Frankenstein

Frankenstein Published in 1818 Gothic romance

Mary Shelley English novelist Married to poet Percy Bysshe Shelley August 30, 1797 – February 1, 1851

Introduction The novel opens with Robert Walton’s letter from Russia, to his sister in England. The letters that follow will then tell the story of Victor Frankenstein and his creation of the monster.

Characters Victor Frankenstein The monster Protagonist & narrator 8’ tall, hideous Intelligent & sensitive Shunned by society

Characters Robert Walton Alphonse Frankenstein Arctic seafarer Learns Victor’s story of creating the monster Records the story in letters to his sister Alphonse Frankenstein Victor’s father

Themes Alienation/Loneliness Appearance & Reality Nature vs. Nurture Science vs. Nature

Symbols Weather The monster

Style Narration Letters Epistolary form – letters tell a story Between Walton & his sister Margaret Frame Victor's and the creature's narrative

Style Letters Before the 1st chapter, Walton writes to his sister Builds suspense about the “monster” Once Victor tells the story you learn of his childhood Then the monster interrupts Victor - hear his life and the fact that he wants a partner Walton's letters introduce and conclude the novel

Point of View Robert Walton Victor Frankenstein The monster Frame device - told by someone who reads it or hears it from someone else Victor Frankenstein The monster

Gothicism Mysterious Supernatural events occur Evil human action Dramatic language Psychological fears and insecurities Repressed anxieties Setting far away from reality

Romanticism 1785-1830 Beginning of modern industrialism Imagination Isolation Nature