"Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is an early 19th-century novel that delves into themes such as unchecked ambition, the pursuit of forbidden knowledge, and the dire repercussions of human arrogance.
The story follows Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who brings to life a creature through unorthodox scientific means, only to be haunted by the consequences of his creation.
The novel begins with a frame narrative through the letters of Robert Walton, an eager Arctic explorer writing to his sister, Margaret. As Walton embarks on his voyage into uncharted polar regions, he reflects on the thrill of discovery but also reveals a growing sense of loneliness and obsession with greatness.
During his expedition, he rescues a frail and enigmatic man from the ice—Victor Frankenstein—whose tragic account soon becomes the central narrative.
Through Victor’s story, the novel unpacks the dangers of overreaching in the name of progress, and the emotional, moral, and existential weight that comes with defying nature. Shelley's layered structure and introspective tone set the stage for a profound exploration of guilt, responsibility, and the limits of scientific endeavor.
