affirms to Mrs. Saville, “I prefer glory to every enticement that wealth place[s] in my path” (17). Unaware of this statement, Frankenstein later describes his youthful mentality: “Wealth was an inferior object, but what glory would attend the discovery if I could banish disease…” (42). Rather than a monetary reward, zealous curiosity and desire for glory motivate both men to set out on an enterprise; Frankenstein attempts to animate a man while Walton attempts to discover passage routes through the Arctic. It becomes clear , Shelley’s deliberate parallels between both male protagonists characterize them as practically the same man .

Shelley differentiates Walton and Frankenstein by only one character trait: their treatment of friends. Throughout the novel, Victor Frankenstein increasingly rejects his friendships and isolates himself. The first stage in this process occurs after months of intellectual stimulation at college in Ingolstadt. He recalls “ the unremitting ardour … which made me neglect the scenes around me caused me to forget those friends who were so many miles absent, and whom I had not seen for so long a time” (55 , 56). Frankenstein altogether loses contact with his domestic relationships as he becomes more engrossed in working on his creation: “I wished, as it were, to procrastinate all that related to my feelings of affection… I shunned my fellow-creatures” (56, 57). Upon William’s death, he reaffirms this emotional and geographical detachment: “At first I wished to hurry on, for I longed to console and sympathise with my loved and sorrowing friends; but when I drew near my native town, I slackened my progress” (76). After his incredible inability to seek or provide consolation during William’s funeral and Justine’s death, Frankenstein severely deteriorates all social connections. In their first dialogue, Victor yells at his creature, “Begone! I will not hear you. There can be no community between you and me; we are enemies” (103). Shortly thereafter, he ventures to Scotland with Henry Clerval and delays Elizabeth’s desire for marriage and his father’s desire for his homecoming. Frankenstein’s message to Clerval, “do not interfere with my motions, I entreat you: leave me to peace and solitude,” and his retreat to the remote Orkney Islands represents the final act in his self-extrication from society. This act of isolation precipitates the creation’s murder of Clerval, Frankenstein’s closest friend, and drives him to lament, “on the whole earth there is no comfort which I am capable of receiving” (183). At this point, Frankenstein irrevocably loses the ability to seek consolation in human society, as demonstrated by his secrecy toward Elizabeth before her murder on their wedding night. In rejecting Walton’s hand in friendship, Frankenstein reaffirms this fateful inability for social connection: “you speak of new ties, and fresh affections… such is not my destiny” (215). In these final words, Frankenstein hints that in blindly pursuing his enterprise, he sacrificed his position in society forever.

Walton, on the other hand, seeks friendship, cares for his companions, and finds consolation in human society. After writing to his beloved sister, Mrs. Saville, “I desire the company of a man,” he encounters a gaunt, grotesque Victor Frankenstein (19). Shelley deliberately compares Walton’s revival of Frankenstein to Frankenstein’s own creation of a man:

I never saw a man in so wretched a condition… We… restored him to animation… As soon as he showed signs of life we wrapped him up in blankets and placed him near the chimney of the kitchen stove. By slow degrees he recovered and ate a little soup, which restored him wonderfully… I removed him to my own cabin and attended on him as much as my duty would permit. I never saw a more interesting creature…I would not allow him to be tormented by [the shipmates’] idle curiosity, in a state of body and mind whose restoration evidently depended upon entire repose. (26–27)

Shelley immediately likens Frankenstein to his own creation through the word “wretched,” and, in doing so, present an irony. Frankenstein deserts his “wretched” creation, who then becomes hungry and harassed by society. But when the roles are reversed, and Frankenstein is described as “wretched,” he is given “soup,” shelter, and protection from being “tormented.” Through this uncanny juxtaposition, Shelley presents Walton as far more friendly and empathetic than Frankenstein. In actively “attend[ing] on the man he animates, Walton, unlike Frankenstein, feels emotional attachment: “I begin to love him as a brother; and his constant and deep grief fills me with sympathy and compassion” (29). Another stark juxtaposition lies at the end of the novel when Walton’s ship is frozen into an ice sheet. He often expresses to Mrs. Saville a deep concern for the welfare of others: “Be assured that for my own sake, as well as yours, I will not rashly encounter danger,” and “I shall do nothing rashly: you know me sufficiently to confide in my prudence and considerateness whenever the safety of others is committed to my care” (22, 23). Accordingly, he consents to his crew’s request that the enterprise turn back toward England: “in justice, I could not refuse” (216). Though Frankenstein declares, “Do not return to your families with the stigma of disgrace marked on your brows. Return as heroes,” Walton feels a social duty which overcomes his thirst for glory (217). He reaffirms this value to Mrs. Saville: “I have lost my hopes of utility and glory… I am wafted towards England, and towards you, I will not despond… I may there find consolation” (219, 220). Expressly deeply pained by his failed enterprise, Walton retains the ability to find solace in human communion.

Though both men are similar in identity and enterprise, their treatment of friends precipitates starkly different fates; Walton survives to reconnect with society while Frankenstein meets a lonely demise. This pattern can be symbolized by yin-yang, ancient symbols which depict the relationship of opposing forces. In the context of Shelley’s novel, black represents isolation while white represents companionship. Frankenstein is consumed by isolation; his companionship with society is all but obliterated by the close of the story. Walton, on the other hand, represents the perfect balance of isolation and companionship. Though he does pursue an enterprise, he does not become wholly consumed by his isolationist ambition. Indeed, he strikes a compromise between isolation and society which ultimately forfeits his enterprise. This, Shelley contends, is necessary to humanity. For if enterprise goes unchecked and man isolates himself, both become an all consuming and destructive force — almost like the black hole of Frankenstein’s yin yang. The rationale behind her proposition is expressed by Walton in an early letter to Mrs. Saville: “I bitterly feel the want of a friend. I have no one near me… to approve or amend my plans. How would such a friend repair the faults of your poor brother!” (19). The Captain desires companionship to counterbalance the “faults” of his zealous, isolationist ambition. Ironically, he seeks to become friends with Frankenstein, a man who has cast away all of his friends in favor of his enterprise. Forced together by chance, the sole communion between these two men leaves an indelible mark on Walton, teaching him the potential catastrophe of his unchecked ambition. This recognition is focal to Shelley’s ultimate message that isolation elicits humanity’s vices and social connection is humanity’s best protection against itself.

Elegantly woven into Frankenstein ’s story, this critique of isolationism is a diatribe against Shelley’s contemporary society. At the height of the Romantic Era, she lived in a climate of stark gender separation. Often only joining for breakfast and dinner, man and woman were isolated in different social spheres. The “woman sphere” consisted of domestic life — cleaning, cooking, and child rearing. The “man sphere” consisted of professional life — studies, politics, and business. This separation was apparent in her own household: “Not once did [Percy Shelley] help with domestic obligations. As the resident genius, he wandered in and out of the house at any time of day or night” ( Gordon) . Though Mary Shelley was a working author, a rare and unusual position for a woman, she felt this divide between herself and her husband. Through the guise of Victor Frankenstein, Shelley professed the danger of such gender isolation:

“I am now convinced that… if no man allowed any pursuit whatsoever to interfere with the tranquility of his domestic affections, Greece had not been enslaved, Caesar would have spared his country, Americavwould have been discovered more gradually, and the empires of Mexico and Peru had not been destroyed” (5 6 ).

