“Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change.”
Letters 1–4: The Arctic Expedition
Captain Robert Walton writes letters to his sister, Margaret, describing his voyage to the North Pole. His ship becomes trapped in ice, and the crew spots a gigantic figure on a dogsled. Soon after, they rescue Victor Frankenstein, who is weak and delirious. Walton listens as Victor recounts his tragic story.
Chapters 1–3: Victor’s Early Life
Victor describes his idyllic childhood in Geneva, his close bond with his adopted sister Elizabeth, and his fascination with science. He attends the University of Ingolstadt, where his obsession with natural philosophy leads him to study chemistry and the secret of life.
Chapters 4–5: The Creation of the Monster
Victor spends months constructing a humanoid creature from scavenged body parts. When he brings it to life, he is horrified by its grotesque appearance and abandons it. Overcome by guilt and fever, he is nursed back to health by his friend Henry Clerval.
Chapters 6–9: Tragedy Strikes
Victor returns home after learning his younger brother William has been murdered. Justine Moritz, a family servant, is wrongly executed for the crime. Victor suspects the Creature is responsible but remains silent, tormented by guilt. He retreats to the Alps for solace.
Chapters 10–12: The Creature’s Story
In the mountains, the Creature confronts Victor and demands he listen to his tale. He describes his lonely existence, learning language and human emotions by observing a peasant family. Despite his kindness, he is rejected violently due to his monstrous appearance.
Chapters 13–16: The Creature’s Revenge
The Creature requests Victor make him a female companion, promising to leave humanity in peace. Victor reluctantly agrees but destroys the unfinished bride, fearing disastrous consequences. Enraged, the Creature vows revenge, killing Victor’s friend Henry and later his bride Elizabeth on their wedding night.
Chapters 17–24: The Pursuit
Victor vows to hunt down the Creature, chasing him across Europe and into the Arctic. Exhausted, he is rescued by Walton’s crew but dies soon after. The Creature appears, mourning Victor’s death and declaring his own suffering unbearable. He vanishes into the icy wilderness.
Key Ideas
- The dangers of unchecked scientific ambition and playing God.
- The consequences of isolation and societal rejection.
- The blurred line between creator and creation, victim and villain.
- The ethical limits of human innovation.
- Nature vs. nurture in shaping identity.
Notable Adaptations
| Year | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1931 | Frankenstein | Iconic Universal film starring Boris Karloff. |
| 1994 | Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein | Kenneth Branagh’s faithful adaptation. |
| 2015 | Victor Frankenstein | Focuses on Victor and Igor’s relationship. |
Who should read this book?
- Fans of Gothic horror and classic literature.
- Readers interested in ethical dilemmas in science.
- Those exploring themes of alienation and humanity.