Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus

Name: Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus
Author: Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

By Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

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About This Book

Told through the letters of an Arctic explorer, the narrative follows a driven scientist who succeeds in animating a lifelike being and then recoils from his creation. The creature learns language and human customs, confronts isolation and rejection, and demands companionship; when denied, it enacts a campaign of revenge that destroys the scientist's family and happiness. The story alternates between creator, created, and explorer perspectives, exploring ambition, responsibility for one's creations, social alienation, and the moral costs of transgressing natural limits, set within a Gothic atmosphere and framed by questions of guilt and justice.

About the Author

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (1797-1851) was an English novelist, best known for her groundbreaking work, "Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus," which is often regarded as one of the first science fiction novels. The daughter of feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft and political philosopher William Godwin, Shelley was deeply influenced by the intellectual currents of her time. Her writing often explored themes of creation, responsibility, and the human condition. In addition to "Frankenstein," she authored several other notable works, including "Falkner" and "Lodore." Shelley's literary contributions have left a lasting impact on literature and continue to inspire discussions on ethics and the nature of humanity.