In other words, Shelley conveyed that isolation from “domestic affections,” or the sphere of woman, inevitably leads to violence and destruction . Just as Frankenstein professes this understanding to Walton, a man whose fate could potentially mirror his own, Shelley attempts to warn her peers and the younger generation to learn from the errors of earlier societies. In this respect, Frankenstein “provid[ed] a cultural warning… [as it] subvert[ed] the exclusivity of the masculine voice, revealing it to be monstrously destructive”( Davis). Shelley affirmed that like the ambition of Victor Frankenstein, man’s sphere becomes dangerous when isolated from that of woman’s sphere. Like Walton’s yin yang, an intertwining balance was necessary between the two entities. Indeed, Shelley contended, the spheres must merge to achieve a harmonious society. Shelley’s Frankenstein is truly a monstrous tale as it holds up a mirror to humanity and calls attention to our own foibles. In this moment of national anxiety, our fate lies in our ability to learn from monsters.

Works Cited

Davis, James P. “Frankenstein and the Subversion of the Masculine Voice.” Women’s Studies ,

vol. 21, Routledge, June 1992, pp. 307–322, Academic Search Complete , search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=19604089&site=ehost-live.

Gordon, Charlotte. “Mary Shelley: Marlow and London [1817–1818].” Romantic Outlaws: the Extraordinary Lives of Mary Wollstonecraft and Her Daughter Mary Shelley , Random House, New York, 2015, p. 247.

“Too Much Yin.” Redbubble , ih1.redbubble.net/image.11132141.7775/fc,800x800,white.jpg. “Yin Yang.” All Free Download , Clipart, images.all-free-download.com/images/graphiclarge/yin_yang_clip_art_26469.jpg.

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Essay Samples on Frankenstein

Unveiling the true nature: who is the monster in "frankenstein".

Who is the monster in Frankenstein? This question lies at the heart of Mary Shelley's iconic novel, "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus." While the immediate answer might seem to be the creature created by Victor Frankenstein, a deeper exploration of this essay reveals that the...

• Frankenstein
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Concept of Second Sex in Atwood and Shelley's Works

Introduction Feminism is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as, “the advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes.” Feminism in today’s society, has been misconstrued into this perception of man-hating. The whole proposition of this global act is to not...

• The Handmaid's Tale
• The Second Sex

Who Is The Real Monster In Frankenstein

In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, she creates a monster and it is either between Frankenstein the creator of the monster or the creature that he makes. The real monster in the book Frankenstein is Victor Frankenstein because he creates the monster, does not take responsibility, and...

"Frankenstein" By Mary Shelley: A Literary Analysis

Frankenstein is a ghastly story written by Mary Shelley in 1818 about a lonely scientist obsessed with natural philosophy creating a being that soon turns into an enemy. Abandoned by Victor Frankenstein, the Creature tries his best to blend in but keeps getting rejected. As...

"Frankenstein" By M. Shelley: A Book Review

Frankenstein started as a short story composed by Mary Shelley while she was on a summer excursion in Switzerland with his husband, artist Percy Bysshe Shelley. The novel was first distributed namelessly in 1818 and later on it was revised on 1831 acknowledging Mary Shelley...

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How The Trial Of Justine Characterizes Victor Frankenstein 

In the novel Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, Justine appears briefly in the story. She plays quite a significant role when it comes to the advance of Frankenstein’s character and also in the course of recounting the events in the novel. Justine is a servant...

Dracula And Frankenstein: Prominent Works Of Victorian Literature With Gothic Nature

Since the beginning of history, people has displayed a deep interest in the nature of gothic and dark. Evil was first most shown gods, whose wrath and ire was to be avoided at all cost lest one find themselves cursed. In the Gothic novel, interiors...

• Gothic Fiction

Analysis of the Nature vs Nurture Debate Based on the Novel "Frankenstein"

My point of view: Both nurture and nature has a great impact on shaping our personalities. Nature vs Nurture Nature vs. Nurture is one of the oldest philosophical debates considering whether humans' behavior is based on Genes and hereditary Factors or on the way you...

• Nature Versus Nurture

The Empowerment of Language in Understanding and Changing the World

Human nature relies on the ability to formulate thought - to generate the id, ego, and super ego’s into one’s needs, however, to communicate these needs depends on an underlying principle. Without language as an underlying mechanism, the human needs would not be able to...

Comparison of Characters in The Body Snatcher by Robert Louis Stevenson and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

The body snatcher written by Robert louis Stevenson and Frankenstein Written by Mary Shelley are two novel that can be compared easily and very effectively. Both works of literature deal with very similar details such as characters and their traits and theme. In Mary Shelley’s...

• Robert Louis Stevenson

Analysis of The Dream and the Doppelganger in "Frankenstein" Through Freud's Concept of the Uncanny

Writing Frankenstein, Mary Shelley wished to “speak to the mysterious fears of our nature, and awaken thrilling horror”; Sigmund Freud mentioned similar concepts of mysterious horror in The Interpretation of Dreams and The Uncanny. As the gothic psychological horror unfolds, elements of Freudian ideas such...

• The Uncanny

Novels That Impacted the Monster of Frankenstein

In the novel Frankenstein written by Mary Shelley, the monster is shown four different readings that shaped his outlook on human existence. The four novels are Paradise Lost by John Milton, Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe and Ruins of Empires by...

• The Sorrows of Young Werther
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Narrative Voices and Perspectives in Frankenstein and North and South

The extract from Frankenstein demonstrates how Shelley utilises first person narrative to express the inner thoughts and workings of Victor Frankenstein’s brain and conscious. Whereas in North and South, Gaskell employs the use of third person narrative to contrast Margaret’s sophisticated way of life with...

• North and South

Expression of Sympathy in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Mary Shelley’s gothic novel Frankenstein (1818) is set in Switzerland, Germany, France, England, and Scotland. It tells the story of a wicked creation of a monster. The two main characters, Victor and the creature, both endure many struggles which cause them to do irrational things....

Robert Walton as the Unreliable Narrator in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

The story of Frankenstein is being told through Robert Walton’s letters to his sister. A person’s perception of a sequence of events is often changed by who they hear an account of the events from. When a story is told, it is often morphed and...

• Literary Devices
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The Themes of Societal Issues in Frankenstein

I will analyzed some themes and some basic ideas in this novel.I will trying explain importance of science in that time. Firstly I will tell about writer and her book.She born in 1797 and, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Shelley's Father William Godwin was a well-known writer...

• Romanticism

The Horrors of Scarlet Fever as Depicted in the Novel Frankenstein

In this essay about the scarlet fever and how it affected people through all its stages and what it was involved with within the Mary Shelley's, “Frankenstein”. So that some may be informed about the things and knowledge of the fevers history and impact in...

Prometheus and Frankenstein: The Destructive Desire for Knowledge

The desire to gain more knowledge has been a core piece of humans’ character since the beginning of our time. Even in the time of dinosaurs, humans desired to learn more of their surroundings and their predators, which ultimately allowed them to survive. However, while...

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The Life Lessons Brought by Mary Shelley's Work

Frankenstein is a very in-depth novel with twists, and turns, and underlying meaning. Everything Mary Shelley writes, chooses, and uses in the novel is for a very specific reason. Mary Shelley chose specifically Paradise Lost, Plutarch's Lives, and The Sorrows of Young Werther for the...

