Frankenstein Book
Frankenstein Mary Shelley Summary
Plot Overview:
The novel is framed by letters from Robert Walton, an ambitious Arctic explorer, to his sister. While on his journey, Walton encounters Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who recounts his tragic story.
Victor’s Story:
Victor Frankenstein, a gifted scientist from Geneva, becomes obsessed with unlocking the secrets of life. While studying at the University of Ingolstadt, he creates a living creature by reanimating dead body parts. However, horrified by its appearance, he abandons his creation.
The Creature, rejected and lonely, struggles to find acceptance. It secretly observes a family and learns language and human behavior. When it reveals itself, it faces rejection and cruelty, leading to feelings of hatred and revenge against Victor.
The Creature demands that Victor create a female companion to ease its loneliness. Initially agreeing, Victor later destroys the second creature, fearing they would reproduce and threaten humanity. Enraged, the Creature vows revenge and kills Victor’s loved ones, including his brother William, best friend Clerval, and eventually, his wife Elizabeth.
Grief-stricken and consumed by vengeance, Victor pursues the Creature across the Arctic. There, Walton’s crew finds Victor near death. Before dying, Victor warns Walton about the dangers of unchecked ambition. The Creature, mourning its creator’s death, vows to destroy itself and disappears into the icy wilderness.