The Role of Divine Power in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

It is difficult to think of the world of science and the art of literature intertwined. Mary Shelley´s Frankenstein is an example of these two worlds working together, as it examines the ethical, moral and religious implication of science. During the 1800s, the academic study...

Frankenstein: The Story of Monster Abandonment

Victor Frankenstien had created life, to a man that is a great accomplishment. To a woman that is a biological blessing or a curse. Mary Shelley wrote of a man who brought life to the dead and ran away from his creation. It was a...

The Themes of Beauty and the Beast in Frankestein and Rebecca

A woman with haunting secrets and a clever mind compared to a grotesque creature with superhuman strength and a deep hatred against humans, which is more horrible? These two monsters are Rebecca from Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca and Victor Frankenstein’s monster from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein....

• Beauty and The Beast

The Themes, Styles, and Techniques of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley was a widely-known author that created the famous novel Frankenstein and was the daughter of the well-known feminist, Mary Wollstonecraft. Mary gained an interest in writing ever since she was young, and developed an even greater interest when she married her late...

• Mary Wollstonecraft

The Myth Of Prometheus And Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Myths have been an important part of developing societies and explaining the mysteries of the world. One of the most famous myths is the myth of Prometheus. It has influenced many Greek writers and poets, as well as those living in the Romantic Era. This...

The Unsung Heroines Of Frankenstein By Mary Shelley

Though Mary Shelley was a modern woman for her time who came from an equally empowered mother, her portrayal of women is most contradictory. The female characters in Frankenstein are presented as biddable and passive which was a sign of the times. The voices of...

Frankenstein By Mary Wollstonecraft Shelly: The Fragility Of Human Nature

Science fiction is a literary genre which not only prepares the individual for technological advancements to society, but that teaches the individual the implications of human action. As a relatively early genre, it can often be compared to fantasy. However, science fiction narrates societies that...

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Best topics on Frankenstein

1. Unveiling the True Nature: Who is the Monster in “Frankenstein”

2. Concept of Second Sex in Atwood and Shelley’s Works

3. Who Is The Real Monster In Frankenstein

4. “Frankenstein” By Mary Shelley: A Literary Analysis

5. “Frankenstein” By M. Shelley: A Book Review

6. How The Trial Of Justine Characterizes Victor Frankenstein 

7. Dracula And Frankenstein: Prominent Works Of Victorian Literature With Gothic Nature

8. Analysis of the Nature vs Nurture Debate Based on the Novel “Frankenstein”

9. The Empowerment of Language in Understanding and Changing the World

10. Comparison of Characters in The Body Snatcher by Robert Louis Stevenson and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

11. Analysis of The Dream and the Doppelganger in “Frankenstein” Through Freud’s Concept of the Uncanny

12. Novels That Impacted the Monster of Frankenstein

13. Narrative Voices and Perspectives in Frankenstein and North and South

14. Expression of Sympathy in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

15. Robert Walton as the Unreliable Narrator in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

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Frankenstein Mary Shelley

Frankenstein essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.

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Frankenstein Essays

Dr. jekyll and mr. frankenstein theoderek wayne, frankenstein.

Both Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein tell cautionary tales of scientists abusing their creative powers to exist in another sphere where they cannot be directly blamed for their actions. Though...

Egotism, Personal Glory, and the Pursuit for Immortality Tiffany Guinan

The desire to make history to discover what remains undiscovered, or to know what remains unknown is a timeless human goal. Although many have failed to realize this dream, a very few have been wildly successful in its pursuit. The immortality...

Frankenstein and the Essence Of the Romantic Quest Tadd Hiatt

Victor Frankenstein, like many Romantics, relies upon his unusual capacity for sensitivity and creativity to aid him in his ambitions. In contrast to Robert Walton, who ventures to the North Pole to find "beauty and delight" (Shelley 15) amidst...

Like Father Like Son: Imitation and Creation Alison Anne Kuhns

Genesis states, "God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him". Humans, therefore, were created as a likeness to God. <I>Frankenstein</i> describes a similar act of creation in that in the novel, too, the...

Frankenstein's Discovery Theoderek Wayne

In Mary Shelley's <I>Frankenstein</I>, the paradoxical quality of the concept of "discovery" echoes that found in Milton's <I>Paradise Lost</I>: initial discovery is joyful and innocent, but ends in misery and corruption....

Nature As Victor Frankenstein's Physician Debbie Daniel

Setting plays a pivotal role throughout Mary Shelley's Frankenstein . Nature is presented as possessing an immense curative power: the beauty of the natural world heals Victor when he is too miserable to find solace anywhere else. The Arve Ravine...

The Tree of Knowledge Sara Granovetter

In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley warns that with the advent of science, natural philosophical questioning is not only futile, but dangerous. In attempting to discover the mysteries of life, Frankenstein assumes that he can act as God. He disrupts the...

Prometheus and Frankenstein: Use of the Myth Steve Kendon

In what ways and for what ends does Mary Shelley utilise the myth of Prometheus in her novel, Frankenstein?

Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein as a modern day version of the legend of Prometheus. Prometheus created men out of clay and taught...

Parallels With the Ancient Myths Sunny Hwang

Frankenstein might have been written as a horror story, but the ideas and themes prevalent in the novel are ones men have grappled with for ages. From ancient Greek myths to the Bible, the tale Shelley tells is an old one - one rife with the...

Sour Dreams: Dueling Nightmares in Frankenstein Jeremy Zorn

The question of how to interpret dreams within a novel is one of the most contentious in all of literary criticism. The natural tendency may be to analyze them as though they were real dreams, which includes the implicit assumption that authors...

The Gothic as Portrayed Through Taboo Material in Frankenstein Eleanor Bance

The distinctive features of the Gothic may be defined as a series of strategies, partly evasive, partly revelatory for dealing with tabooed material. Discuss with reference to Frankenstein.

Frankenstein, although not placed within the 'gothic'...

Mary Shelley's Confrontation of Life A. Livezey

Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein curdles readers' blood not merely with dreary nights and gruesome murders, but through a tale of man's most morbid undertakings. While the monster itself constitutes the most concretely catastrophic effect of...

The Middle Road to Happiness Carla Rowland

Too much exercise destroys strength as much as too little, and in the same way too much or too little food or drink destroys the health, while the proportionate amount increases and preserves it. The same is true of temperance and courage and the...

The Prometheus Myth and Science in Frankenstein Raylee Bonnell

How does the subtitle "The Modern Prometheus" assist Shelley in pointing out the underlying significance of her story?

Mary Shelley's work Frankenstein is a symbolic representation of the doubts and fears she, and her contemporaries, shared...

Influences on Life and Literature John Aitchison

Frankenstein, recognized as one of the most famous literary works of horror ever written, was the direct result of three brilliant authors challenging themselves to create a story that would incite fear and horror in the reader. Mary Shelley and...

The Resposibilities of Creation Anonymous

The idea of voluntary creation, of giving birth to something utterly original from some established foundation, instantly attracts unanswerable inquiries of morality and the nature of novelty and life. However, when invention is attempted on a...

Break On Through To the Other Side Anonymous

After ten weeks of intently studying a wide range of some of literature's greatest authors and their representative works, one is hard pressed to single out only four of these transcendiary pieces from such a distinguished list. However, four of...

Frankenstein's Paradise Gregory Conley

"Paradise has been lost." Frank Henenlotter's 1990 film, a campy retooling of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein by the name of Frankenhooker (Wolf 344), tells the tale of a mad scientist who, in order to bring his wife back to life, decapitates,...

Mary's Miswriting: A Misreading of Frankenstein Sujoy Ghosh

The issue of the gender of the writer playing a crucial part in her or his writing has been much discussed in contemporary critical debate. Feminist critics argue that the patriarchal ideology of society makes it imperative for male writers to...

Exploring the Sublime: Burke and Frankenstein's Monster Nathan Ragolia

Nate Ragolia

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English 4564

7 December 2003

Exploring the Sublime: Burke and Frankenstein's Monster

Wholly defining the sublime seems to lead to a near endless compilation of puzzle pieces, all of which fill in only a small portion of...

Mirrors between Victor and the Creature Anonymous

Frankenstein revolves around the conflict between two characters, Victor Frankenstein and the creature. At first glance, the discordant enemies appear to be nothing alike since they are adversaries from the first time they see each other. Many...

The Modern Prometheus: Reworked Myth in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein Michael Wainwright

The Modern Prometheus: Reworked Myth in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

As the subtitle of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein implies, the tragic tale of Victor Frankenstein and his creation takes elements of classical myth and reinterprets them through the...

Desolate Lives Chase Carhartt

"I shunned the face of man; all sound of joy or complacency was torture to me; solitude was my only consolation- deep, dark, deathlike solitude" (74). Mary Shelly's Frankenstein was written during a period known as the Romantic Era. The recognized...

Frankenstein Just Won't Go Away Yiran Guo

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a literary masterpiece that for the past two centuries has fascinated the imagination and interest of diverse readers. The word “Frankenstein” refers to the monster because it is universally accepted that the creator...

Frankenstein Essay

Frankenstein, By Victor Frankenstein

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Frankenstein And Frankenstein Essay

most famously in John Milton’s Paradise Lost, in 1667, and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, in 1818. The complexity of the characters in these texts creates the theme of nature versus nurture before they diverge and arrive at differing conclusions. Many critics arose over the years to contest the main character of Milton’s epic. Shelley,

Frankenstein´s Frankenstein And Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

which I do not understand.”1 - Mary Shelley Frankenstein, a novel written by Mary Shelley, was published in 1818, a first of its kind. The novel is considered to be the first depiction of science fiction, with “infused elements of the Gothic novel and romantic movement.”2 Today this masterpiece largely influences literature studies and popular culture, especially in the aspect of film creation. Various adaptations of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein has been created, but the only motion picture that

Frankenstein

as a reflection of context. The capacity of thematic concerns to transcend time are manifested within Mary Shelley 's 19th century gothic novel 'Frankenstein ' (1818) and Ridley Scott 's dystopian science fiction film 'Blade Runner ' (1992) as both pose markedly similar existentialist discourses regarding the fate of humanity. Through 'Frankenstein ', Shelley 's romantic approach condemns humanity 's intrusive assumption as creator during an era where scientific hubris prompted people to abandon

Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein seems to be an exact representation of the ideas of the 17th century philosopher John Locke. In Locke’s “An Essay Concerning Human Understanding,” he talks about the idea that we as humans are all born with a ‘blank slate’ that contains no knowledge whatsoever and that we can only know that things exist if we first experience them through sensation and reflection. In Frankenstein, the monster portrays Locke’s ideas of gaining knowledge perfectly through worldly experience

Frankenstein : An Evaluation Of The Writing Of Frankenstein

Frankenstein the novel, Amateur Work or Classic and Timeless Fiction: An Evaluation of the Writing of Frankenstein Frankenstein is a novel that gives readers an opportunity to imagine a world very different and unique from their current one. One where man can in fact create a creature who exhibits human like qualities such as loneliness, kindness, intelligence and anger even if it looks like a monster. Mary Shelley does a fantastic job in writing a work of fiction that is filled with imagination

Comparing Frankenstein And Pullman's Frankenstein

A gothic and horror play called by the name ‘Frankenstein’ by Mary Shelly and adapted by Phillip Pullman has astounded the audience with its amazing plot. A mad genius Frankenstein constructs a terrifying monster who he thought would be an angel. To construct the monster he steals body parts from the graveyard, stitches body parts together and uses electricity to bring it alive. He later realizes that his creation was a disaster and he changes all his views just by the monster’s appearance, moments

Frankenstein Essays : Reflection : Frankenstein

Reflection on Frankenstein In short, large ideas with much discussion at the occasional hindrance of the plot. In long my opinion is this, I liked the ideas and their discussion throughout the book, and it’s probably these and the innovative use of science fiction and horror for the time is likely what contributed to it being considered a classic. However, the book is not flawless. There were long segments of the book I found to be unengaging. I feel as though the protagonist is not interesting enough

Comparing Frankenstein And Frankenstein Returns

Although there are a lot of similarities to the poem “Frankenstein” and the poem “Frankenstein returns, there are a lot of differences to the poems too. Story by story is the way that I think that will help you understand. And don’t go away because I’ll tell you the differences and the similarities. The poem Frankenstein is about the Boran getting cadavers from dead people to make a monstrous man. Now, just because he is made of cadavers from dead people doesn’t mean he’s a mean guy. The

Frankenstein Vensor Frankenstein And The Modern Prometheus And Victor Frankenstein

a Titan named Prometheus stole fire from the gods and put it in the clay to make man. Like in the Greek Mythology, Mary Shelley has Victor Frankenstein steal life from nature. As Mary Shelley states in the title of her book Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus, she parallels Victor Frankenstein to the Titan Prometheus. As Mary Shelley states in Frankenstein the pursuit of unknown knowledge is dangerous. “ So much has been done… I will pioneer a new way, explain unknown powers, and unfold to the

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Frankenstein Essays (Examples)

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Frankenstein the Relationship Between Science Technology and Progress

Frankenstein and Enlightenment The Danger of Unregulated Thought in Frankenstein Mary Shelley's Frankenstein; Or, the Modern Prometheus, considered by many to be one of the first science-fiction novels written, is rife with anti-Enlightenment undertones. Shelley's novel, first published in 1818 and republished in 1831, examines the roles of science and religion, and provides a commentary on the dangers of playing God. Considering that Mary Shelley was the daughter of two prominent Enlightenment intellectual figures, Mary ollstonecraft and illiam Godwin, it can be argued that Shelley has an insight into the some of the beliefs and arguments of the Enlightenment and can provide a well thought out argument against the movement. Shelley's anti-Enlightenment attitude focuses on the dangers that may arise through unsupervised education, including the exploration of science and the denunciation or tampering of religion, and how it may impact an individual's perspectives and reasoning. In Frankenstein, Shelley exploits the Victorian fears of…...

mla Works Cited Kant, Immanuel. Was ist Aufklarung? Modern History Sourcebook. Fordham University. Web. Kreis, Steven. "Lecture 9: The Triumph of Science and the Heavenly City of the 18th Century Philosophe." The History Guide: Lectures on Modern European Intellectual History. 4 August 2009. Web.

Frankenstein an Analysis of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Frankenstein An Analysis of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein Mary ollstonecraft Shelley wrote in her 1831 introduction to the reprint of Frankenstein that "supremely frightful would be the effect of any human endeavour to mock the stupendous mechanism of the Creator of the world" (x). These words not only indicate the manner of her thought on the night she conceived the idea for her gothic novel, they also reflect, as she notes, the ideas discussed between her husband Percy Shelley and Lord Byron. The two men represented well the doctrines of the Romantic/Enlightenment Age, and the effects of their idealistic creed seem to be personified in Mary Shelley's "Modern Prometheus," a creature whose deformities are despised by its creator. This paper will show how Mary Shelley uses form, theme, character, tone, language and metaphor to convey why Dr. Frankenstein, in his attempt to "recreate" creation, creates instead the basis of Shelley's cautionary tale on…...

mla Works Cited Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. London: George Routledge and Sons, 1891. Print.

Frankenstein and Romanticism

Her list includes the following: culture / Nature reason / Nature male/female mind/body ( Nature) master/slave reason/matter (physicality) rationality/animality ( Nature) human / Nature (non-human) civilised/primitive ( Nature) production/reproduction ( Nature) self/other At first glance, this list seems to capture the basic groupings and gender associations that are at work in Mary Shelley's novel. The Creature exemplifies animality, primitiveness, and physicality, whereas Victor represents the forces of civilization, rational production, and culture. Victor is part of a happy family and has prospects of marriage, as opposed to the wild and isolated monster. The Creature is "other," since he is forced outside the human community and is depicted in association with rugged and uncultured Nature. But second consideration should make us pause. I have been contrasting Victor with the monster rather than with a woman like his fiancee, Elizabeth. This sets up a dualism in which the monster is the feminine member of the pair. here does this leave Nature…...

mla Works Cited Fisch, Audrey a. Creature and Creator: Mythmaking and English Romanticism Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1984, 103-32. Gilbert, Susan and Susan Gubar. The Madwoman in the Attic. The Woman Writer and the Nineteenth-Century Literary Imagination. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1979. Knoepflmacher, U.C. Thoughts on the Aggression of Daughters, in the Endurance of Frankenstein, 119. Lynch, Jack of Rutgers Newark, Eighteenth-Century Resources -- History. Retrieved on Feb 8th, 2012 from http://andromeda.rutgers.edu/~jlynch/18th/history.html

Frankenstein & omanticism How omanticism is Demonstrated in Frankenstein In less than six years, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein will be 200 years old. This novel, indicative of the romantic period, is a compelling narrative with numerous themes and vivid imagery to consider. In the context of romanticism, Frankenstein is a worthwhile piece of literature to examine. Literature and art of the romantic period is characterized with an emphasis on intense emotional reactions, specifically emotions such as horror, terror, and awe. These emotions are central to the narrative of Frankenstein. Such emotions act as catalysts in the narrative and they serve to push the story on long after in has begun. This movement is also characterized by a return to the scientific and what is rational. Victor is, among other things, a devoted scientist. Nicole Smith sees Mary Shelley as an author who retained a deep understanding of romanticism and also sees her as an…...

mla References: Abdelwahed, Said J. "The Gothic, Frankenstein, and the Romantics." Al-Azhar University, Gaza, 1997. Brown, Marshall (ed). The Cambridge History of Literary Criticism: Volume 5 -- Romanticism. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, New York, Melbourne, 2000. Fulford, Tim & Peter J. Kitson. Romanticism and Colonialism: Writing and Empire, 1780 -- 1830. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, New York, Melbourne, 1998. Lynch, Jack. "Eighteenth Century Resources -- Literature." Rutgers University, Newark, 2006. Web. Available from ">http://andromeda.rutgers.edu/~jlynch/18th/lit.html>

Frankenstein Mary Shelley's Frankenstein Touches

Frankenstein's creation of the monster is rendered as a kind of horrific pregnancy; for example, where a pregnant woman expands with the child she is bearing and usually eats more, Frankenstein wastes away during his work, depriving himself "of rest and health" (Shelley 43). Rather than expressing any kind of paternal (or maternal) love for his creation, Frankenstein recoils, as "breathless horror and disgust filled [his] heart" (Shelley 43). One can quite reasonably view Frankenstein's desire to create life as a kind of twisted mourning, and the fact that his attempts to give birth without any kind of mother reveals the novel's position regarding the absence of a mother. In short, the novel views the mother as necessary not only for continuing procreation through her blessing regarding future marriage, but also through the mediating role she seems to play in the creation of life. ithout a mother present, Frankenstein recoils…...

mla Works Cited Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Boston: Cornhill Publishing Company, 1922.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Frankenstein Geneticists are the modern-day versions of Victor Frankenstein, maverick scientists who, in pursuing their personal dreams and ambitions cross over ethical lines. Mary Shelley was deeply concerned about the potential of science to blur humanitarian issues. In her classic novel Frankenstein, Shelley depicts a driven scientist who, for the love of knowledge and power, creates life. The ramifications of what is commonly called "playing God" include an inhumane mistreatment of the creation. In fact, one of the main concerns over cloning today is the real possibility that cloned human beings would certainly be treated as inferior to naturally born humans. Worse, clones human beings who can think, feel, and cry could be used simply for harvesting organs. Therefore, science clearly has the potential to overstep the boundaries of morality, and Mary Shelley saw this far before the human genetic code was solved. In this light, Frankenstein served as a warning…...

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Numerous

However, he also chooses isolation in his desire to explore the North Pole. And yet, to Brannstrom, the character of obert Walton balances Victor Frankenstein who deliberately chooses to isolate himself from society and the creature who longs to belong to society. According to Brannstrom, "Walton is someone who can strive for distinction but at the same time turn back when his actions might harm others." Tied to the theme of alienation is the theme of belonging. Whereas alienation includes the isolation of the characters and the loneliness that each felt due to the circumstances they found themselves in, belonging includes the need to be part of something and the responsibility of someone to things or persons it brought forth. Central to the theme of belonging is "paternal negligence and the need for responsible creativity" (Hustis par. 1) as illustrated by Victor Frankenstein. Victor can be likened to a father…...

mla References Brannstrom, Carina. An Analysis of the Theme of Alienation in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. (2006). 10 May 2009 ">http://epubl.ltu.se/1402-1773/2006/049/LTU-CUPP-06049-SE.pdf > Hustis, Harriet. "Responsible creativity and the "modernity" of Mary Shelley's Prometheus.(how Mary Shelley's Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus reconfigures and modernizes the Prometheus myth)(Critical Essay)." Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900. Rice University. 2003. HighBeam Research. 10 May. 2009 . Murdarasi, Karen. "Themes in Frankenstein: A Summary of the Major Literary Motifs." Suite101. (26 May 2008). 10 May 2009 . Pereira, Karen. "Frankenstein as Mary Shelley's Autobiography." Romantic and Gothic Horror. 10 May 2009 .">http://www.stjohns-chs.org/english/karen/karenfrankenstein.html >.

Frankenstein Book

Frankenstein Although there are many different and related themes in Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein, one of the most important themes is that of revenge. The relationship between the title doctor and his creation is a complex one. Dr. Frankenstein created the creature, and so he is like his father. However, this father later abandons the creature. The abandonment causes the creature to dedicate his life to exacting revenge on his "father." hen the creature learns that all human beings find him ugly, he starts to want to take revenge on all of humanity. Yet the human beings in the novel are also interested in revenge. Dr. Frankenstein especially wants revenge on the creature for killing several people. Therefore, revenge is a complex and significant theme in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Revenge is the common ground between the creature and the human beings. Instead of being angry at himself for animating a corpse without…...

mla Works Cited "Frankenstein Revenge Quotes." Retrieved online:   http://www.shmoop.com/frankenstein/revenge-quotes.html  "Revenge." Frankenstein. Retrieved online:   http://frankensteinpro.weebly.com/theme.html  Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Retrieved online:   http://www.gutenberg.org/files/84/84-h/84-h.htm

Frankenstein Since Its Publication in

As his views on society would force him, to use other body parts of common people and it would be the citizens of the village who would suffer Frankenstein's wrath. This is important, because the underlying class struggle, would be used later on (by historians) to draw parallels about similar incidents that were occurring throughout society at the time. A good example of the different Marxist theories can be seen by looking at the times Shelley would grow up. Where, slavery was common throughout the Western Hemisphere. This would influence Shelley, as she would be exposed to freed slaves and would often hear the stories about the escaped slave running into the village. Where, everyone is afraid about what could happen to them, at the hands of this individual. Evidence of this can be seen with the passage in the novel that says, "Am I to be the only…...

mla Bibliography Themes, Motifs and Symbols. Spark Notes, 2010. Web. 24 Oct. 2010. Bloom, Harold. "Frankenstein's Monster." Mary Shelly's Frankenstein. New York: Chelsea House, 2007. 61 -- 67. Print Ectric, Ecric. "Frankenstein Factors." Search Warp, 2004. Web. 24 Oct. 2010

Frankenstein's Influence on Science and Medicine the

Frankenstein's Influence On Science And Medicine The scientific concepts presented in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein helped introduce the public to concepts that would revolutionize the fields of science and medicine. First published in 1818, Frankenstein examined the role of science and religion, commenting on the dangers of "playing God." Frankenstein has been considered by many to be the first science-fiction novel written, and many of the concepts introduced have been further explored and developed which have led to the implementation of new and radical medical procedures present today. Shelley exploits Victorian fears of scientific advancement and technology in Frankenstein. Driven by his desire to learn, Victor Frankenstein utilizes his formal and self-taught education to further develop his questions about science and natural philosophy. Frankenstein's thirst for knowledge leads him to study the works of "natural philosophers" such as Cornelius Agrippa, Paracelsus, and Albertus Magnus. Frankenstein states that with the guidance of these philosophers…...

mla References "The History of Transplantation." (2004). The Gift of a Lifetime: Organ & Tissue Transplantation in America. 11 April 2011. Retrieved from   http://www.organtransplants.org/understanding/history/ . Lane, J.A. (1994). "History of Genetics Timeline." Access Excellence at the National Health Museum. 11 April 2011. Retrieved from http://www.accessexcellence.org/AE/AEPC/WWC/1994/geneticstln.php.

Frankenstein's Creature How Often Does

The creature grew fond of the family and perceived them to be his protectors. He laboriously studied the family; he learned about their relations to one another, he felt their moods and he practiced their language. He had hoped to be accepted as a member of the family and developed a plan for revealing himself. He decided to first approach the elderly, blind father; the creature hoped to gain the father's friendship and to be introduced to the rest of his family. On finding the father alone one day, the creature approached the cottage and spoke with the father. The father unable to see the creature showed kindness towards him. Unfortunately, the children returned within minutes and upon seeing the creature thought their father was in danger. The few moments of acceptance were quickly turned to rejection. The family immediately vacated the cottage, never to return. The creature was convinced…...

Frankenstein Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and

What Victor is saying is that in order to create a living being from the dead, he must haunt the graveyards like a human ghoul and experiment on live animals to "animate" "lifeless clay," being the deceased remains of human beings. From this admission, it is abundantly obvious that Victor, like Prometheus, sees "clay" as the foundation for creation, a substance which is part of the earth itself and which allows skilled hands to mold it into any shape or form desired. In Chapter Five of Frankenstein, "on a dreary night of November," Victor describes "the accomplishment of my toils" while surrounded by "the instruments of life." This is the pivotal creation scene in the novel which some scholars have mentioned as having "not enough substance related to exactly how Victor created his monster" (Smith, 256). In this setting, Victor, full of anxiety and fearful of the unknown, attempts to…...

mla Bibliography Prometheus." Theoi Project. Internet. 2007. Retrieved 21 April, 2007 at   http://www.theoi.com/Titan/TitanPrometheus.html  Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus. Philadelphia, PA: Running Press, 1990. Smith, Johanna M., Ed. Mary Shelley: Frankenstein. 2nd ed. New York: Bedford/St.

Frankenstein as Educational Fiction Frankenstein

Victor is the perfect example of how the quest for knowledge can be bad for all. Victor abandons his responsibility as a scientist when he becomes self-absorbed and he abandons his responsibility as a scientist and a father when he leaves the monster to die. However, as it is with life, Victor did not consider the law of unintended circumstances in any of his endeavors. hen the monster does not simply go away and die, Victor must face his responsibility. He loses everything important too him for a tiny morsel of fame that was hardly worth it. Frankenstein is also educational because it teaches us about the importance of the human need to feel accepted in one way or another. The creature would not have resorted to a life of crime had someone paid attention to him. His crime is a direct result of his mistreatment from birth forward.…...

mla Works Cited Brackett, Virginia. "Frankenstein." Companion to the British Novel: Beginnings through the 19th Century. 2006. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Information Retrieved May 10, 2009. Gould, Stephen. "The Monster's Human Nature." Natural History. 1994. EBSCO Resource

Frankenstein Film 1931 by James Whale

Frankenstein-Movie eading about cloning is very disturbing. Scientists should not try to play God. Messing with the natural cause of life can have unforeseen consequences. They should remember the classic novel by Mary Shelley "Frankenstein." Its premise also explores the theme of creating a living thing. Though Frankenstein is not about cloning, its theme is similar to the events related to cloning. This movie is not attempting to be a horror movie. Though there were horror movies in that era, this one followed a more human path. However it sets the path for science fiction movies of this genre. Frankenstein's creation is an intriguing character. He is only a freak of nature who has no understanding of his surroundings and what he is doing there. The movie directed by James Whale is one of the best versions of Mary Shelley's Goth tale. Dr Henry Frankenstein played by Colin Clive is one of the…...

mla References Review of Frankenstein (1931), Tim Dirks, 1996 (  http://www.filmsite.org/fran.html ) Crazy for Cinema, 2002 ( http://crazy4cinema.com/Review/FilmsF/f_frank31.html)

Frankenstein Mary Shelley Conceived of

If you reanimate dead flesh then how do you kill it? Victor, on his death bed, intones to his new friend the Captain of the discovery vessel that ambition in science should be kept in check, even if that means death in anonymity. He first intones that he regrets that he is dying while the beast still lives and then warns the captain to keep his ambition in check. That he should live to be an instrument of mischief disturbs me; in other respects, this hour, when I momentarily expect my release, is the only happy one which I have enjoyed for several years. The forms of the beloved dead flit before me and I hasten to their arms. Farewell, alton! Seek happiness in tranquillity and avoid ambition, even if it be only the apparently innocent one of distinguishing yourself in science and discoveries. Yet why do I say this? I…...

mla Works Cited Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft. Frankenstein or, the Modern Prometheus. New York: Collier Books, 1961.

Could you help me draft an essay outline about gothic wardrobe?

I. Introduction A. Hook: Have you ever wondered about the mysterious allure of gothic fashion? B. Background information: Explain what gothic fashion is and its origins. C. Thesis statement: This essay will explore the elements of a gothic wardrobe and the reasons why it has captivated individuals throughout history. II. Elements of a Gothic Wardrobe A. Dark colors: Discuss the significance of black as the predominant color in gothic fashion. B. Layering: Examine how layering allows gothic fashion enthusiasts to create a dramatic and mysterious look. C. Fabrics: Analyze the importance of materials such as velvet, lace, and leather....

Do you have any tips for outlining an essay specifically on the subject of The influences of nature vs. nurture on the monster in Frankenstein?

I. Introduction A. Overview of the novel Frankenstein B. Explanation of the nature vs. nurture debate C. Thesis statement: The monster in Frankenstein is influenced by a combination of both nature and nurture factors II. Nature's influence on the monster A. Creation of the monster by Victor Frankenstein 1. Genetic makeup and physical appearance 2. Inherent qualities and instincts B. Lack of societal influence and guidance 1. Isolation and abandonment 2. Limited exposure to human interaction III. Nurture's influence on the monster A. Relationship with the De Lacey family 1. Learning language and communication skills 2. Developing emotions and empathy ....

Outline: The Influences of Nature vs. Nurture on the Monster in Frankenstein I. Introduction Hook: Begin with a captivating statement about the monster in Frankenstein and its enigmatic nature. Thesis statement: State the argument that both nature (genetics, biology) and nurture (environment, experiences) play significant roles in shaping the monster's character and behavior. II. The Role of Nature Genetic Influence: Discuss the monster's unique physical and intellectual abilities as a product of his artificial creation. Consider the potential role of Victor Frankenstein's own genetic characteristics. Biological Drives: Analyze the monster's basic instincts, such as his need for companionship, food, and shelter. Explain....

Do you have any tips for outlining an essay specifically on the subject of Exploring the Theme of Alienation in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein?

I. Introduction A. Explanation of the concept of alienation B. Brief overview of Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein C. Thesis statement: In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley explores the theme of alienation through the experiences of the characters, particularly Victor Frankenstein and his creation. II. Alienation of Victor Frankenstein A. Victor's isolation from society due to his obsession with creating life B. Victor's alienation from his family and friends as a result of his secretive and questionable experiments C. Victor's self-imposed alienation as he becomes consumed by guilt and fear of his creation III. Alienation of the Creature A. The Creature's physical isolation from society due to his monstrous appearance B. The Creature's....

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Frankenstein

by Mary Shelley

Discussion Topic

Topic sentences for an essay on "Frankenstein"

Examples of topic sentences for an essay on Frankenstein might include: "Victor Frankenstein's ambition leads to his downfall as he fails to foresee the consequences of playing God," or "The creature's loneliness and rejection by society highlight the novel's theme of isolation and the need for companionship."

themes: Responsibility

themes: Alienation

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What would be your first topic sentence for an essay on Frankenstein?

Do you need a topic sentence or a thesis?  The topic sentence introduces the topic of that body paragraph.  Your thesis is, simply put, your topic + your opinion.  The thesis states what you are going to prove in the rest of your essay .  Your thesis would change depending...

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on what you chose to write about.  You would write about the role or creator and creation, the creator's responsibility to his creation, man's alienation from society, man's desperate search for approval, revenge, Gothicism in the novel.  Those are just some possible topics.  Your thesis could incorporate one of these topics and your opinion of how the topic fits into the novel.

To easily create a topic sentence, take part of your thesis and restate it for the thesis.  For example, your thesis states, " Frankenstein intimately explores the role of creator and creation and the responsibility of the creator to that creation."  Then, your topic sentence could say, " Mary Shelley depicts the different positions the creator and creation can take."

Hope that helps!

Cite this page as follows:

Williams, Jennifer. "Topic sentences for an essay on "Frankenstein"" edited by eNotes Editorial, 11 Nov. 2009, https://www.enotes.com/topics/frankenstein/questions/topic-sentences-for-an-essay-on-frankenstein-3118533.

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You get right to the point, which is a good thing. A few things to consider. Shelley is writing in the 1800 during a time where there is rapid development in industry. New things are on the horizon, but this means that the past is fading away. Whenever there is a time of transition, there will be people who embrace what is new and there will be people who resist and see the dangers. With this background, you can write on a number of things.

Here is an example of a topic sentence that I might use:

In Shelley's work, there is a conflict between the positive and negative sides of technology. She explores and develops the negative points in the following ways: ...........

Here is another:

In Shelley's work, there is a tension between the one that is created and the one that creates.

I hope this helps.

Lee, Inuk. "Topic sentences for an essay on "Frankenstein"" edited by eNotes Editorial, 11 Nov. 2009, https://www.enotes.com/topics/frankenstein/questions/topic-sentences-for-an-essay-on-frankenstein-3118533.

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What is an arguable topic sentence for Frankenstein?

I am not sure what you are asking, but perhaps you have been asked to come up with a topic sentence that you can argue, one way or another? If so, there are lots of possibilities. For example, who do you think was more to blame for all of the killings, Victor Frankenstein or the Monster ? Another one you could argue is did Victor Frankenstein make the right decision to refuse to create a mate for the Monster? Another thing you could argue that would be an outgrowth of this novel's theme is does man have the right to mess with nature, or does man have the right to pursue the creation of life, such as with cloning?

Hunt, Lynne. "Topic sentences for an essay on "Frankenstein"" edited by eNotes Editorial, 6 Oct. 2010, https://www.enotes.com/topics/frankenstein/questions/topic-sentences-for-an-essay-on-frankenstein-3118533.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Books — Page 3

Essays on Frankenstein

Hook examples for "frankenstein" essays, monster or victim hook.

Is Frankenstein's creature truly a monstrous villain, or is he a victim of society's rejection and cruelty? Dive into the moral ambiguity of this iconic character and explore the depths of his humanity.

Mary Shelley's Inspiration Hook

Discover the intriguing story behind the creation of "Frankenstein." Explore Mary Shelley's life, her influences, and how this timeless novel emerged from the challenges and tragedies she faced.

Scientific Ambition Hook

Victor Frankenstein's relentless pursuit of scientific discovery leads to catastrophic consequences. Analyze the theme of scientific ambition and its ethical implications in the novel.

The Promethean Myth Hook

Frankenstein is often compared to the myth of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods. Delve into how the novel explores themes of creation, rebellion, and the consequences of playing god.

The Pursuit of Knowledge Hook

Examine the characters' quests for knowledge in "Frankenstein" and how their thirst for understanding the unknown shapes their destinies. Consider the fine line between discovery and obsession.

Ethical Dilemmas Hook

"Frankenstein" raises profound ethical questions about the responsibilities of creators, the treatment of the other, and the consequences of one's actions. Explore these dilemmas and their relevance today.

Monstrosity of Society Hook

Discuss how "Frankenstein" critiques societal norms and prejudices. Analyze how the creature's rejection by society shapes his behavior and leads to his transformation into a true monster.

Gothic Elements Hook

Explore the Gothic elements in Mary Shelley's novel, from eerie settings to themes of isolation and horror. Consider how these elements contribute to the overall atmosphere and meaning of the story.

Modern Scientific Ethics Hook

Draw parallels between the novel's ethical dilemmas and contemporary debates on scientific advancements, cloning, and genetic engineering. Reflect on how "Frankenstein" remains relevant in today's world.

Romantic Politics: Writing Politics in Mary Shelley"s "Frankenstein" and The Poetry of Percy Shelle

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Downward Direction: Frankenstein’s Downhill

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Revenge and Desire in Prometheus and Frankenstein

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Knowledge is not Wisdom

Lives in the captivity of big despair, the consequences of the new creation, how mary shelley’s depiction shows the threats of artificial intelligence, victor iis the moral compass for walton, review of mary shelley’s book, frankenstein, the second life of prometheus myth in mary shelley’s frankenstein, daddy issues impacting victor frankenstein, overstepping boundaries in frankenstein and immortal life of henrietta lacks, nature as a restorative agent in mary shelley’s frankenstein, the function of frankenstein's interruptive comments in the novel, lessons about living together in frankenstein, victor frankenstein and i: examination of ambition and the shaping of our destiny, the themes of nature and civilization in frankenstein, how binary oppositions are shown in frankenstein, the struggle of communication in shelley's 'frankenstein' and sebold's 'the lovely bones', romanticism and pathetic fallacy in frankenstein, the 4 main functions walton performs in frankenstein, a look at the ineffectiveness of high education as portrayed by ernest j. gaines in a lesson before dying and mary shelley’s, frankenstein, reflection of the essence of the romantic quest in frankenstein.

1818, Mary Shelley

Novel; Gothic Fiction, Horror Fiction, Science Fiction, Romance Novel, Soft Science Fiction

Victor Frankenstein, the monster, Robert Walton, Alphonse Frankenstein, Elizabeth Lavenza, Henry Clerval, William Frankenstein, Justine Moritz, Caroline Beaufort, Beaufort, Peasants, M. Waldman, M. Krempe, Mr. Kirwin

Shelley has been influenced by her parents, especially her father's "Enquiry Concerning Political Justice" and "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman". It also included ideas of galvanism, which have been extremely popular during the time the novel has been written.

Light and darkness, good and evil, fire, isolation, anger, unorthodox approach.

It has been the main theme of reanimating the dead, which became the pioneering theme in literary works, yet the most important and symbolic importance of this novel is the interaction between the scientist Victor Frankenstein and the nameless creature that he has brought to life. It can be summed up with the words of the monster: "I was benevolent and good, misery made me a fiend" (Shelley 90). It speaks of Victor's creating the being, yet it was the society that has created the monster.

The novel tells a story of a gifted scientist called Victor Frankenstein who manages to bring life to his own creation. The challenge is that his creation is not exactly what he has imagined. As a monster creature, he is rejected by his creator and mankind in general. The main idea is to see and explore regarding who the true monster is.

Mary Shelley was only 18 years old when she started Frankenstein . She was 20 years old when the book was published. The Frankenstein has been written in the shadow of a tragedy as Shelley has lost her newborn daughter. The most common misconception is that Frankenstein is the name of the monster, which has already become symbolic all over the world. In truth, the monster has no name at all. Frankenstein word comes from the name of the German castle not far from the Rhine River, literally meaning "Stone of the Franks''. It was the place where an odd alchemist called Konrad Dippel has tried to create an elixir of immortality. It was thought that it was Mary's father Percy Shelley who wrote the book since he also wrote the preface. The book has not been accepted by the critics and was called "absurd" and "disgusting" The full name of the book is Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus.

“Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change.” “Life, although it may only be an accumulation of anguish, is dear to me, and I will defend it.” “I do know that for the sympathy of one living being, I would make peace with all. I have love in me the likes of which you can scarcely imagine and rage the likes of which you would not believe. If I cannot satisfy the one, I will indulge the other.” “Even broken in spirit as he is, no one can feel more deeply than he does the beauties of nature. The starry sky, the sea, and every sight afforded by these wonderful regions, seems still to have the power of elevating his soul from earth. Such a man has a double existence: he may suffer misery, and be overwhelmed by disappointments; yet, when he has retired into himself, he will be like a celestial spirit that has a halo around him, within whose circle no grief or folly ventures.” “How mutable are our feelings, and how strange is that clinging love we have of life even in the excess of misery!”

Although the story has been written a long time ago, it is still clear for contemporary readers because it can be related to scientific advancements, human relations, and AI. In a certain sense, it is the beginning of scientific fiction and the subject of "playing God". Mary Shelley's book is a warning to humanity and the scientists about responsibility with the main message being that science and technology can go way too far beyond the limitations. It proves that human beings must believe in the sanctity of our own being.

This book represents an essay topic for numerous academic fields from Data Science to Nursing and Education. Since it deals with ethics, responsibility, and being conscious about one's creations, it acts as the symbolic reflection of being the monster that we fear. The life of Victor Frankenstein is an example of scientists through decades, different countries and fields. It is a great warning for us all that we should not go too far.

1. Shelley, M., & Bolton, G. (2018). frankenstein. In Medicine and Literature (pp. 35-52). CRC Press. (https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781315375670-4/frankenstein-mary-shelley-gillie-bolton) 2. Gigante, D. (2000). Facing the Ugly: The Case of" Frankenstein". Elh, 67(2), 565-587. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/30031925) 3. Sherwin, P. (1981). Frankenstein: Creation as catastrophe. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/pmla/article/abs/frankenstein-creation-as-catastrophe/40AFBF23476041ECF8A55827303A3D43 PMLA, 96(5), 883-903. 4. Heffernan, J. A. (1997). Looking at the monster:" Frankenstein" and film. Critical Inquiry, 24(1), 133-158. (https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/448869?journalCode=ci) 5. Guzman, A. (2013). International organizations and the Frankenstein problem. European Journal of International Law, 24(4), 999-1025. (https://academic.oup.com/ejil/article/24/4/999/606374) 6. Kunich, J. C. (2000). Mother Frankenstein, Doctor Nature, and the Environmental Law of Genetic Engineering. S. cal. L. rev., 74, 807. (https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/scal74&div=42&id=&page=) 7. Ginn, S. R. (2013). Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: Exploring neuroscience, nature, and nurture in the novel and the films. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780444632876000099 Progress in Brain Research, 204, 169-190. 8. Holmes, R. (2016). Science fiction: The science that fed Frankenstein. https://www.nature.com/articles/535490a 9. Barns, I. (1990). Monstrous nature or technology?: Cinematic resolutions of the ‘Frankenstein Problem’. Science as Culture, 1(9), 7-48. (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09505439009526278?journalCode=csac20) 10. Brooks, P. (1978). Godlike Science/Unhallowed Arts: Language and Monstrosity in Frankenstein. New Literary History, 9(3), 591-605. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/468457)

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Frankenstein

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Through Victor and Walton , Frankenstein portrays human beings as deeply ambitious, and yet also deeply flawed. Both Victor and Walton dream of transforming society and bringing glory to themselves through their scientific achievements. Yet their ambitions also make them fallible. Blinded by dreams of glory, they fail to consider the consequences of their actions. So while Victor turns himself into a god, a creator, by bringing his monster to life, this only highlights his fallibility when he is completely incapable of fulfilling the responsibilities that a creator has to its creation. Victor thinks he will be like a god, but ends up the father of a devil. Walton, at least, turns back from his quest to the North Pole before getting himself and his crew killed, but he does so with the angry conclusion that he has been robbed of glory. Neither Victor nor Walton ever escapes from their blinding ambitions, suggesting that all men, and particularly those who seek to raise themselves up in glory above the rest of society, are in fact rash and "unfashioned creatures" with "weak and faulty natures."

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